Belgian Laekenois Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

24-29 kg

Height

60-66 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Belgian Laekenois

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The Belgian Laekenois is an adorable breed that shows great loyalty and devotion to its owner.

They were originally herding dogs and despite their cute appearance have a military history due to their energetic and courageous nature.

The breed’s herding instincts remain to this day making them intelligent and obedient dogs that are well suited to families and people who live alone.

In this guide, we’ll give you all the facts and information you need to decide if this breed is the one for you!

What is the history & origin of the Belgian Laekenois?

The Belgian Laekenois is named after the town in Belgium, Laeken, where they were most common in the 19th century. They had several jobs such as guarding flocks of sheep and protecting drying linen that was hung in the fields.

They are thought to be older than the other Belgian Shepherd dogs, the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Sheepdog, and the Tervuren, but records of the breed only go back to 1891.

At this time, Belgian dog fanciers created the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club so that they had a way of formally classifying their breeds.

During both World Wars, the breed was used as a messenger dog, and it was renowned for its bravery and courage.

In 1991, the United Kennel Club recognized Belgian Shepherds as one breed but with four different varieties. Although the American Kennel Club recognizes the other three breeds, it is yet to give full recognition to the Belgian Laekenois.

What is a Belgian Laekenois breed?

Belgian Laekenois are purebred dogs that have a rough, wiry coat which is usually either red, mahogany or fawn. They sometimes have a distinctive, black mask on their face but this isn’t a guaranteed feature.

As they were used for herding livestock they still have their herding instincts and are full of energy. They’re also highly intelligent and eager to please their owners.

They are the rarest of the four Belgian herding breeds and some people consider all four to be the same breed. But, if you spend some time with the Belgian Laekenois, you’ll soon realise that this is a unique pooch with its own personality.

Who is a Belgian Laekenois best for?

The Belgian Laekenois is ideal for owners who live active lifestyles and can provide it with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

They get on well with children and other dogs but are best suited to households with older children as their herding instincts can mean that they chase and nip the heels of very young children.

They’re pretty adaptable and so can get used to most environments, as long as they can spend at least an hour a day outside walking with their owner.

Belgian Laekenois Grooming & Shedding

Belgian Laekenois are fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and their coat will need to be brushed about once a week. They don’t shed a great deal and brushing them this often should prevent them from leaving too much dog hair around the house.

You’ll only need to bathe them if you notice that they’re dirty, and you should clip their nails once you can hear them tapping on the floor. It’s also important to brush their teeth regularly with dog toothpaste to keep their smile bright and healthy.

Do Belgian Laekenois bark a lot?

The Belgian Laekenois is not a particularly vocal breed and barking shouldn’t be much of an issue. If your Laekenois is barking excessively it may be a sign that they’re bored and restless.

If they’re exercised enough, and mentally stimulated, then they won’t direct their pent-up energy into nuisance behaviours like barking.

What is the average weight & height of a Belgian Laekenois dog?

The Belgian Laekenois is a medium-size dog and its weight and size vary depending on its gender.

Males usually reach between 60cm to 66cm in height and typically weigh between 24kg and 29kg.

Females are slightly smaller and reach 55cm to 60cm in height and usually weigh between 19kg and 24kg.

Are Belgian Laekenois easy to train?

As with all other dog breeds the Belgian Laekenois needs to be trained and socialized from an early age to make sure that they are well-behaved around strangers and other dogs.

As they’re an intelligent dog breed, who love to please their owners, they’re pretty easy to train and are quick to learn.

Whenever you’re training dogs it’s best to avoid methods that involve punishment and negativity, and you should instead focus on fun and engaging sessions that involve rewards for good behaviour. You could also consider enrolling your dog in puppy training classes.

How do Belgian Laekenois behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Due to being a herding breed, the Belgian Laekenois is brimming with energy and playfulness. They love long walks, playing in the backyard and even taking part in dog sports.

They’re intensely loyal to their owners and very protective which means they don’t like to be left alone. So they do best in households where there will usually be people around to keep them company.

As they’re very intelligent and alert they will make an obedient companion for owners who are willing to spend the time training them when they’re young and are best suited to people who have a lot of love and affection to give them.

Does the Belgian Laekenois have any common health issues?

The Belgian Laekenois is mostly a healthy breed but like all other dogs they are prone to certain health issues, such as:

Hypothyroidism – a fairly common disorder where the thyroid becomes underactive and slows down various bodily functions. The symptoms can include weight gain, lethargy and changes in the dog’s coat and skin.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – a condition that leads to the photoreceptor cells in the dog’s eye gradually deteriorating. This can eventually cause full or partial blindness.
Epilepsy – the most common brain disorder in dogs that causes recurring seizures as the result of a brain abnormality. It can be treated with medication if diagnosed properly.
Hip Dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint develops abnormally during growth meaning that it doesn’t properly fit into the hip socket. This can be painful and lead to limping and arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Belgian Laekenois?

The average life expectancy for a Belgian Laekenois is 10 to 12 years. As with all dogs, if they’re given the right care and go for regular checkups with the vet they can exceed their average lifespan by several years.

So, give your Laekenois all the care and attention it needs and they’ll be your loyal, furry companion for a long time to come!

How much does a Belgian Laekenois need to be fed?

There are several different factors to consider when formulating a diet plan for your dog, such as their weight, size, activity levels, metabolism and health. As this varies so much for each dog it’s always recommended that you consult a vet for advice on this.

Generally, you should feed your Laekenois twice a day with dry food that’s rich in protein and other nutrients. This will keep them happy, healthy and ready to play.

How much can you expect to pay for a Belgian Laekenois in Australia?

The average price for a Belgian Laekenois from a reputable breeder is between $700 and $1,400. You shouldn’t pay significantly less than this as it means the breeder may be using puppy mills. Puppies from disreputable breeders are much more likely to develop serious health issues later in life.

Belgian Laekenois FAQs

Is a Belgian Laekenois ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Laekenois can be perfect pets for first-time owners as they’re intelligent and quite easy to train. If you can commit to walking them for at least an hour each day then this breed should pose no problems for people looking for their first canine companion.

Do Belgian Laekenois suffer from separation anxiety?

Due to their highly social nature, Laekenois are quite susceptible to separation anxiety and don’t react well to being left alone for long periods. When alone they can become stressed and depressed, which can result in problematic behaviour like excessive barking.

Are Belgian Laekenois hypoallergenic dogs?

Although their coat is not high-shedding, Laekenois do shed their hair, and so are not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. The fur and dander that they leave in the house could cause allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.

Will a Belgian Laekenois need professional grooming?

Laekenois are pretty easy to care for and don’t require much grooming. A weekly brush of their coat should suffice and they don’t need to be bathed often, so they shouldn’t need to go to a professional groomer.