Belgian Laekenois

55-65 lbs
22-24"
Belgium
Chien de Berger Belge

The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest and least popular of the four types of Belgian Sheepdogs. In the United Kingdom, as well as other areas of the world, the four types of Belgian sheepdogs (Laekenois, Groenendael, Malinois and Tervuren) are considered one dog breed. While originally utilized for stock herding, the Belgian Laekenois currently is involved in herding, law enforcement, bomb and drug detection, search and rescue, and as a therapy dog. The dog breed is known for its intelligence and protectiveness and displays a sturdy, well-proportioned body.

The average weight of a Belgian Laekenois is 55 to 65 pounds, with the females being between 22 and 24 inches tall and the males between 24 and 26 inches in height. The dog breed shows no major health concerns and a Belgian Laekenois tends to bond closely with one or two family members. Dogs of this dog breed require a job to do or they can become destructive out of boredom.

purpose Purpose
stock herding
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
shepherd

Belgian Laekenois Health

Sketch of Belgian Laekenois
Average Size
Male Belgian Laekenois size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 55-65 lbs
Female Belgian Laekenois size stats
Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 55-65 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Tests
  • Thyroid Tests
  • X-Rays

Belgian Laekenois Breed History

A herding dog from Belgium, the dog breed’s name comes from the town of Laeken, where the dog was often found working by guarding and tending flocks. It is likely that the Laekenois is the oldest of the Belgian Shepherd dogs, first bred to guard the fields in Antwerp where fine linens were hung to bleach in the sun.

The dog breed’s history is not well known prior to 1891. At that time, Belgian dog fanciers formed the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club and began to classify and name herding dog breeds. This led to the dog breed’s popularity outside the fields where they began to work as police and military dogs. The Laekenois is one of the breeds that served as messenger dogs during wartime. The United Kennel Club recognized the Belgian Shepherd as one breed with four varieties in 1991. While the American Kennel Club recognizes the Belgian Malinois, Groenendael and Tervuren, it does not recognize the Laekenois. Recently, the breed was included in the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class, which is the final step before becoming fully recognized.

Belgian Laekenois Breed Appearance

The Belgian Laekenois has a sturdy body that is well-proportioned with an average weight of 55 to 65 pounds and a wiry coat that may be up to two inches long. The front legs of this attractive dog are straight and the hind quarters muscular. Both the front and back feet of this breed are round and catlike. The dark eyes of the Belgian Laekenois present a look of intelligence and alertness. The ears of the dog breed are set high on its head and its muzzle is tapered and includes a black nose. The teeth come together in a level bite and adding further to the nice looks of this dog from head to tail is an easy, smooth gait.

Appearance of Belgian Laekenois
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Belgian Laekenois eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Belgian Laekenois nose
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Belgian Laekenois wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Belgian Laekenois Breed Maintenance

The Belgian Laekenois is a breed of dog that is easy to care for. It is advised that the rough, wiry coat of this lively dog be lightly trimmed at least two times a year. Removing dead or extra hair on a regular basis is important, and a coarse toothed comb is recommended for weekly grooming, which in addition to removing dead hair will distribute skin oils. The dog breed is known for shedding little to no hair, though what it does shed will occur throughout the year. During heavier, seasonal shedding, brushing more often can be helpful. As bathing more than needed can lead to the removing of waterproofing properties of the coat, it should only occur when necessary. Fortunately, if brushed regularly, the need for a bath is rare. The nails of the Belgian Laekenois should be trimmed as needed and his ears should be kept clean and dry so that infections don’t develop. Frequent tooth brushing with a toothpaste approved by your veterinarian is recommended.

A fenced yard of average size is ideal for dogs of this dog breed, so that they have the chance to play and run; though if plenty of opportunity for exercise is provided, they can do fine in a residence without a yard. Daily exercise is imperative for both the physical and emotional well-being of this breed.

Brushes for Belgian Laekenois
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Belgian Laekenois requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Belgian Laekenois Temperament

As a breed, the Belgian Laekenois is intelligent and seeking to please, with a strong protective and territorial instinct. When socialized from a young age, this inquisitive dog will do well with children and make an excellent pet. As a result of their herding instincts, it is important to be careful when introducing a Belgian Laekenois to other small pets that are not dogs. With proper socialization, they should not have an issue with household cats. In some cases, they will attempt to dominate other dogs; firm training from an early age is important. Belgian Laekenois dogs are very loyal to their family and enjoy spending time with their humans.

Providing your dog with a job is important as when they become bored, destructive behavior can develop. Obedience training, and maybe agility classes as well, will provide the outlet needed for time spent outside the home. Proper dog training and obedience to commands may help curb nipping. A dog of this breed may chase, circle or nip at the heels of people, typical of herding dogs.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Belgian Laekenois Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Belgian Laekenois Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Belgian Laekenois at six months
Male Belgian Laekenois size stats at six months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
Female Belgian Laekenois size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Belgian Laekenois at 12 months
Male Belgian Laekenois size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 51.0 lbs
Female Belgian Laekenois size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 51.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Belgian Laekenois at 18 months
Male Belgian Laekenois size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs
Female Belgian Laekenois size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs

Belgian Laekenois Owner Experiences

Plumette
4 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loyal outgoing. Not.for a novice belgian owner. Must have the time.to.spend with them
5 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd