Belgian Laekenois

Belgian Laekenois dog

Rough-coated Belgian herder known for its intelligence, agility, and working drive.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 55 - 65 lbs 22 - 26 inches 10 - 12 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Belgium



Own a Belgian Laekenois? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Belgian Laekenois? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The Belgian Laekenois is the rough-coated variety of the Belgian Shepherd family. During the late 19th century, Belgium contained many capable shepherd dogs that shared similar working traits but differed in coat colour and texture. Beginning in 1891, veterinarian Adolphe Reul and other enthusiasts worked to classify and standardize these dogs. The rough-coated type became associated with the Château de Laeken near Brussels, giving the Laekenois its name. In addition to herding and guarding livestock, dogs of this type were reportedly used to watch linen laid out in fields to bleach in the sun, making them useful property guardians as well as shepherds. Like the Malinois, Tervuren, and Groenendael, the Laekenois later proved capable of military and police work. Belgian Shepherds served during both World Wars in roles including messenger and ambulance work. The Laekenois remained the least common of the four coat varieties and is still comparatively rare today. Kennel clubs disagree on classification: the Fédération Cynologique Internationale considers all four varieties one Belgian Shepherd breed, while the American Kennel Club recognizes the Laekenois separately. The AKC granted it full recognition only in 2020, making it one of the most recently recognized breeds in the organization's Herding Group.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Belgian Laekenois tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Belgian Laekenois generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Belgian Laekenois is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Belgian Laekenois tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Belgian Laekenois is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Belgian Laekenois generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Belgian Laekenois may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Belgian Laekenois is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Belgian Laekenois may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.