Belgian Laekenois

This little-known Belgian herding dog has a long, lean head with prick ears, a square body, and a rough coat in red, fawn or grayish tones that gives him the look of a boy who has just had his hair tousled. His intelligent, inquisitive expression clearly says “I’m ready for action!” Like the other Belgian herding breeds, his prime directive is to be always in motion when not under command. The Laekenois is smart, alert, brave and devoted. It’s in his nature to protect his family and property. People he knows well receive an affectionate, friendly welcome, and with family members he can be downright possessive, always desiring their attention. He keeps a vigilant eye out for strangers and watches them closely, ready to spring into action if necessary, but never shows apprehension. Under no circumstances should he be shy, fearful or vicious. This is an indoor/outdoor dog. While the Laekenois should certainly have access to a securely fenced yard, he should be with his family when they are home. This rough-coated, fawn-colored herding dog from Belgium takes his name from the town of Laeken, where he was commonly found. Besides guarding and tending flocks, the Laekenois had the job of watching over linen drying in the fields. He is likely the oldest of the Belgian shepherd dogs, which include the Tervuren, Malinois and Sheepdog. The Laekenois does not have a well-known history until 1891 when Belgian dog fanciers decided to form the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club and classify and name their herding breeds. The Laekenois and the other Belgian herding breeds soon became popular beyond the fields, working as police and military dogs. When war came to Flanders fields, the Laekenois was one of the breeds that served courageously as a messenger dog and repeated his service in World War II. The United Kennel Club recognized the Belgian Shepherd as a single breed with four varieties in 1991. The American Kennel Club recognizes the Belgian Malinois, Sheepdog and Tervuren, but not the Laekenois. The breed was recently admitted to AKC’s Miscellaneous Class, however, the final step before full recognition. The Laekenois should be confident, calm and fearless, never shy or aggressive. He is an excellent watchdog and has the size and ability to be protective if needed. He can be possessive of family members. The ideal Laekenois has parents with good temperaments and has been socialized from an early age to be accepting of people to whom he is introduced. Those elements, combined with companion dog training, will help him to become a discriminating dog who can make appropriate decisions about when to escalate to protective status. When the Laekenois is raised with children, he can be good with them. Don’t forget that he is a herding breed and may have the tendency to chase or nip at children. This should never be permitted. He is best suited to a family with older children who can understand how to treat him with respect. The Laekenois may or may not get along with cats. He has a strong prey drive and will likely chase cats or other small furry animals outdoors, but some Laekenois get along well with indoor cats if they have been raised with them. The Laekenois has high energy levels and needs much more activity than a simple walk around the block. Choose this breed only if you are a high-energy person yourself who enjoys active daily exercise such as running, bicycling and hiking and can take your dog with you. He’s also well suited to just about any dog sport or activity you can teach, including agility, flyball, herding, obedience, rally, search and rescue, and tracking. Begin socialization and training early to make the most of the Laekenois’ intelligence, rapid learning ability and drive. He is sensitive to harsh corrections. Be firm, fair and consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards. If your home has a yard, it should be securely fenced to prevent flight.