Belgian Laekenois Complete Breed Guide

With the Belgian Laekenois around, you’ll never fear potential intruders. These protective pups consider it their job to watch over their owners and territory. They may not be the most family-friendly pups, but once they bond with you, they’ll go to great lengths to keep you safe.

The Belgian Laekenois may have a difficult name to pronounce, but their personalities are easy to understand. This breed’s nature can be summed up in one word: protector. The Laekenois was bred as a herding hound, and their watchdog instincts remain intact today. They’ll guard their families and property like it’s their job, so strangers and foreign animals be aware! These protective characteristics can cause them to be aggressive toward kids and other animals, so they aren’t the best fit for families. However, if you’re looking for a rare breed that’s athletic and watchful, the Laekenois may be the perfect pup for you.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Belgian Laekenois are not the most family- or pet-friendly dogs. They can co-exist with them if everyone is raised together, but their herding instincts and strong prey drive may cause them to chase or nip. These pups need a lot of activity, so they’re best suited for homes with yards. Make sure your yard has a secure fence though, as the Laekenois will be aggressive toward people or animals coming onto the property and will go to great lengths to escape if they see something to chase.

Exercise & Activity

The Laekenois is full of energy and needs lots of exercise to stay satisfied. Because of their heritage, this breed does well at dog sports, like flyball, herding, and agility. If sports aren’t your thing, plan on taking your Laekenois for high-energy activities each day, such as hiking, running, and biking.

Belgian Laekenois are calm, self-assured, and brave. They make great watchdogs and will go into protector mode at a moment’s notice. However, these dogs can be possessive of their families, so they need a firm owner who can socialize them and teach them when it’s appropriate to be more aggressive.

The Belgian Laekenois has a red, fawn, or gray coat that’s rough and wiry. They shed a bit year-round, with heaving shedding a few times each year. Laekenois don’t need much grooming. Brushing them each week (more often during shedding season) and bathing them once in a while will do the trick.