Belgian Laekenois are medium-sized dogs. Adult Laekenois are about 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 44 to 66 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Belgian Laekenois stop growing in height around 12 to 18 months of age. However, like many dog breeds, they might continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two to three years old.

Belgian Laekenois come in shades of red, including red sable, fawn, and cream. Other breed standard colors include mahogany and black and tan. Traces of black may appear principally on the muzzle and tail.

Belgian Laekenois live 10 to 12 years on average. This lifespan is similar to other breeds of comparable size and is influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois shed. Their rough, wiry double coat sheds moderately, with an increase in shedding during seasonal changes in spring and fall. Regular grooming, including brushing and hand-stripping, helps to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are good with kids, especially when they are properly socialized and raised with kids. They tend to be gentle and affectionate with their families, including children. Laekenois are active and energetic dogs who enjoy playtime and activities with children. 

Their herding instincts can lead to playful interactions, but supervision is recommended to ensure safe play. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are good with other dogs, especially when properly socialized. They tend to be playful and energetic, which can make them good companions for other dogs. Their herding instincts may lead them to engage in playful behaviors, and they often enjoy the company of their canine peers​.

While Laekenois are generally friendly, their protective nature can sometimes lead to wariness around unfamiliar dogs. Exposing them to various dogs and environments from a young age helps them develop positive relationships and reduces the likelihood of aggression or fearfulness.

Belgian Laekenois can be good with cats if introduced properly. Early socialization is crucial. Exposing a Laekenois puppy to cats and other animals can help them learn to coexist peacefully. Positive interactions during the puppy stage can help establish a friendly relationship between the dog and the cat.

Being herding dogs, Laekenois might exhibit some herding behaviors, which could include chasing. This instinct can potentially lead to issues if not managed, especially with smaller pets like cats. Training and supervision are important to ensure their instincts do not lead to unwanted behaviors.

No, Belgian Laekenois don’t bark a lot. Although they are alert and protective and can be vocal when necessary, they do not usually bark excessively. Laekenois tend to bark for a reason, such as to alert their people to strangers or unusual activity.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are friendly dogs. Laekenois are known for their loyal and affectionate disposition toward their families. They form strong bonds with their people and enjoy being part of family activities​. With proper socialization from a young age, they tend to be friendly with people and other animals.

They might be cautious around strangers due to their protective instincts, but they usually warm up once they sense that the situation is safe. This balance of protectiveness and friendliness makes them good watchdogs while still being sociable​.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are smart dogs. They have strong problem-solving skills and are known for their ability to learn commands and tasks quickly. As a herding breed, Laekenois have a strong work ethic, which is often associated with higher intelligence. They thrive when given tasks and challenges that keep their minds engaged and stimulated. They are adaptable and can learn to navigate new challenges, which is beneficial for both family life and working roles.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are relatively easy to train. They are highly intelligent, which helps them learn commands and tasks quickly. They are naturally eager to please, which can motivate them during training sessions. Like many breeds, Belgian Laekenois respond best to positive reinforcement methods. Using treats, praise, and play as rewards can enhance their training experience. Just keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are good family dogs. With the right training and socialization, Belgian Laekenois can thrive in family environments. They enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, which can be a fun experience for children. Laekenois love to engage in games and are usually up for adventures, making them a great match for active families. Their natural guarding instincts provide a sense of security for the family.

As of 2020, there were just over 300 registered Belgian Laekenois in the United States, making them a rare breed in the country. This number has likely increased since the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and became eligible for competition in the Herding Group in July 2020​.

Their rarity, both globally and in the U.S., is largely due to the breed being less commonly bred than other Belgian Shepherd varieties, like the Belgian Malinois.

There is only one type of Belgian Laekenois. It is one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog; the other three are the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Groenendael (which is called the Belgian Sheepdog in the United States). Each is named after a different region or town in Belgium. These four varieties share a common origin and physical characteristics but differ primarily in coat type and color.

The Belgian Laekenois is from Belgium. The Laekenois is named after the Château de Laeken, a royal residence near Brussels, where the breed was historically used to guard royal property and livestock. The Belgian Laekenois was originally bred for herding and guarding sheep and protecting linen that was spread out to dry in the fields.

Yes, the Belgian Laekenois is rare, especially compared to the other Belgian Shepherd varieties. Historically, the Laekenois was used for herding and guarding, but as these functions became less common, so did the breed. Their rustic, less glamorous appearance compared to the breed’s counterparts may also have affected their popularity. Fewer breeders focus on the Belgian Laekenois, both in its native Belgium and around the world, leading to a smaller population overall.

Yes, you need to groom a Belgian Laekenois. Brush them at least once a week (and more often during shedding seasons). The coat also benefits from hand-stripping to remove dead hair. This process involves pulling out dead hairs by hand rather than cutting them, which helps retain the coat’s wiry texture. They don’t need frequent baths, but it’s a good idea to bathe them occasionally, especially if they get particularly dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils.

Belgian Laekenois are generally healthy but are prone to a few health issues and genetic diseases. Some common conditions include:

• Hip dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, potentially leading to arthritis and pain. 

• Elbow dysplasia: This condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and lameness.

• Eye issues: Certain hereditary eye issues, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, can occur in Laekenois, affecting their vision.

• Autoimmune thyroiditis: Laekenois may be susceptible to this autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, affecting hormone production​.

Yes, like all breeds, Belgian Laekenois may be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders typically screen for conditions known to occur in the breed and work to minimize the risks through careful breeding practices. Regular vet checkups, proper diet, and exercise can help manage and prevent health issues.

No, Belgian Laekenois are not hypoallergenic. Like other dog breeds, they shed hair and dander, which are common triggers for allergies in sensitive individuals. The Laekenois has a wiry, rough coat that requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping of dead hair, which helps manage shedding but does not make them hypoallergenic.