Belgian Shepherd · Laekenois — size comparison

The Laekenois is the rough-coated variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Its fawn coat has darker shading, particularly on the muzzle and tail, and a characteristically harsh, tousled appearance. Beneath the hair is a lean, strong dog with an almost square outline. Erect ears and an elongated head give it the alert expression shared by the other Belgian Shepherd varieties.

The variety is associated with the area around Laeken. In the late nineteenth century, Belgian dog enthusiasts, supported by Professor Adolphe Reul, began organising the diverse local sheepdogs. A breed club was established in 1891, and the first detailed standard was drawn up the following year. Varieties differing in coat emerged from this shared breeding effort. Their ancestors helped with flocks and guarded farms.

The Laekenois is active, attentive and quick to act. It readily cooperates with people, and new signals or movement in its surroundings easily attract its attention. It usually forms a strong bond with its family but may keep a greater distance from strangers. It combines intelligence with initiative and can independently take up activities it finds interesting.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec, wysokość i masa — FCI
• Dodatkowe odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia