Here’s a statistic that will stop you in your tracks: the World Wildlife Fund counts approximately 1,846 giant pandas in the wild. The global population of Belgian Laekenois? Roughly 1,000. That’s right — this ancient Belgian herding breed is rarer than the panda, the universal symbol of endangered species. In Australia, the numbers are even more striking: fewer than 230 Belgian Laekenois have been born in the entire country over the past 28 years.¹
Pronounced “LAK-in-wah,” the Belgian Laekenois is the oldest and rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd varieties. While their cousin the Belgian Malinois has achieved celebrity status through military and police work — including the Navy SEAL dog Cairo who participated in the mission that captured Osama bin Laden — the Laekenois remains virtually unknown, even to experienced dog enthusiasts.
Yet those who discover this breed find something extraordinary: an intelligent, devoted working dog with a distinctive tousled coat and a temperament that breeders describe as “softer” than the intense Malinois — more thoughtful village guard than combat soldier. If you’re considering one of Australia’s rarest dog breeds, this comprehensive guide will help you understand whether the Belgian Laekenois could be your perfect match.
What You’ll Learn
- The royal connection behind the breed’s unusual name
- How the Laekenois differs from the Belgian Malinois and other Belgian Shepherds
- Grooming requirements for that unique wiry coat
- Health conditions to discuss with breeders
- Realistic costs and availability in Australia
Breed Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Pastoral/Herding |
| Origin | Belgium (Laeken region, 19th century) |
| Size Category | Medium-Large |
| Height (Male) | 61-66 cm (24-26 inches) |
| Height (Female) | 56-61 cm (22-24 inches) |
| Weight | 25-29 kg (55-65 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Coat Type | Rough, wiry double coat (~2.5 inches) |
| Exercise Needs | 5/5 (Very High — 1-2 hours daily) |
| Trainability | 4/5 (Highly intelligent, needs experienced handler) |
| Good with Children | Yes, with proper socialisation |
| Grooming Requirements | 3/5 (Moderate — hand-stripping required) |
| Average Puppy Price (AUD) | $2,500 – $4,000+ (extreme rarity) |
Data sourced from The Kennel Club UK, American Kennel Club, and Australian breed registries.²
History of the Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is believed to be the oldest of the four Belgian Shepherd varieties, with roots stretching back centuries before formal breed recognition. The breed takes its name from the Château de Laeken, a royal residence near Brussels that was a favourite of Queen Henrietta of Belgium — a devoted patron of these rough-coated dogs.³
In the late 1800s, Belgian dog enthusiasts set out to catalogue their nation’s native shepherd dogs. A team of veterinary professors surveyed local provinces and discovered that while these working dogs shared similar builds and temperaments, they differed notably in coat colour, texture, and length. This led to the classification of four distinct varieties: the short-coated Malinois, the long-haired black Groenendael, the long-haired fawn Tervuren, and the rough-coated Laekenois.
The Laekenois’s original purpose was surprisingly specific: guarding linen that was hung to dry and bleach in the fields around Antwerp. This gave them their distinctive vigilant nature — watching for both human thieves and animal threats. They also worked as traditional herding dogs, moving sheep and cattle with the intelligence and independence that characterises all Belgian Shepherds.
Both World Wars devastated the breed. Laekenois served as messenger dogs, carrying communications across dangerous battlefields. During World War II, Hitler reportedly placed a bounty on Belgian Shepherd dogs, causing catastrophic population losses. While the other three varieties gradually recovered, the Laekenois never regained significant numbers.⁴
Recognition has come slowly. The United Kennel Club recognised all four Belgian Shepherds as one breed with four varieties in 1991. The American Kennel Club, which recognises them as separate breeds, only granted the Laekenois full recognition in July 2020 — making it one of the newest AKC-recognised breeds despite its ancient heritage.
Belgian Laekenois Temperament
The Belgian Laekenois shares the intelligence and work ethic of all Belgian Shepherds, but with what experienced breeders describe as a “softer edge” compared to the intense, laser-focused Malinois. Where the Malinois approaches life like a mission, the Laekenois brings a more measured, thoughtful energy.
Intelligent and Independent: Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois is exceptionally smart and capable of independent problem-solving. They were bred to make decisions without constant human direction, which means they can be both highly capable and somewhat wilful. They need an owner who can be a confident leader.
Loyal and Devoted: Laekenois often form particularly strong bonds with one person in the household, though they’re affectionate with the whole family. They want to be where their people are and don’t tolerate being left alone for extended periods.
Protective and Watchful: Their heritage as linen guardians shows in their vigilant nature. They’re excellent watchdogs, alert to anything unusual in their environment. However, unlike the Malinois with its high bite force and protection training popularity, the Laekenois is typically more reserved — assessing situations before acting.
Reserved with Strangers: As one American breeder describes it, the Laekenois “approaches life like a first date and prefers not to show all its cards upfront.” They’re cautious rather than aggressive with new people, taking time to assess before warming up. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent this natural reserve from becoming problematic wariness.
Affectionate and Demonstrative: Despite their working heritage, Laekenois can be surprisingly cuddly with their families. They’re often described as the “softest” of the four Belgian Shepherd varieties, showing more openly affectionate behaviour than the more intense Malinois.
Australian breeders emphasise that the Laekenois is “not for the faint hearted.” As one experienced Victorian breeder notes: “This variety does nothing by halves — they are intense and require an experienced handler. But they will love you with their whole being. They’ll teach you how to be a better dog trainer and handler. They are an amazing dog.”⁵
With proper socialisation, Laekenois can be good family dogs. They tend to be more patient with children than the Malinois and adapt well to family life. However, their herding instincts may lead them to attempt to “herd” running children, and their size and energy require supervision with young children. They do best with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs.
Laekenois can coexist with cats and other dogs when raised together, showing more tolerance than some working breeds. Their prey drive is typically moderate. However, early socialisation with other animals is essential, and individual temperaments vary. As herding dogs, they may attempt to control the movement of other household pets.
If your Belgian Laekenois becomes destructive, excessively vocal, or develops anxious behaviours, insufficient exercise and mental stimulation are almost certainly the cause. These working dogs were bred to stay busy all day, and a bored Laekenois will find ways to occupy itself — often destructively. They also struggle significantly with being left alone, developing separation anxiety more readily than many breeds. The solution is always more activity, more engagement, and ensuring they feel part of family life.
Belgian Laekenois Health
Concerns about health issues are understandable, especially with a rare breed where genetic diversity is limited. The good news is that Belgian Laekenois are generally robust dogs with a history as hardy working animals. However, like all breeds, they have some predispositions that responsible breeders screen for.⁶
The American Belgian Laekenois Association’s health guidelines, these are the conditions most relevant to prospective owners.⁷
Like most medium-to-large breeds, Laekenois can develop hip and elbow dysplasia — conditions where joints don’t form correctly, leading to arthritis and mobility problems. The Australian Veterinary Association recommends screening breeding dogs. The American Belgian Laekenois Club requires hip and elbow evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for CHIC certification.⁸
Belgian Shepherds as a group have a predisposition to epilepsy — a neurological condition causing recurring seizures. It typically appears in young adult dogs between 6 months and 5 years of age. While it requires lifelong medication management, many affected dogs live normal lives with proper treatment. Ask breeders about seizure history in their lines.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts can occur in the breed. The CHIC program requires an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. Regular eye examinations can detect these conditions early, allowing for appropriate management.
This condition, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, has been reported in the breed. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes. It’s easily managed with daily medication once diagnosed.
Health Testing Requirements (CHIC Program):
- Hip evaluation (OFA or equivalent)
- Elbow evaluation (OFA or equivalent)
- Eye examination (CERF/OFA)
- Cardiac evaluation (recommended)
Lifespan & Longevity Tips
Belgian Laekenois typically live 10-12 years, which is average for a dog of their size. As a relatively primitive working breed with less intensive selective breeding than some popular breeds, they benefit from a degree of genetic robustness. However, the breed’s small population means genetic diversity can be limited, making health testing even more important.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life:
- Choose a puppy from health-tested parents with documented clearances
- Maintain a lean, healthy weight throughout life
- Provide adequate daily exercise to support joint and cardiovascular health
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups
- Be aware of seizure symptoms and seek prompt veterinary attention if observed
- Keep up with dental care — tooth brushing and professional cleaning
Belgian Laekenois Grooming
The Laekenois’s distinctive rough, wiry coat is what sets it apart visually from the other Belgian Shepherd varieties. It should look “tousled” and slightly disheveled — never sleek or silky. This coat provided protection from weather and terrain during their working days, and requires specific care to maintain its proper texture.
Coat Characteristics: The coat is approximately 2.5 inches (6cm) long over the body, with a distinctive beard on the muzzle. The texture should be harsh and dry to the touch, with a soft, dense undercoat. Colours range from fawn to reddish-mahogany with black shading, particularly visible on the muzzle and tail. Small white patches on the chest and toes are permitted.
Critical: Hand-Stripping Required: The Laekenois coat should NEVER be clipped with scissors or clippers. Hand-stripping — manually removing dead coat by plucking — is required once or twice yearly to maintain proper texture. Clipping will ruin the coat’s characteristic rough texture for several years, leaving it soft and incorrect. Find a groomer experienced with wire-coated breeds, or learn the technique yourself.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1-2x weekly | 15-20 mins | Coarse-toothed comb |
| Hand-Stripping | 1-2x yearly | 2-3 hours | Professional or learn technique |
| Bathing | As needed (rarely) | 30-45 mins | Removes coat waterproofing |
| Nail Trimming | Weekly | 5-10 mins | Fast-growing nails need attention |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly | 5 mins | Check for debris and wax |
| Teeth Brushing | 2-3x weekly | 2-3 mins | Or dental chews daily |
Australian grooming products like PAW by Blackmores work well. For dental care, consider Oravet chews or Greenies. Avoid over-bathing, as this removes the coat’s natural waterproofing properties.
Belgian Laekenois Exercise Needs
The Belgian Laekenois is a high-energy working breed that requires significant daily exercise. The RSPCA Australia recommends at least 1-2 hours of physical activity daily for working breeds, and the Laekenois fits squarely in this category.⁹
These dogs were bred to work all day — guarding fields, herding livestock, and carrying messages across battlefields. Simply putting them in a backyard won’t meet their needs. They require purposeful activity alongside their humans.
Ideal Activities:
- Long hikes and trail running
- Agility training and competition
- Herding trials (if available)
- Advanced obedience and rally
- Tracking and nose work
- Dock diving and swimming
- Interactive play and puzzle toys for mental stimulation
If your Belgian Laekenois becomes destructive, anxious, or develops problem behaviours like excessive barking or digging, insufficient exercise is almost certainly the cause. These dogs will create their own entertainment if you don’t provide it — and you probably won’t like their choices. The breed is not suited to apartment living or households where exercise commitments can’t be met consistently.
Belgian Laekenois Training
Don’t be discouraged if training feels like a negotiation rather than issuing commands — the Laekenois’s independent thinking is part of what makes them so capable. They’re highly intelligent and want to work, but they need to understand why, not just what. This makes them both rewarding and challenging to train.
According to the American Kennel Club, Belgian Laekenois are highly trainable when paired with an experienced handler who uses positive reinforcement methods consistently.¹⁰
Key Training Principles:
- Use positive reinforcement — harsh corrections damage trust
- Keep sessions engaging and varied — they bore easily with repetition
- Start socialisation early and continue it lifelong
- Establish yourself as a calm, confident leader
- Give them a “job” — they need purpose
- Consider working with a trainer experienced in Belgian Shepherds
Socialisation & Training Timeline
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | Intensive socialisation, positive exposure to new people/places/sounds | Comfortable with novel experiences |
| 3-4 months | Basic commands, leash training, continued socialisation | Responds to name, sits, walks on lead |
| 4-6 months | Recall, impulse control, puppy classes | Reliable basics in low distraction |
| 6-12 months | Advanced obedience, sport introduction, adolescent management | Ready for structured activities |
Early and ongoing socialisation is non-negotiable with this breed. The Laekenois’s natural reserve with strangers can develop into problematic wariness or fearfulness without proper exposure to many different people, places, and situations from puppyhood. If you notice your young Laekenois becoming suspicious or reactive toward strangers, increase positive social exposure immediately and consider consulting a professional trainer.
Belgian Laekenois Price & Costs
The Belgian Laekenois is one of the rarest breeds you can acquire in Australia, and pricing reflects this scarcity. With fewer than 230 born in the country over nearly three decades, finding a puppy requires patience, planning, and willingness to travel.
Finding Your Belgian Laekenois:
Locate registered breeders through Dogs Australia or the Belgian Shepherd breed clubs.¹¹ At any given time, there may be only a handful of active Laekenois breeders in Australia. Expect significant waiting lists — potentially 1-2 years or longer. Some Australian owners have imported dogs from Europe, where the breed is more established, though this adds considerable cost and complexity. Given the breed’s rarity, be especially diligent about health testing documentation.
Initial Costs
| Expense | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Puppy Price | $2,500 – $4,000+ |
| Import (if required) | $8,000 – $15,000 additional |
| Initial Vet + Vaccinations | $200 – $350 |
| Desexing | $300 – $500 |
| Essential Supplies (bed, crate, bowls, leads) | $250 – $400 |
| Secure Fencing (if needed) | $500 – $2,000 |
| TOTAL INITIAL COST (domestic) | $3,750 – $5,750 |
Annual Ongoing Costs
- Premium Food (Advance, Black Hawk, Royal Canin): $800 – $1,200
- Veterinary Care & Preventatives: $300 – $500
- Pet Insurance: $500 – $900
- Professional Hand-Stripping (if needed): $150 – $300
- Training/Dog Sports: $300 – $800
- Toys, Treats, Miscellaneous: $200 – $400
TOTAL ANNUAL: $2,250 – $4,100
Lifetime Cost Estimate: $28,000 – $50,000 (based on 11-year average lifespan)
Is a Belgian Laekenois Right for You?
The perfect Belgian Laekenois owner has experience with working breeds and understands the commitment involved. They’re active individuals or families who can provide 1-2 hours of purposeful exercise daily. They have time for ongoing training and socialisation. They’re prepared to wait potentially years for a puppy from a quality breeder. And they understand that this intelligent, devoted dog needs to be a genuine partner, not just a pet.
- Home Size: House with secure yard essential — not suited to apartments
- Yard: Secure, tall fencing — these are athletic dogs
- Climate: Adaptable, but provide shade in Australian heat
- Work Schedule: Not suited to long hours alone — separation anxiety risk
This sounds demanding — because it is. The Laekenois is not a breed for casual dog ownership. But for the right person, the reward is a devoted, intelligent companion unlike any other.
- First-time dog owners without mentorship from experienced trainers
- Anyone unable to provide substantial daily exercise
- Those who work long hours and can’t provide company
- People seeking a low-maintenance or “easy” dog
- Those unwilling to commit to ongoing socialisation
- Anyone not prepared for potentially years-long breeder waitlists
The Belgian Laekenois is a rare treasure — literally rarer than the panda and practically unknown even among dog enthusiasts. For those who discover this ancient breed, they find an intelligent, devoted, versatile working dog with a unique appearance and a temperament that balances the intensity of the Belgian Shepherds with a softer, more thoughtful nature.
Perfect for: Experienced, active owners seeking a devoted working partner. Ideal for those interested in dog sports who want something genuinely rare and special. Excellent for rural properties or active families who understand working breeds.
Think twice if: You want a casual pet, can’t provide significant exercise, work long hours, or aren’t prepared for the patience required to find a puppy. The Laekenois demands commitment that most dog owners aren’t prepared to give.
First-time owner verdict: Not recommended without significant mentorship. While the Laekenois is more forgiving than the Malinois, they’re still a serious working breed requiring experienced handling. First-timers should consider other breeds or commit to working closely with a trainer and breeder mentor.
Belgian Laekenois FAQs
How do you pronounce Belgian Laekenois?
Belgian Laekenois is pronounced “LAK-in-wah.” The name comes from the Belgian town of Laeken, near Brussels.
What is the difference between a Belgian Laekenois & Belgian Malinois?
The main differences are coat type & temperament. The Laekenois has a rough, wiry coat in fawn colours, while the Malinois has a short, smooth coat. Temperamentally, the Laekenois is typically described as having a “softer edge” — more thoughtful and family-oriented compared to the intense, mission-focused Malinois. Both are highly intelligent working dogs, but the Malinois has become popular for military and police work while the Laekenois remains primarily a family companion and versatile sport dog.
Do Belgian Laekenois shed?
Yes, but moderately. Their wiry coat sheds less than smooth-coated breeds, but they do shed year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Regular brushing helps manage shedding. They are NOT hypoallergenic despite their wire coat.
Are Belgian Laekenois hypoallergenic?
No. Despite their wiry coat, Belgian Laekenois are not hypoallergenic. They produce dander and shed hair like other breeds. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the breed before committing and consult your allergist.
How rare are Belgian Laekenois in Australia?
Extremely rare. Fewer than 230 Belgian Laekenois have been born in Australia over the past 28 years. At any time, there may be only a handful of active breeders in the entire country. Expect significant waiting lists.
How much do Belgian Laekenois cost in Australia?
Expect to pay $2,500-$4,000 or more for a Belgian Laekenois puppy from an Australian breeder. Due to extreme rarity, prices vary and waiting lists are common. Some owners import dogs from Europe, which can add $8,000-$15,000 in costs.
Are Belgian Laekenois good family dogs?
They can be excellent family dogs for the right family — one that’s experienced with working breeds, can provide substantial exercise, and commits to early socialisation. They tend to be more family-oriented than the Malinois but still require significant time and attention. They do best with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs.
What colours do Belgian Laekenois come in?
Belgian Laekenois come in shades of fawn, ranging from light fawn to reddish-mahogany, with black overlay or shading, particularly on the muzzle and tail. Small white patches on the chest and toe tips are permitted. Black dogs or tan-pointed dogs are not correct for the breed.
Primary Sources:
- Australian breeder registrations — Dogz Online (fewer than 230 born in 28 years)
- The Kennel Club UK & American Kennel Club — Breed standards and recognition
- Petfinder/AKC — Château de Laeken and Queen Henrietta connection
- AKC Expert Advice — WWI/WWII history, Hitler bounty, breed numbers
- Dogz Online Australia — Breeder quotes on temperament and handling
Veterinary & Health Sources:
- Basepaws Breed Health — Genetic conditions list
- PetMD — Belgian Shepherd health conditions: petmd.com
- Australian Veterinary Association — Health screening guidelines: ava.com.au
Australian-Specific Sources:
- RSPCA Australia — Exercise guidelines for working breeds: rspca.org.au
- American Kennel Club — Training recommendations: akc.org
- Dogs Australia — Breeder directory: dogsaustralia.org.au