In its homeland, the breed is known as the Berger Belge Laekenois. Canadians know it as the Laeken, and the Dutch call it the Belgische Herder Laekense. In America, we could be forgiven for calling the Belgian Laekenois “uncommon,” but this oldest of the Belgian Shepherds is also the rarest of them, particularly outside of Belgium and Holland (where most Laekenois are said to be found).
Low numbers since the 1940s could be attributed, in part, to decimation of the breed during World War II when the dogs were used as messenger and courier dogs; why ownership numbers remain low perplexes us. One source suggests that an unkempt appearance has caused potential owners to steer clear, but we find the Laekenoise’ tousled appearance its most endearing trait (and a low-maintenance coat should be a positive!) Others suggest that it isn’t that the Laekenois is unpopular, it’s just that the other Belgian Shepherds are more popular. We’re less sure about that. In 1987, there were only twenty Laekens in Switzerland, six in Germany, one in Italy, and a handful of breeders in France and Belgium.
This is a wicked smart, alert, and very versatile breed, though we’ve heard it said that it’s not ideal for a first time dog owner, probably because of its scary intelligence and a knack for taking advantage of weakness.
Photo: One of Sharrii Hunt’s Laekenois
Thank you for posting on the Belgian Laekenois. The photo of Dyna was done at the Lenoir Fire Dept Headquarters, where she road in Tankers, waited before the tower truck, went through the decontamination tents, and entertained her firemen colleagues while giving them comfort in the day room. She is a true ambassador for the Belgian Laekenois breed.
Thanks for the additional information, Sharri! It’s a terrific photo of Dyna!