Character & Temperament

The Laekenois is known for its intelligent and alert nature. He is very people-oriented and forms a close bond with his family. His loyalty and protective instinct make him a wonderful guard dog. But be careful: his alertness can sometimes cause him to be suspicious of strangers. It is important that you get him used to different people and situations as a puppy. The Laekenois' intelligence also means that he needs to be mentally challenged. It is ideal for various dog sports such as agility, obedience and protection dog training. Since he is originally a herding dog, he also has a natural ability to work and complete tasks. The Laekenois can also be used successfully in rescue and therapy dog ​​work. By nature, the Laekenois is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise. A large garden to run around in is ideal, but long walks or hikes are also a good way to exercise your physical activity. He is also a playful dog who loves interacting with his humans. The Laekenois is a breed that loves being with its family and does not like to be alone for long periods of time. He can learn to be alone for short periods of time, but he should not be left alone for long hours on a regular basis or he will become unhappy and possibly develop destructive behavior. In terms of hunting behavior, the Laekenois typically does not show a strong interest in hunting, but it may exhibit some prey-catching behavior, especially when bored or not getting enough exercise. Although originally bred for work, the Laekenois also has a gentle side and enjoys spending time with his family. He is loving and affectionate towards the people he knows and can be a loyal and loving companion. Overall, the Laekenois is an intelligent, alert and loyal dog that makes a good family dog ​​if properly socialized and kept busy. He needs an owner who is willing to invest time and energy in his upbringing and training and who will provide him with the mental and physical stimulation he needs to be happy and well-adjusted.

What Awaits You

Laekenois are very active and easily excitable working dogs. They are often kept as service and sporting dogs. These dogs are not beginner or family dogs.

Housing & Care

The Laekenois can adapt to city life, but requires sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. He prefers a garden or a larger outdoor area where he can run around. If you live in an apartment, daily long walks and activities are essential. He usually gets along well with children, but should always be supervised, especially when the children are young. The Laekenois is also often friendly with cats and other pets, especially if he has been socialized with them from an early age.

Training & Education

The Laekenois is an intelligent and active dog that likes to be kept busy. He is well suited to various dog sports such as agility, obedience and herding. It is important to be careful not to over-exercise the dog as this can lead to stress and behavior problems. The breed has a strong work drive, meaning frustration tolerance and impulse control are important elements in training. It is advisable to train the dog from an early age using positive reinforcement. The Laekenois can also become a "ball junkie" if he becomes too focused on playing with balls. It is important to offer a variety of activities, not just ball games, to ensure the dog develops a balanced behavior.

Nutrition & Care

A Laekenois needs a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. High-quality dog ​​food that is appropriate for the dog's size and activity level is a good choice. It is also important to pay attention to the dog's weight and avoid overfeeding, as excess weight can affect the dog's health. In terms of grooming, the Laekenois has a rough coat with an undercoat. This fur offers him protection from the weather conditions and he can cope well with the climate in Germany. The coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove dead hair. The Laekenois sheds moderately, but regular brushing can reduce shedding.