The Belgian Laekenois is a member of the herding group, and one of four dogs that are native to Belgium (the Belgian Malinois, Sheepdog, and Tervuren being the others). It also happens to be the rarest dog amongst this group of four. [1] Although it shares some characteristics with other dogs, the Belgian Laekenois does have some unique characteristics as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is a Belgian Laekenois.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Body Structure

  1. Male Belgian Laekenois can be anywhere from 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) tall, while females are a little smaller, and can be anywhere from 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) inches tall. Belgian Laekenois generally weigh anywhere from 55–65 pounds (25–29 kg). [2]
  2. A Belgian Laekenois' head has a strong appearance overall. Both the skull and the muzzle should be around the same size, and the head overall should be in proportion with the rest of the body with regards to size. [3]
  3. A Belgian Laekenois should overall have stiff, erect, and triangular-shaped ears. The ear base should not be below the center of the eye. [4]
  4. Belgian Laekenois have slightly almond-shaped eyes, that should be brown (dark brown, preferably). They also do not protrude. [5]
  5. Belgian Laekenois usually have a black, non-spotted, and non-discolored nose. [6]
  6. The Belgian Laekenois typically carries its tail low when at rest, with the tip bent back. It may raise its tail when not at rest, with a slight curve that’s more prominent at the tip (it does not, however, form a hook shape). [7]
  7. Belgian Laekenois overall have an elegant and well-balanced appearance. Their gait is relatively smooth and easy, and they tend to often walk in a circle, as opposed to a straight line. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Dog's Coat

  1. There are many possible colors that Belgian Laekenois may be, including any shade of red, as well as various fawn and gray colors. [9]
  2. On Belgian Laekenois, you may notice various degrees of black color appearing, mainly on the muzzle and/or the tail. You may also notice small white patches on the tips of the toes and/or the chest. [10]
  3. This is something that all Belgian Laekenois have. [11]
  4. A Belgian Laekenois' coat should have a rough, coarse texture, and appear relatively messy and disorderly. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing the Dog's Temperament

  1. Belgian Laekenois are protective dogs, and they can be great watchdogs. Because of this protectiveness, they are sometimes unsure around both human and animal strangers. [13]
    • In a similar vein, Belgian Laekenois can also be possessive of their owners. [14]
  2. Although Belgian Laekenois can be unsure around strangers, when they know someone well (such as their owner), they are known to be affectionate towards them. [15]
  3. Belgian Laekenois are intelligent dogs and relatively easy to train. [16]
  4. Belgian Laekenois are curious dogs, and they can often be found looking around and exploring. [17]
  5. Belgian Laekenois are energetic dogs who love to be active and do things such as playing games of fetch with their owners. [18]
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Tips

  • If you’re wondering whether or not your dog is a Belgian Laekenois, consider a dog DNA test, which can help confirm your dog's breed.
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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 2,351 times.
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Updated: November 20, 2020
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