The Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian dogs, including the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Groenendael (the Belgian Sheepdog), and the Belgian Tervuren. In basic terms, the breeds are seperated by coat texture and color. The Laekenois is the wire haired version of the sheepdogs. In the AKC, the four breeds are recognized as seperate breeds, although the Laekenois is not recognized at all. In most other countries, they are seen as four types of the same breed. All four originated with the Malinois, this is most noticable in the Laekenois, which looks almost identical to the Malinois except for the wirey hair. Often, a Laekenois will give birth to smooth coated puppies, which can sometimes be registered as Malinois.

Like all herding dogs, the Laekenois have a very high herding drive and are excellent herders. It is the intensity and focus of the breed that allows them to excel in countless other sports. This breed is often used as a police/military dog, and does well in schutzhund, or bite work. During World War I, they were used as message carriers, a job the dogs were well suited for. But because of their military use, the breed numbers dwindled and it took a lot of dedication from breeders to bring the breed back.

This is a strong dog that requires a lot of research on the owners part. Like most other police breeds, the Laekenois needs constant socialization and training throughout its life to prohibit any potential problems. They are good guard dogs, and are loyal and loving to their families. They enjoy work and need a job to thrive. However, if not properly socialized, the Laekenois can be snappy to children, and should never been left unsupervised with them. They also need a lot of socialization early in life if they are to live with other smaller animals such as cats or rabbits.

Grooming is fairly simple with the Laekenois. It should not be bathed very often, as bathing can ruin the waterproof layer of fur. The hair can become tangled, and at this point it is good to use a coarse toothed comb or brush to remove them. The fur should be trimmed about twice a year, but never short trimmed as this will ruin the coat completely.

This is an incredibly hardy and strong breed, with very few health problems. The most common however is hip dysplasia.

The Laekenois is an excellent herder, although it has lost favor in Europe as one. They're very popular as police and military dogs, and do very well in this. This dog needs firm training, and can excel in obedience, schutzhund, agility, tracking, and just about any other sport you could think of.

This is an extremely smart breed, that really needs as much mental stimulation as possible. They will try their hardest to learn everything you teach them!