Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
Group: Pastoral
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are a medium-sized, strong and well proportioned dog. There are four types, each distinguished by their type of coat. There is the Groenendael which has a long, black, harsh coat; the Laekenois which has a short, wiry, reddish coat; the Malinois with a short red, fawn or black coat with black over the top; and the Tervueren, similar to the Malinois but with a fuller top coat.
Although originally a sheep dog, they have proved themselves in the armed forces and police work in a variety of different roles. They will naturally herd and guard so make excellent working and obedience dogs but with the right training can be family dogs too.
They can be trained to be good with children and strangers and even other animals. They are accustomed to an active outdoor working life, and as such, it is essential that they get a lot of physical and mental exercise.
All the different coat types need careful grooming but the longer haireds more so. They are a hardy breed with no major health problems.