There are around 360 globally-recognised breeds of dog alive today – but one of these may be teetering on the brink of extinction. The Belgian Laekenois, one of four dogs native to Belgium, is one of the rarest breeds in the world.
Only around 1,000 of these handsome dogs are alive today. According to ParadePets, the breed was once popular, but has seen a decline in numbers in recent years.
On video platform TikTok, the page TheDoomydogs is dedicated to the Belgian Laekenois, posting videos of the rare breed in an attempt to raise awareness of their dwindling numbers, SurreyLive reports.
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Belgian Laekenois are one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, and are reportedly named after the Château de Laeken, a residence of the Belgian royal family. Their distinctive rough, wiry, and curly coats set them apart from their Malinois, Tervuren, and Sheepdog cousins. The breed comes in shades of red or fawn, sometimes with black markings.
The dogs were originally bred for herding and hunting, and were used as messenger dogs in both world wars. Laekenois are medium to large build dogs that require regular grooming due to their unique coats and at least two hours of exercise a day.
TheDoomydogs has warned that if the dogs aren’t mentally stimulated and kept busy, they will entertain themselves – and not always in a good way. The breed, considered high maintenance, is not for everyone, but owners have praised the Laekenois for its many positive qualities.
These include being protective, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. However, their need for mental stimulation and strong work ethic can make them challenging to handle.
Despite their protective nature, they have a low prey drive but can still be prone to biting. If not properly exercised, Laekenois can also herd people or other animals.
At night, they tend to be more alert and watchful, assessing potential threats intensely. The breed was standardised in the late 19th century and has grown in popularity since then.
Today, the Belgian Laekenois serves various roles, including as family companions and service dogs. It’s said that Belgian Queen Marie Henriette favoured the breed, enjoying watching them work with shepherds in pastures guarding flocks and herds.
In addition to guarding livestock, Laekenois were also tasked with protecting linen drying in fields, highlighting their protective instincts.
Despite their rich history, the Belgian Laekenois remains the rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, making them less common than their counterparts. Efforts to preserve the Belgian Laekenois are on the rise, with the American Kennel Club officially recognising the breed in 2020 and responsible breeding programmes being established to further the breed.
