A woman has taken to social media to showcase the rare breed of dog she owns, which she says is a ‘dying’ breed
A woman has taken to TikTok to shine a spotlight on a rare dog breed, of which there are only around 1,000 left. @TheDoomydogs is dedicated to her Belgian Laekenois (pronounced “Lak-in-wah”) dogs, posting videos of the rare breed in an attempt to raise awareness of their dwindling numbers.
And her followers have also shared their rare canine companions. Some followers have voiced concerns over the future of these lesser-known breeds.
The owner uses her platform to educate people about what it’s like to own a Laekenois and showcase her dogs in action. According to ParadePets, the breed was once popular, but has seen a decline in numbers in recent years.
Belgian Laekenois are one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, which may explain why they look familiar, despite being rare. Their distinctive rough, wiry, and curly coats set them apart from their Malinois, Tervuren, and Sheepdog cousins. These dogs typically sport red or fawn coats with potential black accents.
Named after Laeken, the town where they were chiefly developed, Laekenois were initially bred for tasks like herding and hunting, and even served as messenger dogs during the world wars. They’re medium to large-sized dogs that need regular grooming due to their special coats and require at least two hours of exercise daily, Surrey Live reports.
@TheDoomydogs has issued a warning that if the dogs aren’t mentally stimulated and kept busy, they will entertain themselves, which isn’t always in a good way. The breed, considered high maintenance, is not for everyone, but owners have praised the Lakenois 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 grew in popularity for many years.
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. The American Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in 2020 and responsible breeding programmes are being established to further the breed.
