The Laekenois temperament is loyal and friendly with its family, but it can be very demanding. This is not a dog for everyone.
The Laekenois pronounced “lack-en-wah”) is a versatile dog that’s done a lot of different jobs. It still retains a lot of its instinctive behaviors from the work that it has been bred to do.
With the right kind of training, though, the Laekenois temperament can make her a great family pet.
Let’s explore the Laekenois temperament to see if she is the right dog for you.
Table of Contents
The Laekenois Sheepdog Temperament and Personality
Intelligent
The Laekenois is a smart breed that is easy to train.
Eager to Please
The Laekenois temperament is obedient. She enjoys the interactive work of training and takes commands very well.
Devoted
She is very loyal and loving to her family members and she is good with children.
She is a faithful friend and loyal protector.
Friendly
The Laekenois is very friendly to her family and people she knows but reserved with strangers.
The Laekenois can get along well with other dogs. Often, though, they can be combative, especially with same-sex dogs. They need to be socialized young to other dogs to prevent this.
Affectionate
She is very affectionate with her family and people she knows.
Protective
This is a sheepherding breed, so it’s no surprise that she is very protective of her flock, including her human one.
Territorial
She will alert you if there is stranger near. She’s very protective of her family and her home. This is another reason why she needs good socialization from puppyhood.
A guard dog is good, but her territorial nature could turn into stranger aggression.
Instinctive
The Laekenois still have instinctive Laekenois traits. Expect to see herding behaviors, for example. She will likely chase and circle people and nip at their heels.
She can do this for hours and needs to be taught at a young age that it’s not acceptable.
Social
She needs to be with her people and is not a dog who would do well living in the yard. She will do best in a family where there is someone at home most of the time.
The Laekenois temperament needs a lot of attention.
Alert
As a shepherd, the Laekenois is always attentive to its environment. As a guard dog, she watches over her “flock.”
She has earned the nickname “shadow” to some Laekenois owners. She stays very close to her owner or family and is always watchful over them.
Curious
This breed will not be content to lie around the house. She has an active mind and likes to be busy exploring and learning.
Agile
She is good at dog sports such as rally, agility, etc., and loves physical activity.
Lively
The Laekenois temperament is outgoing and energetic. She loves to play and to participate in activities with her family.
Adaptable
The Laekenois temperament is ideal for a number of types of work. They are excellent herders and guard dogs.
They are also used for narcotics detection, bomb work, search and rescue, tracking, sled pulling, and seeing-eye dogs.
Laekenois are adaptable to weather conditions as well but they prefer cool climates but can adapt to warmer weather. She can live outdoors but much prefers to live inside with her people.
Hard-working
The Laekenois temperament is active. She needs to be busy. If she doesn’t have a job to do, she needs lots of outings or interactive playtime.
Otherwise, she will get bored and may be destructive. Click here to see how exercise can benefit dogs with behavior issues.
Brave
The Laekenois temperament is courageous and bold. She makes a great guard dog.
Aggressive Tendencies
This breed can be aggressive toward same-sex dogs. They need early socialization and a firm “alpha” leader to prevent this.
Reserved with Strangers
This could easily turn into excessive shyness or excessive aggression. She needs early and intense socialization with people