History and Origins
Country of Origin: Belgium
There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd and these were originally just variations in coat type, being bred for their ability to herd and guard, they were considered one breed.
Now the four types, the Laekenois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois are classified separately as breeds in their own right, although this took some time, with the Belgian Kennel Club only recognising three types initially (the Groenendael, Tervuren and the Malinois) in 1897. The Laekenois wasn’t recognised until much later.
The Laekenois owes its existence and recognition as a separate type of Belgian Shepherd in the main to breed supporters in the Netherlands and France rather than in Belgium, although being the favourite breed of Queen Henrietta of Belgium did help!
