The rarest of the four native Belgium breeds, the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced "Lakinwah") is an affectionate, alert and intelligent herding dog. This square, wellbalanced dog was bred to herd and guard flocks and fields. Developed in Laeken, it was also prized for guarding linens set out in the fields to dry. An outstanding messenger dog during both world wars, he is vigilant with strangers, but friendly with those he knows. Similar to the Malinois, Sheepdog and Tervuren, this sturdy dog’s main difference, besides region of origin, is his rough, coarse coat with a tousled look. The Laekenois comes in all shades of red and fawn to grayish tones with traces of black on his muzzle and tail.