Belgian Laekenois Is Newest Breed Recognized By The AKC

Meet the Belgian Laekenois. As of July 1, 2020, it’s the newest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The breed is part of the Herding Group.

The Belgian Laekenois is described as affectionate, alert, and intelligent. According to the AKC, it has a tousled rough coat, is about 22-26 inches tall, and weighs 55-65 pounds.

“The breed’s original purpose was guarding and tending to flocks and guarding linen in the fields,” the American Kennel Club wrote when announcing the Belgian Laekenois is now a fully recognized breed.

There are only around 200 Belgian Laekenois in the U.S., according to the AKC.

There are now 196 AKC-recognized breeds.