Mane Event Media

Breed #11 / 100 — The Belgian Laekenois

“I was drawn to the Belgian Laekenois for their eager‑to‑please, biddable nature. I wanted a dog who could go anywhere and do anything with me, and Phoenix has been exactly that. She’s devoted, adaptable, and always ready to try something new.”

Like many Laekenois, Phoenix has a strong sense of duty when it comes to her home. The breed was originally used to guard flax and linen fields, and Phoenix channels that heritage in her own way. She’s not a bite‑sports dog—she’s a lover through and through—but she takes her job as an alert dog seriously, announcing visitors with enthusiastic vocal flair.

And then there’s her most unexpected trait:
Phoenix is shockingly lazy for a Belgian. While many Laekenois buzz with energy, she’s perfectly content to lounge on the couch between her bursts of activity. It’s a quirk that makes her uniquely herself.

Living with a Laekenois has taught me how wide the breed’s temperament range can be. They’re not carbon copies of their Malinois cousins, and many don’t excel in bite sports. If you’re considering the breed, meet as many as you can and do your research—they’re wonderfully varied, sensitive, and not a one‑size‑fits‑all working dog.

Phoenix’s favorite “job” is the one that matters most:
She’s a medical alert service dog, happiest when she’s by my side, exploring new places, meeting new people, and being a positive ambassador for a rare and often misunderstood breed.

Scruffy, loyal, intuitive, and full of heart—Phoenix is everything I hoped for in a Laekenois and so much more."

✨ I’m featuring real dogs and real stories from owners for my 100 Breeds Project. If you’d like your dog included, I’d love to feature them—just send me a message to join.

Cleveland friends: I’ll be in the Chagrin area on July 2nd with limited photo sessions available. Perfect for getting your pup featured or capturing gorgeous summer portraits.

More equine grad photos

SO MANY NEW BREEDS ADDED TOO THE 100 BREEEDS PROJECT!!! Im so excited to share them all with you and cant wait to capture more of these amazing dogs!

ALSO owners if your interested in this painted background please let me know cuz I LOVE doing them, haha!

Cleveland dog owners, we have a travel session on july 2nd. DM to claim your spot.

Finally getting to show off some equine grad posts