Dog health

Belgian Laekenois health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Belgian Laekenois, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 26 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 7 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye disease, heart disease, hypothyroidism, ear infections and dental disease. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Belgian Laekenois

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [4]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [5]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [6]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [3]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [9]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
Heart diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [3]Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [11]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [12]
HypothyroidismNamed by: breed club screening [3]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [13]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [14]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [15]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [16]
Dental diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [3]Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [17]Dog dental cleaning (owner bills): $700–$1,350 [18]
Tooth extraction, average reported: $1,160 (range $400–$1,800) [19]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: As with all breeds, a Belgian Laekenois's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Dentition Exam. [1][3] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Belgian Laekenois, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [20] One health test costs $58 there. [21]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Belgian Laekenois, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [22]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Belgian Laekenois at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 10–12 years and you get roughly $8,800–$16,300 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [22][23] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [24] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [25] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [26]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Belgian Laekenois?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye disease, heart disease, hypothyroidism, ear infections and dental disease. That doesn't mean every Belgian Laekenois will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Belgian Laekenois?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Belgian Laekenois?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Belgian Laekenois breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Dentition Exam. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Belgian Laekenois live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 years.

Belgian Laekenois breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (26) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Belgian Laekenois breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  7. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  9. OFA – Eye certification
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. OFA – Cardiac disease
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  16. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  17. VCA – Dental disease in dogs
  18. VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
  19. VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
  20. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Belgian Laekenois DNA tests
  21. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  22. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  23. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  24. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  25. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  26. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)