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If you think about it, there are probably a lot of “rare” animals in the world we know nothing or (very little) about. That doesn’t make them any less important—it’s the opposite, actually. They need the spotlight so we can work to conserve such precious little souls, so they don’t disappear forever.

One such rare breed, the Belgian Laekenois, has fewer than 2,000 pups left in the world. Two of them, an adorable mother-and-son duo with the sweetest bond, highlight all the ways these dogs are worth protecting, saving, and pumping those estimated numbers up!

To see the interaction between Saz and her baby boy from his puppyhood to now is something magical. Once a little guy at her fuzzy knee, Hoti can now hold his own in the most unhinged, chaotic way possible, and it’s simply the best.

Any parent knows the bittersweet feeling of watching their baby grow up, but now that the “baby” is a “giant son,” their bond will become something much more meaningful.

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Being such a smart and energetic breed (who used to work as war dogs), Laekenois pups require plenty of mental and physical stimulation as well as extensive, thoughtful, and intentional socialization as they grow up to prevent fear issues and reactivity.

Saz, who’s a famous superstar with an impressive list of movie and TV credits, is a force to be reckoned with. Still, the greatest role she’s ever played is proud mom to her two boys.

How Rare Are Laekenois Dogs?

It’s easy to toss around the term “rare,” but Belgian Laekenois dogs have earned it. As one of the rarest breeds in the world, there are only an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 of these pups still around. Some experts compare the scarcity to that of giant pandas because they’re that special.

There are four Belgian Shepherd categories, including the Malinois, Groenendael, and Tervueren, but you can spot a Laekenois like Saz and her little man due to their wiry, curly coats. As a breed, these cuties have stellar guarding and herding skills, and they’re protective, loyal, and extremely intelligent pups.

Regardless of how many of these dogs exist, it’s clear that Saz and her pups have something so special that nothing can break their bond.

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.