In the 1800s, the Belgian Tervuren was one of four Belgian Sheepdog breeds. This breed is known for being exceptionally intelligent, extremely loyal, and always full of energy. They have been used as military and police dogs in the past, as well as messenger and Red Cross dogs. Even today, they continue to excel as police dogs, service dogs, show dogs, and herders. The Belgian Tervuren is friendly and intelligent, but they can also be timid. It is important to socialize them at a young age with other dogs and children. Since they have a herding instinct, they may try to gently nip at young children as a way to herd them. However, this behavior should not be allowed and can be corrected with training. Despite their high prey drive, they are usually tolerant of small animals, especially if they have been raised with them. The Terv has a long and coarse coat that can come in various colors, such as fawn, russet mahogany, and black highlights. Other colors like white, grey, cream, and light beige can also be seen in their coat. They have a medium to large size and distinctive features like long ears and a triangular head shape.
Below, we look at Belgian Tervuren dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Belgian Tervuren, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Belgian Tervurens!
| Dog Breed | Belgian Tervuren |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-60 lbs (average) |
| Height | 22-24″ (average) |
| Location | Belgium |
| Ancestry | shepherd |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Group | Stock herding, Guarding |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $1200 – $1400 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Belgian Tervuren breed originated in the 1800s from two fawn-colored dogs known as Tom and Poes. The first female, Miss, gave birth to a male named Milsart, who became the breed’s first show champion in 1907. Despite their existence, the Belgian Tervurens did not gain popularity until 1893 when a breed standard was established.
Prior to this, all Belgian Shepherd dogs were considered under one category. However, in 1891, the Club du Chien de Berger Belge, also known as the Belgian Shepherd dog club, defined a criterion for the Shepherd dog and identified four distinct types of Sheepdog: the Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois, and Groenendael. The name “Tervuren” was derived from a small Belgian village where M. F. Corbeel, the breed’s creator, resided.
Originally used as herding dogs, the Belgian Tervurens showcased their skills in various other roles over time. During World War I, they served as messengers, Red Cross assistants, and police guards. They were even capable of pulling carts or machine gun wagons. While the breed gained popularity in Europe, it wasn’t until 1953 that the Belgian Tervurens were imported to America for breeding purposes. Today, they are highly regarded for their strength, intelligence, and striking appearance, making them excellent show dogs and wonderful additions to any family.
🐕 Belgian Tervuren Appearance
The medium-sized Belgian Tervuren dog has a highly imposing and arrogant bearing. He is robust, nimble, attentive, well-muscled, and has a beautiful look. The Terv is a Belgian Shepherd Dog that satisfies the standards of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club. It has a long face, wide-set triangular ears, and dark brown eyes. He has a double coat with long straight hair on top and short, thick fur on the underside. He is adequately insulated and protected from the elements thanks to this double coat. Additionally water resistant, the fur wicks any mild moisture away. The Terv’s surroundings will be the only determinant of the coat’s thickness. The Belgian Tervuren often has a black undercoat over fawn or russet mahogany hues. The chest will be either black, grey, or black and grey, while the face will have a black mask and black ears. There will occasionally be white tips on the toes and a black tip at the end of the tail. The males are always more ornamented than the females, with trails of fur running down the backs of the front legs and a thick collarette of fur around their necks.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brindle, Cream, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact: Belgian Tervuren dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Belgian Tervuren
The lovely, lively Belgian Tervuren is a fantastic canine. They are highly bright and simple to teach because they were raised to be herding dogs. It’s crucial to keep in mind that a Tervuren will act whichever he pleases when left to his own devices. Therefore, you should focus on training and make sure that your dog gets plenty of activity to prevent damage to your belongings. Because they get along well with kids when they are supervised and make terrific security dogs, Belgian Tervurens make wonderful family dogs. They learn best when given stern but kind guidance. Your Terv won’t respect you if you yell and become angry with him; he’ll only start to fear you. This is due to the Terv’s bashful nature while having an extroverted attitude. Therefore, you may educate your dog to become a fantastic companion and working dog by providing kind yet strong instruction. With a Belgian Tervuren in your house, you’ll never get bored because of this breed’s playfulness and friendliness.
🤝 Are Belgian Tervurens Friendly or Aggressive?
Belgian Tervuren dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets, and they are not particularly friendly towards strangers. However, they are known to be good with children, making them a suitable choice for families. While they may not be the most cat-friendly dogs, they have an average level of friendliness towards other dogs. Additionally, Belgian Tervurens are often recommended for elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Energetic
- Protective
- Alert
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Attentive
🐩 Belgian Tervuren Care & Maintenance
Given that the Belgian Tervuren has a long, double coat, weekly maintenance is to be expected. Double-coated dogs often lose their undercoat gradually and in significant amounts as the seasons change. Additionally, the timing of shedding might vary depending on the sex; males often shed substantially once a year, whereas females shed in between menstrual cycles. You should spend money on high-quality grooming supplies in order to properly care for your Terv’s long haired coat. Due to the Belgian Tervuren’s susceptibility to dental illness, additional grooming requirements besides brushing will include dental care. You should clean your dog’s teeth two to three times a week to get rid of any tartar accumulation that could exist. Last but not least, frequently clip your dog’s nails to keep his feet healthy. If you decide to get one of these magnificent dogs into your house, bear in mind that they are an extremely active breed. A Terv will thus require a lot of exercise—at least an hour every day. When your dog is around kids or other tiny animals, you must also keep a tight check on him. This is just because, as a herding dog, the Terv could have a propensity to attempt to herd kids and small animals with nips rather than because he is violent. He is only acting in accordance with his nature! The finest thing you can do is start your Belgian Tervuren’s training as soon as possible. This will offer you the control you need to lead a very clever breed while also assisting him in learning what he can and cannot accomplish.
Belgian Tervuren dogs have a moderate level of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The amount of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed type. In terms of bathing, it is recommended to give Belgian Tervuren dogs a bath every 3-4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or around $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Belgian Tervuren dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 8 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Belgian Tervuren dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Belgian Tervuren Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed can be:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Thyroid
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy
While minor concerns include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Skin Allergies
- Dental Disease
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
🤧 Important: Is Belgian Tervuren hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Belgian Tervuren.
⚡ Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Belgian Tervuren a great choice for families with young children?
The Belgian Tervuren is a great choice for families with young children because they are good with children under supervision. However, it is important to socialize them with other dogs and children while they are still young to prevent any herding tendencies.
Is the Belgian Tervuren breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Belgian Tervuren is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living due to its need for constant exercise and being on the move. They require a lot of space to run around and fulfill their energetic nature.
How much exercise does a Belgian Tervuren require compared to other breeds?
The Belgian Tervuren requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are highly active dogs and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Daily exercise such as long walks, runs, or playing in a spacious yard is essential for their well-being.
Is the Belgian Tervuren breed known for being good with other pets?
While the Belgian Tervuren can be good with other pets if raised with them from a young age, they do have a high prey drive. It is important to socialize them with small animals like cats to minimize any instinctual chasing behavior.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Belgian Tervuren?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Belgian Tervuren include the Australian Cattle Dog and the Border Collie. These breeds also have herding instincts and require mental and physical stimulation but may have slightly different grooming needs.
What are the common health issues that Belgian Tervurens are prone to?
Belgian Tervurens, like other Belgian Shepherds, can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, and thyroid disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help manage these potential health concerns.
Are Belgian Tervurens known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Belgian Tervurens are generally considered easy to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to learn. However, they do require firm yet kind instruction and can become fearful if yelled at or treated harshly.
Are Belgian Tervurens more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Belgian Tervurens can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized. They are a loyal and devoted breed that thrives on human companionship. Proper training and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent or manage separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Belgian Tervuren that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Belgian Tervuren that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bichon Frise. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander and are less likely to trigger allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Belgian Tervuren are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Belgian Tervuren, such as the Shetland Sheepdog or Welsh Corgi, can be a better fit. These breeds have similar herding instincts and intelligence but are more compact in size.
Is the Belgian Tervuren breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Belgian Tervuren is known to be good with children; however, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and children, especially those with special needs. Proper socialization and training can help ensure a positive and safe environment for both the dog and the child.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Belgian Tervuren?
The grooming needs of the Belgian Tervuren are moderate to high compared to some other breeds. They have long, coarse hair that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and occasional trimming to maintain their coat. They are also moderate shedders, so regular grooming sessions are necessary to keep their coat healthy and tidy.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Belgian Tervuren dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
