Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is one of four types of shepherd dogs from Belgium. All of these dogs belong to the Herding Group. They have different coats: the Belgian Malinois (short coat with a black mask), Tervuren (long coat with a black mask), Belgian Laekenois (rough coat), and Belgian Sheepdog also known as Groenendael (long black coat). The American Kennel Club recognizes all except the Laekenois as separate breeds, while the United Kennel Club sees them as one.

In the late 1800s, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed to decide the standard for these purebred dogs. They found that despite differences in appearance, they were all square-shaped with triangular ears and dark brown eyes. Professor Adolphe Reul wrote the first breed standard in 1892, which recognized three coat varieties.

Historian Jacqueline Aubrey compares the Belgian Malinois to casual attire, the Sheepdog (Groenendael) to classic formal wear for the afternoon, and the Tervuren to elegant evening clothes, highlighting its warm colors or delicate shades of gray.

1. Tervuren winning a medal in 1974- Source: AKC Library

The Tervuren got its name from a Belgian village where important breeding happened. These guard dogs were used for guarding and pulling carts. They were even the first dogs used by the Belgian police. During World War I, they served in various roles, including messenger and Red Cross dogs.

In the U.S., Tervurens didn’t become popular until the 1950s when more were imported. The AKC recognized them as a separate breed in 1959, and the American Belgian Tervuren Club was formed in 1960. They’re admired for their elegance in dog shows and their skill in herding.

Here is a video of Belgian Tervuren featured in the dog show:

Belgian Tervurens are one of the dog breed that are vigilant watchdogs, always watching for their loved ones. They’re confident protectors but also affectionate towards their families. These dogs don’t like being alone and thrive on spending time with their people. To keep them happy, they need mental stimulation through training and interactive play.

When picking a Tervuren puppy, look for one that’s curious and playful. Avoid overly shy or aggressive ones. Meeting the parents helps gauge their temperament, and early socialization is key for them to grow into well-rounded adults.

• Belgian Tervurens Temperament

The temperament of Belgian Tervurens is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a vigilant nature. Belgian Tervurens are deeply loyal, which means they can feel anxious when left alone for too long. They thrive on companionship and attention, so it’s important to spend quality time with them to keep them happy and content.

The Belgian Tervurens presents a picture of strength, elegance, and purpose.

• Belgian Tervuren Size

At 6 months, the average Belgian Tervuren height is 9.5 inches tall and weighs 32.5 lbs. By 12 months, it grew to 14.0 inches tall and weighs 47.5 lbs. At 18 months, it reaches 17.0 inches in height and weighs 65.0 lbs.

• Belgian Tervuren Color

The Belgian Tervuren has a double coat: a long, slightly rough topcoat and a soft undercoat that varies in thickness depending on the weather. Their coat colors range from fawn to reddish-brown, with black tips on some hairs. The chest is black or black and gray, and they often have a black mask on their face and ears.

As Belgian Tervurens age, especially males, they may become darker, mainly on the shoulders, back, and ribs. A good coat never looks washed out or predominantly cream or gray, though you may find cream, light beige, or gray on the underside of the tail, body, and back of the thighs.

1. Silver Belgian Tervuren- Source: Pinterest
2. Brown Belgian Tervuren- Source: belgian_tervurens
3. Fawn Belgian Tervuren- Source: belgian_tervurens

Here’s a quick look at Belgian Tervuren vs. Belgian Malinois:

1. Belgian Malinois- Source: Pinterest

Male Belgian Tervurens tend to be slightly longer, larger, and more muscular than females. Other than that, there are no notable differences in their temperament and behaviors.

• Belgian Tervurens Weight 

A male Belgian Tervuren stands 23 to 26.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 70 pounds; a female is 21 to 24.5 inches tall and weighs 40 to 55 pounds.

Proper nutrition is crucial for Belgian Tervurens to stay healthy. You should give 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. They should be fed a high-quality diet suitable for their age.

This can be either commercially manufactured or home-prepared under veterinary supervision. You can also offer apples to your dog as a healthy, low-calorie treat, but be sure to remove the seeds and core.

Monitoring calorie intake is important to prevent weight gain, and treats should be given in moderation. Consult your vet if you have concerns about your Tervuren’s diet or weight, and always provide clean, fresh water for hydration.

Belgian Tervurens may be prone to several health conditions, though progressive retinal atrophy is relatively rare. Here are some other health concerns:

• Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is inherited and often seen in larger dog breeds. It is believed to result from uneven growth rates among the three bones in the dog’s elbow, leading to joint looseness and potential lameness. Your veterinarian might suggest surgical intervention to address the issue or prescribe pain management medication.
• Epilepsy: Belgian Tervurens can have epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Epilepsy can be inherited or triggered by different factors like metabolic disorders, infections, tumors, poisons, or head injuries. Seizures may cause unusual behavior like frantic running, staggering, or hiding. Dogs with epilepsy can live normal lives with proper care and medication. If your Tervuren has seizures, see a vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for Belgian Tervurens due to potential health concerns, particularly if you’re not discerning about the source. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, osteochondritis dissecans, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, autoimmune thyroiditis, von Willebrand’s disease, and allergies.

Belgian Tervurens shed year-round, with males having a heavy shed once a year and females shedding between heat cycles. Spend 15 to 20 minutes weekly brushing their coat to remove dead hair and prevent mats. Daily brushing for a minute or two helps even more.

Keep up with dental hygiene by brushing your Terv’s teeth two or three times a week to avoid tartar buildup and bad breath. Trim their nails regularly to keep them short and prevent scratching.

Incorporating positive reinforcement is essential in the care and grooming of these dogs. The Belgian Tervuren is a great family dog because they are good with older children under supervision and are excellent dogs for search and rescue. They learn best under firm, yet kind instruction.

Start grooming your Tervuren when they’re young to make it a positive experience. Handle their paws, mouth, and ears frequently. Check for any sores, rashes, or signs of infection during grooming to catch potential health issues early. Additionally, focus on potty training your dog to establish good habits and maintain a clean home environment.

Rescue organizations specialize in finding homes for Belgian Tervurens and other breeds. Adopting a dog from a rescue group is a rewarding way to provide a loving home to a dog in need.

Belgian Tervurens Rescue.Inc

Belgian Tervurens Rescue

The average price of Belgian Tervurens ranges from $1200 to $3000. When purchasing Belgian Tervurens puppies, it’s important to seek out reputable breeders.

AKC Marketplace

Greenfield puppies

• Industrialization reduced the need for herding dogs, but Belgian Tervuren still retained their natural herding ability. The first recorded champion of the AKC herding championship was a Tervuren.

1. Tervuren as a champion- Source: AKC Marketplace

• In Belgium, the Belgian Tervuren is known by a different name. They are called the “Chien de Berger Belge,” which translates to “Belgian Shepherd Dog.”
• Janina Laurin, an experienced AKC judge, presided over the Tervuren national event for the fourth time in 2021, showcasing her expertise in evaluating top-tier dogs.

1. Janina Laurin- Source: Showsight Magazine

The Belgian Tervuren is best suited for active individuals or families committed to regular grooming and exercise. They thrive on companionship and mental stimulation. This makes them ideal for those who can provide consistent attention and engagement.