"All About The Belgian Tervuren Shephard
Used as security dogs, for drug detection, and for helping the blind and disabled."
The Belgian Tervuren is one of four types of Belgian Shepherds, including: the Belgian Laekenois, the Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Shepherd.
Alternate Names Appearance Behavior Breed Type Care and Grooming Health Country of Origin More Photos
Alternate Names
Chien de Berger Belge
Appearance:
Body: Level, straight and solid topline with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
Coat: Long, abundant, and close fitting, somewhat harsh outer coat and a very dense undercoat making them very adaptable to extreme temperatures.
Color: Fawn to mahogany with black highlights.
Ears: Stiff, erect, well-cuffed, and triangular-shaped.
Eyes: Brown to dark brown, medium size and slightly almond-shaped.
Feet: Forefeet are round, cat-like, and well-padded with toes curved close together. The hind feet are slightly oval-shaped with strong nails.
Head: Powerful and alert. A flat skull and moderate stop with a somewhat pointed muzzle and strong jaws, black nose, and tight lips.
Legs: Forelegs are long and powerful, trim and straight with oval-shaped bones. The hind legs have well-muscled thighs, oval-shaped bones, and well defined stifles.
Neck: A rounded neck, well-muscles and tapered to the body. It hangs down when relaxed and has a slight curve.
Size:
Weight: 60 - 80 pounds
Height:22 - 26 inches
Tail: Well-muscled at the base and curved when held upward.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced handlers.
The Belgian Tervuren is a great family dog who is hard working, intelligent and highly spirited. They are the most popular of the four Belgian Shepherds. Their intense concentration makes them easily trainable and desirable to own.
He is a courageous, athletic and elegant dog with graceful movements and tireless energy. He will require lots of challenging and playful activity to keep him both physically and mentally fit. This is a responsible dog who is eager to learn new tasks and games. If allowed to become bored and frustrated, he may become mischievous and destructive.
If your considering owning a Tervuren, be sure they are well socialized as pups and trained with a positive and rewarding approach. This will prepare them to be stable as adults and to fit better into homes with children and other family pets.
You may find your Tervuren poking and nipping at your heels in an effort to herd you and others together as this is what they are trained to do.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Herding Group
Originally used for herding and guarding livestock.
Of the four Belgian breeds, the American Kennel Club ("AKC") recognized only the Groenendael under the name "Belgian Sheepdog". The Tervuren, and the Malinois are recognized as separate breeds and the Laekenois can be registered as part of the AKC stock service.
The Belgian Tervuren is used as security dogs, for drug detection, and for helping the blind or disabled.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: A great deal of physical exercise and mental stimulation is required to keep this dog from becoming bored and frustrated.
Grooming: His double coat requires regular weekly brushing except during shedding season (spring and fall) when he will require daily grooming.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years
A generally healthy dog.
Possible Problems:
Eye conditions
Hip Displasia
Low Thyroid
Seizures
Country of Origin
Belgium - 1800s
More Photos
