If you're looking for a high-energy dog that can keep up with you while you're working the farm, running long distances, or just heading out for a hike, you'll find it in the Belgian Tervuren. These picturesque dogs are a bit high-maintenance, but totally worth it for their beauty and personalities. They're ideal for highly active homes that will keep them mentally stimulated and that can give them the physical activity they need.
While this breed isn't naturally a family dog, they can do great in family settings with the right training and dedication to keeping them active. They're very smart and are fast learners, so a Belgian Tervuren might be the perfect addition to your home.
Origins of the Belgian Tervuren
This attractive medium-sized herding dog breed is named for the Belgian village where it originated in the late 19th century. A herding breed, the Belgian Tervuren was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.
Activity Level and Talents
Tervurens are known to be highly energetic and intelligent dogs, and they generally need a job to keep them occupied. The medium-size dog excels in herding, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, and protection work, and can also be seen working as Search and Rescue and therapy dogs.
If they are not kept sufficiently busy, Turvurens, sometimes called Belgian shepherds or Belgian sheepdogs, can become hyperactive or destructive, and are sometimes nervous or shy around strangers. These shepherd dogs are not recommended for first-time dog owners or owners who cannot give them adequate time or exercise. They require lots of long walks and mental stimulation.
Breed Lifespan
However, when properly socialized and cared for, they make excellent watch dogs and companion animals, as they are known to be loyal and form strong bonds with their family, and they have charmed many an owner with their intelligence and trainability. While they do suffer health problems like most active dogs with issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy, their lifespan averages 12 to 14 years.
Physical Characteristics
What about coat type? The Belgian Tervuren has a double coat, with a dense undercoat covered by a harsher outer coat.
Like the Malinois, the color of the coat ranges from fawn to russet mahogany with a black overlay. The face has a black mask.
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Visit the American Belgian Tervuren Club (ABTC) for more info on breed standards and where to find Belgian Tevuren puppies!
Other Belgian Shepherd breeds include:
- the Belgian Groenendael, aka Belgian Sheepdog (longhaired black)
- the Belgian Malinois (shorthaired fawn/mahogany)
- the Belgian Laekenois (rough-haired fawn)
Do you have a Belgian Tevuren? Show us in the comments below!
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