Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Belgian Tervuren?

The Belgian Tervuren’s name describes exactly where the breed is from the Belgian municipality of Tervuren, located in the Flanders region of the country. The Belgian Tervuren was one of the four Belgian herding breeds that were once all considered a standard Belgian Sheepdog. The other three breeds include the Malinois, the Laekenois, and the Groenendael.

Despite the fact these breeds shared the same title, they each had a distinctive trait that made them stand out from one another. Even at this stage, the Belgian Tervuren had its distinctive long fawn-mahogany coat and black mask.

These traits were further emphasised when Tervuren-native M.F. Corbeel started to crossbreed the Tervuren variety of the Sheepdog with other fawn and black dogs. This led to the publishing of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Standard in 1892, where the individual types of Belgian Shepherds were recognised in their own right.

Belgian Tervuren’s continued to carry out herding duties but also took on several other titles at the turn of the century, including police dogs, guard dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue workers. They also played a role in World War I & II as messengers and red cross workers.

The American Kennel Club officially recognised the Belgian Tervuren in 1959.

What is a Belgian Tervuren breed?

The Belgian Tervuren is characterised by its harsh, medium-length coat, which ranges in colour from mahogany to rich fawn. A slight black overlay can be seen all over the dog’s body, and a thick black mask covers its face and sometimes its tail. This dog’s bouncy hair and muscular physique give it a majestic appearance as it seamlessly glides across open spaces.

They’re also very agile and can be trained to perform all kinds of tricks. They always appear to be switched on, and their eyes effectively convey the bursting and unsatiable energy they have inside. They thrive on exercise, socialisation, and keeping their family happy and active.

Always poised in a ready-to-go stance, their pointed triangular ears convey their sense of alertness and guard dog instincts.

Who is a Belgian Tervuren best for?

Belgian Tervurens are best suited for those looking to become dog trainers, as they are easy to train and respond well to commands. If you’re willing to be patient and carry out exercise routines and dog sports with a highly energetic dog, then a Belgian Tervuren could be for you.

They’re eager learners, so would rather obey than disobey your commands if it means learning a new trick.

If you’re new to dogs, they may not be a good choice as they demand commitment to training. If you’re unwilling to get active with your dog daily, then your Belgian Tervuren may struggle to live comfortably. They require at least 2 walks or play sessions per day, totally to around 1.5-2 hours’ worth of activity.

Unlike other herding dogs, they don’t mind living in apartments, as long as they get access to a large open space to run around in. They are best suited to homes with a fenced-in garden, where they can roam freely. They often take to chasing people they see outside, so a tall fence would be necessary to keep them from escaping.

Belgian Tervuren Grooming & Shedding

The amount of shedding you’ll have to deal with entirely depends on the gender: males only shed heavily once a year, whereas females shed after every heat cycle. During these periods, you’ll need to groom your Belgian Tervuren more often than usual.

Generally, they only need to be brushed once per week to remove dead hair, which can be a nice and relaxing bonding experience for you and your dog. During this time, you should also check and clean out their ears if necessary, and trim toenails if they’re getting too long.

The dog’s tough double coat with a dense undercoat manages to keep dirt build-up to a minimum, so you’ll only need to bathe a Belgian Sheepdog when it’s necessary (like when they roll through dirt).

Do Belgian Tervurens bark a lot?

Belgian Tervuren will bark if they feel they’ve been left alone too long, if it’s close to dinner time, or if they’re not getting enough exercise. They also may bark at passers-by and strangers they perceive to be intruders. For this reason, they are described to be frequent barkers, which is something to take note of if you live in a residential area.

However, there’s always going to be a reason for barking and they won’t yap without a good reason.

What is the average weight & height of a Belgian Tervuren dog?

This medium adult dog should weigh 20-27kg for females, and 24-30kg for males. In terms of height, a female tends to be around 55-60cm, while a male is around 66-84cm.

Are Belgian Tervurens easy to train?

Training a Belgian Tervuren really just comes down to gaining the dog’s respect. If you give them enough positive reinforcement, they’ll begin to trust you and do what they can to please you. They’re fond of learning new tricks and definitely feel proud of themselves when they feel they’ve achieved something.

As long as you stay focused on making training exercises as fun and mentally stimulating as possible for the dog, then training shouldn’t be too difficult to do. They can be really fast learners and sometimes feel one step ahead of you.

In terms of socialisation, early interactions with as many other dogs and humans are great for these Belgian Sheepdogs, as it teaches them social skills for later life. Whether or not they get on with other dogs really depends on them and what mood their in, but attending a puppy nursery could at least stamp out anxieties they may feel around new people.

How do Belgian Tervurens behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Like most herding breeds, a Belgian Tervuren still has guard dog instincts and likes to keep a watchful eye over its home and family. It forms a very close bond with their family and can be quite demanding of their time. In return for affection, the Belgian Tervuren offers protection.

They can be particularly suspicious of approaching strangers (particularly if they don’t experience much socialisation during puppyhood) and will alert their owners as soon as they clock them by barking.

They love being stimulated with dog sports and puzzle games.

Does the Belgian Tervuren have any common health issues?

Belgian Tervuren dogs can suffer from several health issues common to Belgian shepherd breeds:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Joint issues that can lead to pain and mobility problems.
• Thyroid Issues: Disorders related to thyroid function, which can affect energy levels and weight.
• Eye Disorders: Conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) can lead to vision loss.
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.

As for all dog breeds, it’s important to get checked by vets regularly to prevent early signs of these issues from developing.

What is the lifespan of a Belgian Tervuren?

The life span of a Belgian Tervuren is 12-14 years, being a relatively healthy breed.

How much does a Belgian Tervuren need to be fed?

A Belgian Tervuren should be fed between 360g – 640g of high-quality dry dog food per day, split over two meals.

How much can you expect to pay for a Belgian Tervuren in Australia?

Belgian Tervurens are a rare dog breed and can cost upwards of $4,500 in Australia.

Belgian Tervuren FAQs

Is a Belgian Tervuren the same as a Malinois?

Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Malinois are similar in that they were both considered the same breed of Belgian Sheepdog at one point. The main difference lies in the dog hair, as a Malinois tends to have a shorter coat, whereas a Tervuren has a longer one.

How do you identify a Belgian Tervuren?

A Belgian Tervuren has a black nozzle, dark brown eyes of an almond shape, triangular pointed ears, and a long coat of a rich fawn to a russet mahogany colour.

How many puppies can a Belgian Tervuren have?

A Belgian Tervuren’s litter will normally be between 6 and 10 puppies.