Belgian Tervuren Dog: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

The Belgian Tervuren is a herding dog with a majestic appearance. These are black-masked dogs that have a mahogany to rich fawn coat and black hair tips.

Four varieties of the Belgian shepherd breed were developed in Belgium, and the Belgian Tervuren is one of them.

This breed should be owned by those who are ready to give their time and attention to their pet. You will learn more about this breed if you keep reading.

Belgian Tervuren Dog

About The Breed

The four Belgian herding varieties might be similar in type, but they are distinguished based on their looks.

The Belgian Tervuren is an elegant, medium-sized dog with a russet mahogany to rich fawn coat that’s long.

The black overlay gives a majestic look to this breed. All Belgian Shepherd breeds have some things in common like they are filled with energy and have an athletic appearance. 

The Terv is known for its elegance, sense of humor, intelligence, and alertness, making it the complete package.

He knows that he’s capable of protecting his property and humans and stands tall in front of strangers.

Around his family, you’ll find him acting all lovey-dovey and playful. This dog will be demanding all your attention and time, so be ready to give that.

This is the type of dog that wants to be involved with his human. 

He has a talent for doing a lot of things. The Belgian Tervuren identity isn’t limited to being a herding dog anymore.

These dogs now have jobs in police work, therapy work, and assistance work and perform in a variety of dog sports too. They like to keep themselves busy and will ask you to be with them. 

If you don’t have previous experience owning a dog, the Terv might not be a good first choice for you. These breeds demand a lot, and only experienced owners can give that. 

Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed History

There were four varieties developed in Belgium of Belgian Shepherd dogs, and the Belgian Tervuren is one of them.

These four varieties are Tervuren (long coat with a black cover, fawn-colored), the Groenendael (long coat, black-colored), the Malinois (short coat with a black cover, fawn-mahogany colored), and the Laekenois (rough coat, fawn-colored).

The American Kennel Club considers all these breeds separate, whereas the United Kennel Club considers these four breeds as one. 

In September 1981, the Club du Chien de Berger Belge was formed to determine the valid breeds that represent the Shepherd breed only.

Looking at their personality and appearance, one can guess that these dogs won’t get tired even after a long day. 

This breed got its name from Tervuren, a village in Belgium. After the Industrial Revolution, this breed wasn’t required for any more farm work, so their roles were switched to police and military work. They are still required for such roles. 

Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed NameBelgian Tervuren
Other NameChien de Berger Belge, The Terv
Dog Breed TypeHerding Dogs
OriginBelgium 
Parent BreedsNone 
Height21-26 inches
Weight40-70 pounds
Life Expectancy10-12 years
Coat TypeDouble layer coat
Common ColorsGray, Fawn, Brindle, Black, Mahogany
Grooming NeedsLow to medium
HypoallergenicNo 
TemperamentEnergetic, Attentive, Alert, Protective, Intelligent, Loyal
Apartment LivingSuitable for apartment living
Pet-FriendlyYes, if raised with them
Health Concernsosteochondritis dissecans, von Willebrand’s disease, cataracts,  autoimmune thyroiditis
Overall HealthHealthy 
Intelligence LevelHigh 
TrainabilityHigh 
Energy LevelHigh 
ActivityActive 
Litter Size6-10 puppies 
What To Know
• Belgian Tervurens are a Belgian Shepherd breed known for their elegance and intelligence.
• They excel in various dog sports like obedience, agility, and herding due to their sharp minds.
• Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
• This breed has a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
• Belgian Tervurens are loyal and protective, making them excellent companions for active families and individuals.

Characteristics 

Belgian Tervuren Dog

Adaptability

This breed effortlessly transitions from rural to urban life, provided it receives ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Their intelligence and quick learning make them versatile companions, whether as working dogs in herding or police roles or as devoted family pets.

Tervurens excel at adapting to various environments and activities, showcasing their innate versatility and unwavering loyalty.

Adaptability

Adaptive to Apartment Living

Suitable for New Owners

Sensitivity Scale

Comfortable Being Alone

Comfortable with Cold Weather

Comfortable with Hot Weather

Friendliness

Belgian Tervuren dogs are renowned for their friendly and sociable nature. They exhibit a warm and affectionate disposition towards their families and often form strong bonds.

Their loyalty and trustworthiness make them excellent companions. While they are naturally protective, their friendliness extends to visitors when properly socialized.

This breed thrives on human interaction, enjoying both playtime and cuddles, making them wonderful friends for those seeking a devoted and loving canine companion.

All About Friendliness

Lovable with Family

Kid-Friendly

Dog-Friendly

Frank with strangers

Personality 

The Belgian Tervurens make excellent watchdogs because of their vigilance and observing skills.

They are confident about protecting their property and people and don’t attack unless they sense danger.

When they get comfortable with someone, they become affectionate around them. They are not afraid to demand their human attention and time.

They want to be involved in what their family members are doing and don’t like being alone. 

With their high intelligence levels, you can expect they require a lot of mental stimulation.

You need to get creative while planning activities for them, as they can easily grow bored.

There’s going to be a lot of work for you if you get such an active, alert, energetic, and watchful dog for your home. 

As long as you are giving the Belgian Tervurens proper socialization and training, they will be well-mannered both inside and outside the house.

Their herding instincts can make them chase cars, cyclists, or anything that’s moving.

Temperament

Friendly with Children

Belgian Tervurens are friendly and affectionate dogs, making them excellent companions for children.

Their intelligence and gentle nature allow them to adapt well to family life. They are known to be patient and protective, ensuring a strong bond with kids.

Supervision is always recommended, but their natural friendliness and playfulness make them a trustworthy and delightful addition to any family with children.

Amicable to Other Pets

Belgian Tervurens are amicable to other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

Their friendly nature and intelligence allow them to get along with various animals. They may even form strong bonds with other dogs or cats in the household.

However, supervision is crucial during initial interactions, as Tervurens can be territorial.

With the right introduction and guidance, they often become harmonious members of a multi-pet family.

Barking Tendencies

They often bark to alert their owners of perceived threats or unusual sounds. To manage this behavior, early socialization and training are crucial.

Teaching commands like “quiet” and providing mental and physical stimulation can help curb excessive barking.

With the right guidance, Tervurens can be excellent companions who bark when necessary and remain well-behaved.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

Belgian Tervuren dog companions can be great for solo living. They provide security and affection, but they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Their independence suits the solo lifestyle, and they excel in obedience and agility.

Be prepared for grooming needs and invest time in bonding, and you’ll enjoy the rewarding experience of having a Belgian Tervuren as your solo companion.

Pros And Cons Of The Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed 

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable nature.
  • Beautiful and elegant appearance.
  • Loyal and protective temperament.
  • Excellent herding and agility skills.
  • Healthy and long-lived breed.

Cons

  • Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Can be reserved or aloof.
  • High grooming maintenance.
  • Potential for separation anxiety.
  • Not suitable for inactive households.

Male Vs. Female Attitude

The male dogs of the Belgian Tervuren breed might act a bit more protective than the female dogs.

However, all the dogs, regardless of gender, will have what type of attitude depends majorly on the environment they grew up in and the training they get. 

Appearance

General Appearance

The Belgian Tervuren dog is a striking and elegant breed with a well-balanced appearance. They have a medium-sized, agile body covered in a beautiful, weather-resistant double coat.

Their expressive almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and alertness. The ears stand erect and are triangular.

Their proud carriage and graceful movement reflect their herding heritage. A Tervuren’s mahogany coat with black overlay adds to their distinctive and captivating appearance.

Coat Color

The Belgian Tervuren’s coat has a rich and strong color that ranges from russet mahogany to rich fawn with a black overlay.

The hair might have black tips overall. The chest will have a gray or black color or a combination of both.

There will be a black mask on the face, black ears, and a dark or black tip on the tail. The male dogs of this breed grow darker as they age, and it’s normal.

Regardless of gender or age, you will never see a Belgian Tervuren coat fade out. Other colors found are light beige and cream. 

Looking at their coat’s texture and length, you might think it will be a tough job to maintain the Belgian Tervuren.

To prevent tangles and mats and remove dead hair, you should brush them weekly for at least 20 minutes.

You can also brush them daily but for only a minute or two. Other grooming requirements are brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, and taking them on regular vet visits. 

Shedding

The Belgian Tervuren has a double-layered coat, so you can expect some shedding. The male dogs shed once a year, while female dogs shed during every heat cycle.

During the shedding season, you should increase the brushing time. 

Size

The Belgian Tervurens are medium-sized dogs. The male dogs grow between 23 to 26.5 inches, and female dogs grow between 21 to 24.5 inches.

Their size isn’t a problem for anyone, but their high energy levels can become a little problematic. 

Health 

Any dog breed like the Belgian Tervuren is generally healthy. However, there are some health issues associated with this breed that you need to be aware of. 

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia

Health And Grooming Requirements

Shedding Quantity

Drooling Capability

Effortless to Groom

Overall Health

Capable of Gaining Weight

Size

Maintenance And Care

To take proper care of a Belgian Tervuren, you need to give them proper physical and mental stimulation.

They are sensitive dogs that don’t do well with harsh training methods. They can learn quickly because of their smartness, but if you get harsh with them, they will not obey you at any cost.

They perform well to reward-based training methods. Be consistent with them and give positive feedback to make your dog well-mannered. This dog will obey anyone he trusts and respects. 

Grooming

Grooming a Belgian Tervuren dog is essential for their well-being. Their beautiful double coat requires regular care.

Brush them at least a few times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing is needed.

Bathe your Tervuren when necessary, usually every couple of months. Pay attention to their ears and teeth, keeping them clean and free of debris. Regular grooming keeps your Tervuren healthy and looking their best.

Food And Nutrition

Feed your Belgian Tervuren two times a day in 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food. Give preference to dry dog food over wet dog food.

It’s a general recommendation, so ask your vet to make a diet plan for your dog.

They will take your dog’s size, age, environment, health, and other important factors into consideration while making a diet plan.

Exercise And Activity Level 

The Belgian Tervurens are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. Be prepared to dedicate at least one hour of your time to their exercise. 

Belgian Tervuren dogs are high-energy, active canines that thrive on exercise and mental stimulation.

These intelligent and agile dogs enjoy a range of activities such as running, hiking, and agility training.

Daily exercise is a must to keep them content and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Engaging their minds with puzzles or obedience training is also essential to fulfill their need for mental challenges.

Physical Requirements

Energy range

Intensity

Exercise Requirements

Capable for Playfulness

Trainability

Belgian Tervurens are incredibly trainable dogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners.

They excel in obedience training and are often used in various dog sports. These dogs thrive on mental challenges, making them a joy to train.

However, consistent positive reinforcement and early socialization are key to harnessing their potential.

With proper guidance, Belgian Tervurens can become obedient, well-mannered, and loyal companions.

Trainability

Effortless to Train

Smartness

Capable for Mouthiness

Tendency to Attack Prey

Urge to Howl or Bark

Wanderlust Ability

Children and other pets

If your Belgian Tervuren grows up in a household with pets and children, they will bond well with strangers, kids, and pets too.

Still, you need to socialize them to make them well-mannered and control their herding behavior. Teach your kids to behave well with your kid too. 

Conclusion 

The Belgian Tervuren dog is a remarkable breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and elegance.

These dogs thrive with physical and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active families and individuals.

Their stunning double coat requires regular grooming. Their protective nature adds a sense of security.

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FAQs On Belgian Tervuren Breed…

Where do the Belgian Tervuren breeds come from?

They were named after the region they come from- Tervuren, Belgium

What is the best diet routine for a Belgian Tervuren?

2-3 cups of dry dog food divided into two meals a day.

How much exercise is required for a Belgian Tervuren?

Belgian Tervurens require at least 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily to stay happy and healthy, including activities like running, play, and mental stimulation.

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