Belgian Tervuren
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson
One of four herding dogs from Belgium, the Tervuren is differentiated by its longhaired fawn or red coat. Muscular and strong but also elegant, the Tervuren loves to work hard, so he does best with exercise and activities to stimulate his mind.
Average size and lifespan
Weight: 40-75lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 13 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Belgian Tervuren Information
The Tervuren makes an excellent watchdog for your family. He is an exceptional listener, which makes teaching him a lot easier. Don’t skip out on training – that’s important for a strong-willed breed. Once you do, he’ll be a great addition to your family.
History
The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of herding dog hailing from the eponymous Belgian region of Tervuren. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, these intelligent and agile canines have long been prized for their exceptional work ethic and keen problem-solving abilities.
The breed descends from shepherd dogs such as the Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, and German Shepherd.
At first glance, the Belgian Tervuren might strike the casual observer as just another fluffy, long-haired sheepdog. But beneath the surface lies a complex and nuanced breed with a distinct set of characteristics and traits.
Training and Temperament
One of the most striking aspects of the Belgian Tervuren is their striking appearance. With a sleek and athletic build, these dogs are known for their long, silky fur coats, ranging in color from jet black to deep chestnut brown. Their piercing eyes and alert expressions give them a regal, almost aristocratic air, and their agile movements and nimble paws make them well-suited for various tasks.
But it’s not just their appearance that sets the Belgian Tervuren apart. These dogs are also renowned for their intelligence and trainability, making them an excellent choice for many roles, from service and therapy dogs to search and rescue and even law enforcement.
Regarding training, the Belgian Tervuren is a highly intelligent and eager learner with a strong desire to please their handlers. They are quick to pick up new commands and tasks and are known for their ability to think on their feet and adapt to new situations with ease.
But while they may be eager to learn, the Belgian Tervuren is also a breed that requires a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. These dogs can become bored and restless without adequate challenges and exercise, leading to destructive behaviors. As such, it’s important for owners to keep their Tervuren engaged and active, whether through structured training sessions or long walks and hikes.
In terms of temperament, the Belgian Tervuren is generally a friendly and outgoing breed, known for their sociability and love of attention. They are generally good with children and other pets, provided they are socialized early on. However, like any dog, they can be prone to territorial behavior and may be reserved or aloof with strangers if not properly socialized.
Grooming
Grooming a Belgian Tervuren can be a bit of a time commitment, as their long coats require regular brushing and trimming to maintain their sleek appearance. They are also prone to shedding, so it’s important to be prepared for extra vacuuming and lint-rolling. However, with a little TLC, these dogs can be quite low-maintenance and are generally quite content with a good brushing and the occasional bath.
In conclusion, the Belgian Tervuren is a complex and nuanced breed with a rich history and a host of unique characteristics. From their striking appearance and intelligence to their friendly and outgoing temperament, these dogs make excellent companions and workmates, provided they are given the proper care and attention they deserve.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Belgian Tervurens be apartment dogs?
Belgian Tervurens aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.
Can Belgian Tervurens be left alone?
While Belgian Tervurens prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Belgian Tervurens good with kids?
Belgian Tervurens can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Belgian Tervurens friendly with strangers?
Belgian Tervurens tend to be uncomfortable with strangers. They will require extra training effort to socialize them with those outside their family.
Do Belgian Tervurens get along with other dogs?
Although Belgian Tervurens will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Belgian Tervurens bark a lot?
As far as dogs go, Belgian Tervurens bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.
Do Belgian Tervurens shed a lot?
Belgian Tervurens shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.
Do Belgian Tervurens need a lot of grooming?
Although Belgian Tervurens require a medium amount of maintenance to keep their coats healthy. Simple tasks like brushing and bathing will suit this breed.
Do Belgian Tervurens need a lot of exercise?
The Belgian Tervuren has a good amount of energy and will need to be exercised with some walks and play to keep them happy.
Are Belgian Tervurens easy to train?
Typically, Belgian Tervurens are easy to train. They enjoy the bonding process with their owner and are quick to learn.
Can Belgian Tervurens handle cold weather?
Belgian Tervurens do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.
Can Belgian Tervurens handle hot weather?
Although Belgian Tervurens can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.
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