Belgian Tervuren

Quick Take

• Most people misread what kind of dog a Belgian Tervuren actually is, and that mistake shapes everything about how you'd raise one. See the breed breakdown →
• Leave a Belgian Tervuren under-stimulated and its intelligence becomes your biggest problem rather than your biggest asset. Explore the intelligence risks →
• Something your Belgian Tervuren puppy does that looks adorable now can turn into a serious liability as it grows, and most owners catch it too late. See the herding instinct warning →
• One Belgian Tervuren earned a permanent monument in a major European city, and the story behind it reveals just how capable this breed can be. Meet Albert the police dog →

While some people see a guard dog when they look at the Belgian Tervuren, they are actually a herding breed. Known for their athleticism, ease of training, and incredible intelligence, the Belgian Tervuren can be an amazing companion in the right home. Like any dog, the Belgian Tervuren fits certain lifestyles better than others. For the family that wants a bright, energetic companion, the Belgian Tervuren may be the perfect fit.

Belgian Tervurens and Other Belgian Shepherds

Belgian Tervurens are one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherds. The different shepherds are similar in many ways, with the main difference being the colors and type of coat they have. The Tervuren is fawn-colored with a long coat, while the Malinois is also fawn-colored but has a short coat. The Groenendael has a long, black coat and is more commonly known as the Belgian Sheepdog. The Laekenois has a rough, wavy, fawn-colored coat.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Belgian Tervuren

Origins

The Belgian Tervuren draws its name from the town of Tervuren, the home of expert dog breeder M.F. Corbeel, who worked hard at breeding dogs with fawn and dark coats with each other during the early 1900s.

However, before then, the Belgian Tervuren was considered to be the same as the Belgian sheepdog, the Laekenois, and the Malinois. Thanks to its intelligence, protective nature, and boundless energy, it was especially popular on farms. There, it watched over flocks and kept a sharp lookout for intruders.

Ever versatile, it has smoothly transitioned to modern times as a K-9 operative in the armed forces and law enforcement, and even as a star on the small and silver screens.

Height and Weight

The Belgian Tervuren ranges from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 75 pounds, making it a large dog.

Common Health Issues

The Belgian Tervuren is susceptible to several different eye conditions. These include pannus, an immune condition of the cornea that develops in middle age, as well as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. In addition, Belgian Tervurens sometimes develop osteochondritis, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia as well as epilepsy. They may also suffer from allergies.

The American Belgian Tervuren Club participates in the CHIC certification program. For CHIC certification, the dog must have an eye examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (results recorded in the OFA Eye Certification Registry), as well as thyroid, elbow, and hip examinations through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The results are listed in the CHIC database, which potential buyers can check before making a purchase.

Temperament

As a herding breed, the Belgian Tervuren is bred to work. When given a job to do—one that keeps both his mind and body active—he is happiest. With too much free time, he may develop destructive habits.

The good news is that the Belgian Tervuren is very intelligent and loves working alongside people. If you are willing to put the time into training, you will be rewarded with a loving, pleasant companion.

Belgian Tervurens are highly intelligent, and they will learn good (or bad) behavior from how they are raised. While the personality of a Belgian Tervuren puppy may seem endearing, it is important to discourage nipping, chasing, and other herding traits while your puppy is young.

If you are interested in adopting a dog from a rescue, plan to work patiently with it as it learns to become a member of your family. Belgian Tervurens often end up in rescues due to their high energy levels. With a solid training plan and plenty of exercise, they can easily learn more positive behaviors.

How To Take Care of a Belgian Tervuren

The prospective pet owner should have a good idea of what to expect from a Belgian Tervuren. The breed can seem high-maintenance in some ways, such as its activity level, but its intelligence and love for companionship make it an attractive choice for many families.

The Best Dog Food

As with any breed that tends to develop hip or elbow problems, choosing a dog food high in calcium is a smart choice. Feed puppy food exclusively until your puppy is around a year old.

When you transition to adult food, choosing a blend intended for dogs with a high activity level will keep your dog in good condition. Breaking the food requirements up into several smaller meals throughout the day is important for puppies and is a good habit to maintain into adulthood. Maintaining a healthy weight may help your pup’s joints throughout its lifespan.

Access to fresh, clean water at all times is important for your pup as well. Some dogs enjoy the taste of flowing water and drink more if provided with a pet fountain.

Maintenance and Grooming

Brushing this pup’s coat once or twice a week minimizes shedding by removing dead hair. Regular brushing with a pin or slicker brush can make quick work of this job and prevent your pet from developing mats in his dense undercoat.

Once or twice a year, expect your Belgian Tervuren to blow his coat, or shed heavily for a week or so. More frequent brushing during this time can keep your home cleaner and speed the shedding process.

A good look at your pup’s coat will show the interesting colors that give him such a distinctive look. Each hair has a base color—generally fawn but sometimes a richer, redder brown—and a black tip.

Aside from regular brushing, trim your pup’s nails every few weeks, brush his teeth frequently, and wipe his ears out as needed. Other than that, an occasional bath can keep him looking and smelling fresh.

Training

It is never too early to start training your puppy. By getting an early start in housetraining and obedience work, you not only prevent bad habits from developing but also bond more easily with your pup.

Formal obedience classes may have to wait until your pup has received his vaccinations, but you can get a head start on socialization by inviting friends and family over to visit. Early introductions to children and cats help your pup learn how to behave, which is important as he matures.

Exercise

The breed is very active. Many of the challenges that Belgian Tervuren owners face are due to too much energy and not enough stimulation. Even if you have a fenced yard, your dog needs daily activity, such as walks, training sessions, and active play, to ensure he burns off excess energy. A Belgian Tervuren that doesn’t get sufficient exercise can develop bad habits such as digging, chewing, and barking.

Puppies

The average size of a Belgian Tervuren litter is 6 to 10 puppies. The pups will be mostly fawn or mahogany-colored with dark tips on each hair. There is not much variety in colors in the Belgian Tervuren.

Children

Belgian Tervurens are good with children if they are socialized with them from a young age. If there are children in your family, your pup will consider them as part of the family.

If there are no children around, spending time walking your dog at parks and other public spaces where he can observe children, with their rambunctious play and unpredictable movement, will make him more comfortable around them.

As a herding breed, the Belgian Tervuren can tend to “herd” children and other pets by circling and nipping. It is important to discourage this from a young age. While it may be cute for a small puppy, it becomes a big problem as the dog matures.

Dogs Similar To Belgian Tervuren

The dogs most similar to the Belgian Tervuren would be other Belgian Shepherds, such as the Malinois and Belgian Sheepdog. For breeds outside this family, look at other large-sized herding breeds, such as the German Shepherd.

Belgian Tervuren vs Malinois

The breeds are similar in many ways. They both require plenty of exercise and training, are energetic, and enjoy having a job to do. The short, hard coat of the Malinois allows it to do better in hot climates and harsh conditions. Malinois are also more independent than Tervurens. While both are easily trained, the Tervuren is more likely to bond closely with all family members rather than selecting one as the boss.

Famous Belgian Tervuren

Albert was a police dog for the Amsterdam police force during a period when the city’s population exploded. Responsible for tracking down more than 200 individuals over his career, the people of Amsterdam recognized his service by erecting a statue in his honor after he died in 1922.