Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: 5 Key Differences

While they may look similar upon first glance, there are a great deal of differences between the Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd. But what might some of these differences be, and how can you learn how to tell these two distinct dog breeds apart?

In this article, we will discuss the appearances, behaviors, and ancestry of both the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd so that you can learn to tell them apart. We will address both of these breeds in totality so that you leave with a full understanding of both dog breeds. Let’s get started and talk about these beautiful dogs now!

Comparing Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd

Key Differences Between Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd

There are many key differences between the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd. For example, German Shepherds are larger in both height and weight compared to the average Belgian Tervuren. While their coat colors appear similar, the Belgian Tervuren has a longer coat compared to the coarse coat of the German Shepherd. Finally, the German Shepherd lives a slightly shorter life compared to the Belgian Tervuren.

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: Size

Despite their similarities, the German Shepherd is larger than the Belgian Tervuren. However, this difference is extremely subtle, and it may not be enough to help you tell these two dog breeds apart. Let’s take a closer look at the figures now.

The average Belgian Tervuren weighs anywhere from 60-75 pounds, while German Shepherds average 75-90 pounds, depending on gender. Additionally, the heights of these two dogs are similar, but the German Shepherd is still taller than the Belgian Tervuren. For example, the Belgian Tervuren ranges in height from 21-26 inches tall, while German Shepherds average 22-27 inches tall.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: Appearance

There are a few subtle distinctions in the appearance of the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd. Both have extremely similar coat patterns and colorations, though the Belgian Tervuren has a longer and silkier coat compared to the short and coarse coat of the German Shepherd.

Additionally, the snout of the Belgian Tervuren is wider and shorter compared to the elongated snout of the German Shepherd. However, all of these differences are extremely subtle, and German Shepherds can have longer fur that closely resembles the fur of the Belgian Tervuren!

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: Ancestry and Breeding

You may have already guessed it, but the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd have different breeding and ancestries. For example, the Belgian Tervuren originated in Belgium, while the German Shepherd originated in Germany. While they were both bred for the same job originally, there are some differences in their breeding nowadays.

The Belgian Tervuren is an adept and skilled herding dog, while the German Shepherd is primarily used in police work in our modern era. However, they both have herding dog capabilities, though the Belgian Tervuren won the first ever AKC herding competition!

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: Behavior

There are a few behavioral differences when comparing the German Shepherd and the Belgian Tervuren. For example, the Belgian Tervuren is a friendlier dog breed in comparison to the aloof and alert German Shepherd. This isn’t to say that the German Shepherd is always an aggressive breed– the Belgian Shepherd is just more likely to warm up to strangers in comparison.

Additionally, the German Shepherd is more laid back compared to the active and high energy Belgian Tervuren. While both breeds need ample exercise and stimulation to feel satisfied, the Belgian Tervuren needs plenty of room to roam, while the German Shepherd prefers to remain close to its owners. No matter what, both of these dogs enjoy protecting their families, and they are highly intelligent and easy to train.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd: Lifespan

A final difference between the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd is their individual lifespans. The German Shepherd lives a slightly shorter life compared to the average Belgian Tervuren. However, this likely has to do with the size of the average German Shepherd compared to the size of the average Belgian Tervuren. Smaller dogs live longer lives than large dogs, though studies are still unclear as to why.

Looking at their lifespans in more detail, the German Shepherd lives an average of 10-14 years, while the Belgian Tervuren lives anywhere from 11-15 years total. However, it all depends on the health and wellness of every individual dog. Ensuring that your dog eats a well balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise is key to a long and happy life!

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