Our Belgian Tervuren dog breed information profile includes characteristics, traits, Belgian Tervuren personality and temperament, lifespan, suitability for children, exercise needs, training, health problems and much more. Enjoy our Belgian Tervuren pictures gallery, and send in your own cute Belgian Tervuren puppy photos!

Meet the Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed

If you’re looking for a dog that is an independent thinker that can help you herd the kids out the door in time for the school bus, the Belgian Tervuren may be the dog of your dreams. This elegant shepherd dog is one of four gorgeous specimens of doghood that hail from Belgium, and just like Belgian chocolate, this dog is a rare delight – once experienced, not soon forgotten.

Belgian Tervuren Facts | Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Pictures | Belgian Tervuren History | Belgian Tervuren Appearance
Belgian Tervuren Temperament | Belgian Tervuren Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervuren Grooming Needs
Belgian Tervuren Training | Belgian Tervuren Health Issues
Is the Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed the Right Choice for You?

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Belgian Tervuren History

The Belgian Tervuren has had a muddled past. Originally, the Terv was one of four Belgian Sheppard breeds, not highly regarded as anything other than a useful farm hand and of the four, the Belgian Tervuren’s banal colouration made him the ugly duckling. Arguments over desired colours and other features usually left the Terv a distant forth in all regions except in the small village of Tervuren. There, one farming family endeavoured to establish the Belgian Tervuren as a legitimate and singular breed.

By 1918, the Belgian Tervuren was recognized by the American Kennel Club, but the breed’s numbered were low. The Great Depression further decimated their numbers and the Belgian Tervuren was virtually wiped out in America. Following World War II, efforts were made to re-establish this lost breed and the Belgian Tervuren was recreated using the stock of his prettier duckling cousins, the Belgian Malinois. 1959 Saw the re-emergence of the Belgian Tervuren, this time to a more welcoming public. Since then, the Belgian Tervuren has gained moderate popularity and his versatility and temperament are much appreciated.

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Belgian Tervuren Appearance

The Belgian Tervuren is en elegant and graceful breed. The Terv’s gait seems effortless with endurance to match. The Belgian Tervuren has a dense double coat, the outermost of which is long and wiry.

The facial features on the Belgian Tervuren are similar to other herding dogs; almond eyes, erect triangular ears and a longish, narrow muzzle. The Terv has tiny, cat-like feet and a feathered tail that is carried low.

Belgian Tervuren Temperament and Personality

The Belgian Tervuren will be a well-mannered companion as long as he is well exercised. Owners who expect that a casual stroll around the block will satisfy the Belgian Tervuren are in for a surprise. The Terv will lose patience with his lack of physical and mental stimulation and will seek an outlet for himself. This can manifest in hyperactivity (bad) or destruction (worse).

If properly exercised, the Belgian Tervuren will be calm and obedient indoors but will be aloof toward strangers. Your Belgian Tervuren is instinctively a herding dog so all opportunities to perform this function will be taken. Like most herding dogs, a nip to the heel is the favoured tactic. To the Belgian Tervuren, those available for herding include your children, joggers (come sprinters) and your long-suffering grandmother, so do train your Terv early to avoid the worst of this.

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Belgian Tervuren Exercise Needs

The Belgian Tervuren is a breed that needs more exercise than most others. Herders in general require an 8 – 10 kilometres walk daily, and Tervs in particular need slightly more. If a herding game can be organized with say, the local flock of sheep, all the better. But if you are sheep-less, an obstacle course with leaping, crawling and sprinting can burn some of the Belgian Tervuren’s energy. Unfortunately, the Terv will become bored of this game if it plays too prominently into the daily exercise routine. Owners of the Belgian Tervuren must face the truth, a regular minimum walk of ten kilometres is the surest way to keep your Terv happy and healthy.

Grooming Belgian Tervurens

The Belgian Tervuren is one furry dog. His double coat will make weekly brushing insufficient, daily brushing is in order for this breed. The Terv will shed hair year round, and brushing will help to ease the proliferation of tumbleweed-like hair balls. When the Belgian Tervuren blows his coat the shed is monumental, so brace yourself.

Bathing your Belgian Tervuren is helped along by the Terv’s high degree of trainability. His thick coat will take some time to drench, and even longer to rinse. It is recommended that only low-fragrance doggie shampoo be used, and do be vigilant in rinsing all residue. Remnants of shampoo can irritate your Belgian Tervuren’s skin. Finally, dry your Terv as best you can using a hairdryer on a medium setting. Dampness can also create skin problems.

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Training Belgian Tervurens

Your Belgian Tervuren is an exceptionally smart dog will learn quickly. The Terv is keen to please, but without owner consistency, your Belgian Tervuren may be confused and become frustrated.

The best example of inconsistency is with the word down. The owner may use this word to mean lie down. This use of the word would be correct and your Belgian Tervuren should obey. Unfortunately, some less astute owners would yell down for the Terv to get off the couch, or to not jump at visitors or to not steal food from the table and so on. Therein lies the confusion.

The savvy Belgian Tervuren owner will reserve the down command for only when the Terv is expected to lie down. Other phrases like sit, off or leave it should be used exclusively for other commands.

Armed with this tip and with a kind but firm voice, the Belgian Tervuren owner should find much training success.

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Belgian Tervuren Health Concerns

Some common health concerns include; seizures, CHD, elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism, and PRA

Also of note, the Belgian Tervuren occasionally experiences PPM, pannus, cataracts and hemangiosarcoma.

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Is a Belgian Tervuren Right For Me?

The Belgian Tervuren is a spirited and alert dog with some sizable maintenance demands. So, first time dog owners may find the Terv unmanageable. Similarly, condo dwellers may find their space too confining for this energetic breed. However, if your sub-urban family has an expansive fenced yard and is well prepared for the exercise requirements, then the Belgian Tervuren is an excellent choice. Rural families, regardless of sheep ownership, will enjoy the Belgian Tervuren’s playful herding tendencies and watchful attentiveness.

When purchasing your Belgian Tervuren, resist the urge to purchase a dog inexpensively from a pet store or from an advertisement in a newspaper. You may unwittingly buy a mal-adjusted, sick, puppy mill dog. This is to be avoided at all costs.

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Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Pictures Gallery

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