Belgian Tervuerens

One of the four breeds of the Belgian Shepherds. The Belgian Tervueren is a well balanced medium size dog, elegant in appearance, standing squarely on all fours. A picture of power and grace. Belgian Tervuerens are intelligent, courageous, alert and devoted to their master. They excel in an active family environment, but also is a wonderful working dog whether in obedience, herding, agility or tracking. Belgians will adapt to both urban or a country environment as long as they have space to exercise.

Other Names: Tervueren, Chien de Berger Belge

Height: 56 - 66 cm (22 - 26 inches)
Weight: 28 kg (62 lbs.)

Colours: All shades of red, fawn, grey , with black overlap.
Coat: Long, straight and abundant.

Temperament: Obedient, loyal, intelligent, lively.
With Children: Yes, good with their family, should not be rough housing or played chase games with. May not tolerate other children.
With Pets: Needs to be socialised to other pets. Take extra care when introducing a new pet.

Watch-dog: Very High, suspicious of strangers.
Guard-dog: Very High, will protect family and property but will not attack unwarranted.

Care and Training: Weekly brushing, more during heavy shedding in the spring and autumn. Vigorous daily exercise is required plus time in a wide-opened fence run. Puppies need easily socialisation. He does well in obedience or herding. Should not be allowed to chase cars, bikes, joggers, or children.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving - High. Overbearing training techniques may encourage fear-biting.

Activity: High
Living Environment: Best suited for country living, but if not a home with a fenced yard is essential. An owner of a Belgian Tervueren should desire an active dog who is intelligent and protective.

Health Issues: Healthily dogs, majority are free from heritable disease. Sometimes you may find epilepsy, excessive shyness, eye problems and hip dysplasia.

Life Span: 12 - 14 Years
Litter Size: 6 - 10

Country of Origin: Belgium
History: Developed in Belgium for guarding and herding of sheep. He was formally recognised as the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1891. Present in the gene pool of these dogs there were dogs with long coats, short coats, rough or wired coats and a variance of colours. Making the Belgian Shepherd Dog with four varieties. The Groenendalel (known simple as the Belgium Sheepdog), with a solid long black coat, the Laekenois, a rough or wire-coat in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coated in fawn, red or brown and the Tervueren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. The American Kennel Club has recognised three of these four varieties. The British Kennel Club regards him as a single breed and the Federation Cynologique states one breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered on their coat type and colour, not of their parents.