BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG (TERVUREN)

Temperament: Protective, Devoted, Smart
Height:  21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Tervuren is a Belgian breed used in sheep herding and was classed as a separate breed from other Belgian Sheepdogs in 1891. After the Second World War, the breed had almost died out, but a concentrated effort brought them back. It is now used more as a Sheep dog than any other of the Belgian Shepherding dogs.

The four Belgian herding breeds are all similar in type, but each sports a distinctive look. The Belgian Tervuren is a beautiful, medium-size dog with a long, rich fawn to russet mahogany coat superimposed with a blanket of black, giving the Terv a striking appearance. He has the same athletic body and seemingly endless well of energy that characterizes all the Belgian shepherd breeds.

And he can do a lot of things. The Terv isn’t just a herding dog anymore. He does police work, is an accomplished assistance dog and therapy dog, and participates in any number of dog sports, from herding — natch! — to agility, obedience, sledding (yes, sledding), and tracking.

Tervs are devoted to their families, including children, but they’re more interested in hanging with the adults. They can get along well with other dogs and cats if they’re brought up with them, although they may have issues with strange animals that come onto their property.

PERSONALITY

The Tervuren is an alert, watchful and active breed with an independent streak, making it ideal at herding. They are intelligent and energetic, forming a close bond with their owners and thrive when out working in the field. As a working breed they need constant mental and physical stimulation and are often used as Search and Rescue dogs, in agility competitions, tracking and as farm dogs. They are very loyal and can be protective of their owners and home. They get on well with children and make good guardians, but are wary of strangers and new dogs.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

HEALTH

Health problems that may affect Belgian Tervurens include: canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA: degeneration of retinal tissue that can lead to blindness) and in some rare cases seizures.

CARE

The Belgian Tervuren is an indoor/outdoor dog. He should live indoors with the family but needs access to a securely fenced yard that will prevent him from escaping to chase passing cyclists, joggers, and cars.

If possible, provide your Belgian Tervuren with some off-leash exercise in a fenced area in addition to long walks or jogging. He needs at least an hour of activity daily, which can be broken up into two or three exercise or play sessions. If you like to hike or jog, your Tervuren will be happy to be by your side.

Belgian Tervuren are sensitive and highly trainable. Be firm, calm, and consistent with them. Anger and physical force are counterproductive. Use positive training techniques, rewarding them with praise, play, or treats when they perform commands correctly or do anything you like even if you didn’t ask them to.

GROOMING

Like most double-coated dogs, Tervs shed year-round. Males usually have one heavy shed per year, while females shed between each heat cycle. Expect to spend 15 to 20 minutes per week brushing out that coat to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles. If you do this, you shouldn’t have a lot of loose hair flying around your house, especially if you supplement the weekly brushing with a quick daily brushing of a minute or two.

Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Terv’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim nails regularly if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. 

Begin accustoming your Terv to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside his mouth and ears.

Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Source: dogtime, vetstreet.