Description

The elegant Tervuren is slender, squarely proportioned and solidly muscled, but not bulky, with proud carriage. The hindquarters are muscular, without looking heavy. The small, dark, almond-shaped eyes have an alert and questioning expression. The alert erect ears should be equilateral triangles. They should be in good proportion to the dog's head. The muzzle tapers, but is not excessively pointy. The skull is flat and parallel to the plain of the muzzle. The nose is black and the lips should be tight. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The topline is level with a slight slope at the withers. The chest is neither broad nor narrow, but is deep, reaching to the elbow. The hindquarters are muscular, without looking heavy. The front legs are very straight and parallel to each other, with round cat-feet. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs and should be removed from the back legs. The long, feathered tail reaches at least to the hock. The harsh coat is medium to long, consisting of a dense under coat and a straight, black-tipped, outer coat which produces the characteristic black overlay. There is extra feathering on the rump and back of the legs as well as a ruff around the neck, extending down the chest (this is more pronounced in males). Base color may be fawn to mahogany with many registries accepting shades of gray. Some white is acceptable on the chest, toes and chin. The hair on the head, legs, and outer surface of the ears is short. The Belgian Tervuren generally darkens as it gets older. It has a light, graceful, almost floating gait.

Origin

The Belgian Tervuren, named for the Belgian village of Tervuren, is one of the four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. In most parts of the world the four varieties: the Tervuren (fawn-mahogany, shades of gray are acceptable in some registries, long coat with black mask and overlay, with black marks and overlay, pronounced Mal-in-wah), and the considered one breed. However in America, since 1959, the AKC has recognized the Groenendael, Malinois and Tervuren as separate breeds, but has not recognized the Laekenois at all. A less well-known, but growing U.S. registry, the UKC, does recognize all four varieties as one breed. An intelligent, versatile dog, the Belgian Tervuren excels not only in herding, but also in protection/law enforcement, drug/bomb/gas detection, search and rescue, tracking, obedience, sledding, agility and therapy/assistance to disabled, ill, or elderly people. Though not for everyone, properly socialized and trained, this high energy dog makes an excellent best friend and/or family companion dog. Brewer M. Corbeel is noted as the founder of the Tervuren variety, whose fawn dog was bred to a black longhaired dog, owned by M. Donhieux. The result of this cross became the prototype for the Tervuren standard. Even though his popularity is steadily increasing; his physical bearing is so similar to the German Shepherd Dog that he may never be a top-ranking canine. All the Belgian Sheepdogs were developed from hardy working dogs, which ensures that the modern breeds are compatibly gifted on the field. Today the Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs.

Temperament

The Belgian Tervuren is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. It is a very smart and obedient dog. Serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. Tervurens are instinctively protective so they should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however, make excellent pets. They are ever-watchful, alert and loyal, and they thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children if socialized well with them. The Belgian Tervuren needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best given ample time, attention, training and companionship. If this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at the owner's expense. This breed has a lot of energy and needs a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. Belgian Sheepdogs tends to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. Generally this Sheepdog gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. Belgian Sheepdogs may instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people's heels. Good for working and competitive obedience. This is a very demanding dog. It needs an experienced owner. It can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him. There can be wide differences in temperament and aggressiveness. Talk to someone experienced with the breed before you buy your dog. Although these dogs are often impressive, don't base your purchase solely on achievement records and appearances. Animals displaying excessive aggression or fearfulness should be avoided.

Height

Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61 cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg.) Bitches 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.)

Known Health Problems

This hardy, healthy breed has no major health concerns. Some minor concerns that have been seen are epilepsy, skin allergies, eye problems, excessive shyness, excessive aggressiveness and occasionally seen hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Do not overfeed this breed, for it has a tendency to become obese and lazy.

Conditions for Living

The Belgian Tervuren will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed prefers cool climates, but adapts well to others. It can live outdoors but would much rather be with his people.

Exercise Requirments

This is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As addition, they will greatly benefit being off the leash as much as possible in a safe area.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years Litter Size Average 6 - 10 puppies

Grooming

The Belgian Tervuren has a long, straight, medium-length, heavy outer coat and a dense under coat that requires daily combing and brushing. Clip out mats that form, particularly in the ruff and on the legs, and clip hair from between the toes and on the outer ears. This breed is a constant light shedder, with males shedding heavily once a year and females twice a year. The coat needs a good thorough brushing once or twice a week.

Group

Herding, AKC Herding