Belgian Tervuren

also known as Tervuren

Pros History


The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. This breed is one of four types of Belgian Sheepdogs, which are all considered to be breeds under the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and are recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

The Belgian Tervuren breed was named after the village of Tervuren, located in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. The breed was created by a Belgian breeder named Adolphe Reul in 1891, who sought to standardize the herding and sheepdog breeds of Belgium. He named the breed after the village where the first official show for the breed was held.

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized breed, standing at around 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 55-75 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that comes in shades of fawn, mahogany and gray. They are known for their elegant and agile appearance.

The Belgian Tervuren is a highly intelligent and trainable breed, making them excel in many different areas such as obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and even as therapy dogs. They are also known for their loyalty, protective instincts and make great watchdogs. They are good with children and make great family pets, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

The Belgian Tervuren is a relatively healthy breed, with a lifespan of around 12-14 years. They are prone to some inherited health conditions such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), but these conditions can be prevented through responsible breeding practices.

In the early 1900s, Belgian Tervurens were used as police dogs in Belgium, and their intelligence and trainability made them well-suited for this role.

They were one of the first breeds to be used as a search and rescue dog, with the first known rescue mission involving a Belgian Tervuren taking place in 1915.

Breed Information


Type

Is Belgian Tervuren a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Belgian Tervurens originally used for?

stock herding, guarding

Lifespan

How Long Do Belgian Tervurens Live? What is average life expectancy for a Belgian Tervuren? How long can Belgian Tervurens live?

12-14 years

The average Belgian Tervuren lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Belgian Tervuren Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Belgian Tervuren?

What is the average height of a Belgian Tervuren? How big is a Purebred Belgian Tervuren height? Belgian Tervuren dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Belgian Tervuren? How much should Belgian Tervurens weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-75 pounds (25 - 34 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg)
Female 40-60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Belgian Tervurens get fat easily?

The Belgian Tervuren is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Belgian Tervurens Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Belgian Tervuren is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Belgian Tervuren personality? What are Belgian Tervuren dogs best known for?

Alert
Energetic
Loyal
Attentive
Intelligent
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Belgian Tervurens heavy shedders? How Much Does a Belgian Tervuren Shed?

Belgian Tervuren dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Belgian Tervuren. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Belgian Tervuren dog?

The Belgian Tervuren dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Belgian Tervurens come from?

Belgium

Ancestry

What are Belgian Tervurens descended from?

shepherd

Date of Birth

When were Belgian Tervurens first bred? How old is the Belgian Tervuren breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Belgian Tervuren?

Herding (AKC:1959 & UKC)

Belgian Tervuren Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Belgian Tervuren eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Tervuren nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Tervuren coat be naturally?

Black
Brindle
Cream
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a Belgian Tervurens coat?

The coat of a Belgian Tervuren dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Belgian Tervuren Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Belgian Tervuren?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Belgian Tervuren have in a litter? How many puppies can a Belgian Tervuren have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Belgian Tervuren can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Belgian Tervurens are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Belgian Tervuren Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Belgian Tervurens have a lot of health problems?

The Belgian Tervuren is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Belgian Tervuren?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Thyroid
Von Willebrand's Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Belgian Tervurens?

Elbow Dysplasia
Sebaceous Adenitis
Skin Allergies
Dental Disease
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Belgian Tervuren breed?

Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Dental Examination

Belgian Tervuren Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Belgian Tervurens have a lot of energy?

Belgian Tervurens are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Belgian Tervurens need socialization? How social are Belgian Tervurens?

Belgian Tervuren have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Belgian Tervurens get?

The Belgian Tervuren needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Belgian Tervuren have? Do Belgian Tervurens sleep a lot?

Belgian Tervurens dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Belgian Tervuren drool a lot?

The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Belgian Tervuren dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Belgian Tervurens exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Belgian Tervurens mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Belgian Tervuren running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Belgian Tervuren dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Belgian Tervuren? How much energy does a Belgian Tervuren have?

High

Belgian Tervurens are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Belgian Tervuren walk each week? How many miles should a Belgian Tervuren walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Tervuren, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Belgian Tervuren should exercise a day? How much activity does a Belgian Tervuren need?

60 minutes

In general most Belgian Tervurens usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Belgian Tervuren?

The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Belgian Tervuren?

Weekly

Belgian Tervuren should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Belgian Tervurens?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Belgian Tervuren eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 55-75 pound (25 - 34 kg) Belgian Tervuren feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Tervuren Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Belgian Tervuren is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Tervuren Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Tervuren is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Belgian Tervuren Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Belgian Tervuren?

The Belgian Tervuren breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Belgian Tervuren dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Belgian Tervuren dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Belgian Tervuren do well in apartments? Are Belgian Tervurens good indoor dogs?

Belgian Tervurens are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Belgian Tervurens good with kids? Are Belgian Tervurens good around children?

Belgian Tervurens are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Belgian Tervurens good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Belgian Tervurens good with cats? How friendly Belgian Tervurens are toward cats?

Belgian Tervurens are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Belgian Tervurens can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Belgian Tervuren dogs get along with other dogs? Are Belgian Tervurens OK with other dogs?

Belgian Tervurens are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Belgian Tervuren dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Belgian Tervurens friendly with strangers?

Belgian Tervurens are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Belgian Tervurens are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Belgian Tervurens will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Belgian Tervurens like to play? Are Belgian Tervurens playful?

Belgian Tervurens are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Belgian Tervuren for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Belgian Tervuren easily trained?

The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High intelligence
    Belgian Tervuren are highly intelligent and trainable.
  • Active
    They have high energy levels and require regular exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The risk of obesity in Belgian Tervurens is generally low to average.
  • Good watchdogs
    Belgian Tervuren are known to be protective of their owners and make excellent watchdogs.
  • Versatile
    They are often used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Belgian Tervurens are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Not cat-friendly
    If you have a cat, a Belgian Tervuren may not be the right dog for you.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Belgian Tervuren, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Barking
    The breed of this dog is characterized by its loudness.
  • Health concerns
    Health issues that Belgian Tervurens may face, like other breeds, may include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Thyroid, Von Willebrand's Disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.