A Belgian Tervuren
Photo: Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new tab) · source (opens in a new tab)

Belgian Tervuren

Also called Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren), Chien de Berger Belge and Tervuren

  • Easy to train
  • Needs space
  • Needs lots of exercise
  • Sheds a lot

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized breed of herding dog from Belgium. These dogs are medium in size, with a thick double coat of fur to protect them from the cold. They have an energetic and intelligent demeanor, with an instinct for herding and working. They are highly trainable and obedient, but require firm and consistent training to be obedient. They are loyal and devoted to their family, with an independent nature that makes them well suited for herding and guard work.

Weight
44–75 lb (20–34 kg)
Height at the shoulder
22–26 in (56–66 cm)
Life span
12–15 years
Exercise
About 60 minutes a day
Coat
Long, Double
Origin
Tervuren, Flemish Brabant, Belgium (late 19th century)

Traits

Family and friends

  • Children: OK with children
  • Other dogs: OK with other dogs
  • Strangers: Reserved with strangers

Home and activity

  • Energy: Very energetic
  • Apartment living: Not suited to apartments
  • Barking: Barks sometimes
  • Training: Very easy to train

Care

  • Grooming: Frequent grooming
  • Shedding: Sheds a lot
  • Drooling: Hardly drools

Temperament

Active Alert Independent Intelligent Loyal Protective

Coat colours

Black mask and fawn to mahogany with black overlay

Males and females

MeasureMalesFemales
Weight 55–75 lb (25–34 kg) 44–55 lb (20–25 kg)
Height 24–26 in (61–66 cm) 22–24 in (56–61 cm)

Recognized by

American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC)


Caring for a Belgian Tervuren

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Veterinarians

Check-ups and vaccinations through its 12–15 years.

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Groomers

Its coat needs frequent grooming to stay healthy.

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Dog walkers

Needs about 60 minutes of exercise a day.

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Pet sitters

Someone to look after it while you’re away.

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Breeds of a similar size

All large breeds
A Beauceron
Large

Beauceron

Herding Group

  • Weight:66–86 lb (30–39 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years
A Belgian Laekenois
Large

Belgian Laekenois

Herding Group

  • Weight:55–64 lb (25–29 kg)
  • Life span:10–12 years
A Belgian Malinois
Large

Belgian Malinois

Herding Group

  • Weight:40–79 lb (18–36 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years
A Belgian Sheepdog
Large

Belgian Sheepdog

Herding Group

  • Weight:40–75 lb (18–34 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years

Sources

Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).