Belgian Tervuren Guide: Temperament, Size, Grooming and Adoption

Belgian Tervuren history and background

The AKC places the Belgian Tervuren in the Herding Group and lists Belgium as its origin. The AKC recognized the breed in 1959. The breed is known in Belgium as the Chien de Berger Belge and developed because farms wanted one dog able both to herd livestock and to guard the family. Its versatility is still valued, and Tervurens appear in obedience and agility competitions and work in law enforcement, search and rescue, and therapy roles.

Belgian Tervuren size and weight

The AKC puts the Belgian Tervuren in its large size category. The AKC gives a height of 24-26 inches for males and 22-24 inches for females. It gives a weight of 55-75 pounds for males and 45-60 pounds for females. VCA Animal Hospitals instead calls them medium-sized and describes a long double coat in fawn, or russet mahogany with black.

Belgian Tervuren temperament and personality

The AKC describes the temperament as alert, intelligent and courageous. VCA Animal Hospitals calls them intelligent and energetic, happiest with a job to do, and loyal dogs that form strong bonds. They are watchful and alert with strong protective instincts, and VCA says they must be part of the family rather than isolated or left outdoors.

VCA says they are good with children if socialized with them, but their high energy may be overwhelming to little ones. The AKC rates family affection and child compatibility at 3 of 5 each.

Exercise and enrichment

The AKC rates the breed's energy and its need for mental enrichment at 4 of 5 each. VCA notes that Tervurens excel in obedience and agility.

Belgian Tervuren grooming and shedding

VCA describes them as constant light shedders that blow their coats once or twice a year. The AKC rates shedding at 3 of 5 and grooming frequency at 2 of 5. VCA suggests regular combing and brushing of the thick double coat, with any mats trimmed out.

Belgian Tervuren training

The AKC rates trainability at 5 of 5. VCA describes Tervurens as smart and obedient, responding best to a confident, consistent leader. They need to learn basic manners and may need to be taught not to herd their humans.

Belgian Tervuren lifespan and health issues

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-14 years. VCA calls the breed hardy and healthy in general, yet notes it may be prone to epilepsy, skin allergies and, now and then, hip and elbow dysplasia. The AKC lists hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation and thyroid evaluation as breed screenings. A veterinarian can advise on which checks suit an individual dog.

Considering a Belgian Tervuren rescue

Dogs shown on Lily's Second Chance are in the care of other organizations, so a Belgian Tervuren profile here points you to the shelter or rescue holding that dog. Because many Tervurens are energetic, protective and need a job to do, ask the listing organization about the dog's activity level and how it behaves with children.