<C>Height:</C> 24 to 26 inches (male); 22 to 24 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 60 to 75 pounds (male); 40 to 55 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Belgian Tervuren, named for the Belgian village of Tervuren, is one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog. In most parts of the world, the Groenendael (black, long coat, pronounced Grow-en-en-doll), Malinois (fawn-mahogany, short coat with black mask and overlay, pronounced Mal-in-wah), Tervuren (fawn-mahogany, shades of gray are acceptable in some registries, long coat with black mask and overlay, pronounced Terv-yer-en), and Laekenois (fawn, rough coat, pronounced Lak-in-wah) are considered to be one breed. However, in America, since 1959, the AKC has recognized the Groenendael, Malinois and Tervuren as separate breeds and 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.
<b>Description:</> The elegant Tervuren is slender, squarely proportioned, and solidly muscled, but not bulky, with a proud carriage. The topline is level from hip to withers, tapering from the withers up to a graceful, arched neck. The chest is neither broad nor narrow, but is deep, reaching to the elbow. The head is wedge-shaped with high-set, triangular, prick ears. Top planes of the skull and the muzzle should be parallel and equal in length with a moderate stop between. The eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped and reflect an alert, thoughtful, intelligent expression. The nose and tight lips are black. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The front legs are very straight and parallel to each other, with round, cat- feet. Dewclaws may be removed on the front legs and should be removed from the back legs. The harsh coat is medium to long, consisting of a dense undercoat and a straight, black-tipped, outer coat which produces the characteristic black overlay. There is extra feathering on the rump and backs of legs as well as a ruff around the neck, extending down the chest (more pronounced in males). The long, feathered tail reaches at least to the hocks. 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. Belgian Tervuren generally darken as they get older. The Belgian Tervuren has a light, graceful, almost floating gait.
<b>Notes:</> Light shedding is continuous, with males shedding heavily once and year, females twice a year. The coat needs a good, thorough brushing once or twice a week. Long hairs on the feet and hocks should be trimmed. Prefers cooler climates, but adapts well to others. The Tervuren can live indoors or out, but prefers being with his people. With proper training and socialization, they can usually get along quite well with other well-mannered pets and children. Needs an experienced, trusted leader, willing to devote time for exercise, training and social skill development. An active, highly intelligent breed, the Tervuren can easily become difficult to manage without outlets to exercise his mind and body. Tervuren instinctively demonstrate herding behaviors such as chasing, circling and moving effortlessly for hours. Though incidence of hip dysplasia is fairly low in this breed, look for OFA certified parents and grandparents. It is also recommended that eyes of breeding stock be certified clear by CERF. Ask questions of owners and breeders concerning family history of seizures and temperament, as well as hip and eye disorders. Though they are often impressive, don't base your purchase solely on achievement records and appearances.
Thanks to Whitney Blaine for coordinating reviews of the Belgian Tervuren material done by the Belg-l online Belgian Shepherd Dog fanciers and to Derede Arthur for organizing the review process.
<b>Personality:</> Smart, serious and responsive, excellent for competition obedience and agility. Confident, proud, alert and protective. Can tend toward extremes of being territorial and dog aggressive, or being shy and fearful. Time should be taken to learn about various temperaments in order to select a good dog-family match. Needs continuous socialization from an early age and motivational training methods. Needs to be part of the family --not a good kennel dog. If ignored, the Tervuren will find ways to entertain himself, often at his owner's expense. Tends to bond strongly to one or two people.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Very easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Daily grooming is best.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium long coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Constant shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
