The Tervuren is a versatile working dog from Belgium. In our profile, we’d like to introduce you to this athletic breed.

History of the Tervuren

Never heard of the Tervuren dog breed? That’s not surprising, as these beautiful and active dogs are rarely seen in the US. Tervurens are one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, which also include the Malinois, Groenendael, and Laekenois. They were bred in the 19th century in Belgium as herding dogs for sheep. The breeds were separated only in 1892, and the first standard for the Tervuren was established. In 1901, the breed was first registered with the Société Royale St. Hubert (SRSH). However, it wasn’t until 1910 that the breed solidified into its current appearance and character.

Appearance

The Tervuren has a fawn-colored coat with shades of red-brown. The coat is very dense, smooth, and long-haired. Notably, the dog has a black mask and black tips on its fur. Male Tervurens even develop a proper mane and an apron on the chest. They also have more fur on the tail, thighs, and ears. The breed has a square, medium-sized build, and it always carries its head in a high and proud position. The overall appearance of the breed is elegant and powerful, radiating strength, energy, and a willingness to work.

Temperament and Character

The Tervuren was originally bred as a herding and guard dog and, like all Belgian shepherd dogs, has a very lively character. This is why these dogs have a special need to please their master and are very eager to obey commands. They are very affectionate and do not like to be left alone. They also have great stamina and lots of energy. This is why the Tervuren needs good training and should be given plenty of exercise.

Otherwise, this very active dog is not suitable as a family dog. Without a task or sporting activity, the herding dog quickly becomes bored and releases its excess energy through problematic behavior. However, if the Tervuere receives proper training and is physically and mentally exercised, you will find this breed to be a loyal and reliable companion for life. They carry out their master’s commands accurately and neatly, even at the slightest sign.

The Tervuren can be used very well in various dog sports. Whether agility or competition sports, the Tervuren is up for any sport.

As he is always loyal to his owner and willing to learn and is also very intelligent, this breed is often used as a service dog by the police, customs or rescue services. The Tervuren is open and friendly towards strangers and other dogs.

Acquiring

If you want to get a Tervuren, you must be aware that this breed is an active and energetic working dog. This breed is also very rare in the United States, which is why finding a suitable breeder may take some time. You should also expect longer waiting times and a longer journey. The cost of a Tervuren puppy with papers and all the necessary vaccinations can be upwards of $1500.

Puppy Development and Training

Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Tervuren is a late bloomer and takes longer than other dogs to grow up. The dogs are still very playful for a long time. They are not mentally mature until they are three years old.

As Tervuren are eager to learn, intelligent and committed, they are very easy to train for the right owner. As small puppies, however, Tervuren should not be overtaxed and should be taught the basic rules and how to live together with humans through lots of play. From the tenth month of life, you can then start with obedience exercises and direct training of the dog. You will notice that the Tervuren puppy learns quickly. It is important that you focus on positive reinforcement right from the start and avoid any harshness or excessive pressure. This will only destroy the dog’s willingness to work and self-confidence.

The basic training of the Tervuren is the same as for any other dog. However, you should not stop after the basic training, but aim to train the dog further. He needs mental and physical exercise in order to be happy. It is best to visit a dog school first and observe what your puppy particularly likes or enjoys and then encourage him in this direction. Tervuren are enthusiastic about any dog sport, but training as a rescue dog or police dog is also not out of the question. But remember to give them enough rest. The Tervuren is very energetic and does not take breaks on its own. This breed is not a beginner’s dog and should be trained by an experienced dog owner.

How to Care for a Tervuren ?

The Tervuren is a very robust dog and is undemanding in terms of the external conditions in which it is kept. However, when it comes to handling the Tervuren, it is extremely demanding. It needs over two hours of exercise and additional mental work every day. This very hard-working animal is definitely in the wrong place in a small apartment with a couch potato owner.

A house with a large garden in a rural setting, which he can also guard, is much more suitable. Provided he is given appropriate exercise. He needs lots of exercise and a task, otherwise he will become restless and unhappy. An active person or an active family who likes to take him on outings and exercise often is ideal for this bundle of energy.

Activities with a Tervuren

The Tervuren is ideal for jogging, riding or cycling. You don’t need to worry about overloading the dog. This very sporty and active dog also likes to go into the water, even in winter. The walks should be no shorter than one hour and up to four times a day. It is also ideal if you set up a search game for your dog to challenge him mentally.

In addition to walks on the lead, you should also exercise your Tervuren regularly off the lead (riding, jogging, etc.). Tervuren are also ideal for dog sports. The breed particularly enjoys trick dogging, dog dancing, THS or agility. As the owner of a Tervuren, you should definitely spend a lot of time with your dog.

Due to its active nature, the Tervuren is also often used by the police and customs as a particularly powerful service dog. The Tervuren is also ideal for use as a rescue or therapy dog. Due to its origins as a herding dog, the Tervuren can also be used to herd any type of animal herd. With the right activity and a task in everyday life, you will get a very calm and balanced dog with a Tervuren, who will be very loyal and obedient to your side.

Grooming a Tervuren

The Tervuren is long-haired with a thick undercoat. Nevertheless, grooming is rather low, as the coat is very easy to care for and does not tend to become matted. It is sufficient to brush the coat thoroughly once or twice a week. You can also brush more often when changing the coat so that the undercoat doesn’t spread all over the house. As with any dog, you should also check their ears, eyes, teeth and claws regularly and groom them if necessary. Bathing is only rarely necessary if the dog rolls around in the dirt.

It is important with Tervuren that you get him used to brushing and checking his ears, claws etc.. Tervuren are real bundles of energy by nature and don’t like to sit still. However, with a lot of patience, loving consistency and lots of positive reinforcement, you will definitely get these lively puppies to sit still.

Health and Hereditary

The Tervuren is a robust and original dog breed that was bred with an emphasis on good health and a balanced character. This is why this breed suffers much less frequently from hereditary diseases than other sheepdog breeds. However, if kept incorrectly, a Tervuren can certainly suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia.

This mainly occurs if the dog is exercised too early. Epilepsy, cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy are less common in this breed. Tervuren dogs also quickly become overweight due to lack of exercise, which leads to health problems and earlier mortality.

Interesting Facts

From a total of 117 Belgian Shepherd dogs, the four Belgian Shepherd breeds developed. Initially, the 117 dogs differed significantly depending on their region of origin and were listed only based on their coat pattern, remaining a single breed for a long time. Later on, the Tervuren emerged from this group, among others.

Do you have a Tervuren or are you planning to get one soon? Share with us in the comments what makes this breed special!