Belgian Tervuren
Also known as Tervuren, Tervueren
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Belgium
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An elegant, athletic, medium-sized herding dog with a long double coat ranging from rich fawn to mahogany with a black mask, known for its intelligence, versatility and strong drive to work.
History and origins
One of the four distinct varieties of Belgian Shepherd developed in the late 19th century, named after the village of Tervuren. Originally used as a versatile herding and guard dog, prized for its intelligence and elegance.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Epilepsy
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Hemangiosarcoma
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Belgian Tervuren FAQ
How big does the Belgian Tervuren get?
The Belgian Tervuren stands 56 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 30 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Belgian Tervuren shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Belgian Tervuren live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Belgian Tervuren need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Belgian Tervuren good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Belgian Tervuren live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are epilepsy, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
