Belgian Tervuren

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Herding
	Height:	Male: 24-26 Inches, Female: 22-24 Inches
	Weight:	Male: 55-65 pounds, Female: 40-50 pounds
	Colors:	rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overlay; black mask and ears
AKC recognized in:		1959

A member of the Belgian herding dogs, the Belgian Tervuren is a square bodied and medium sized type of dog that weighs approximately 65 pounds and can stand anywhere from 24 to 26 inches, with the female variety generally being smaller and much more lightweight than the male. These dogs have double coats and manes which are generally mahogany in color, with various shades of brown, some white in the paw tip as well as the chest, and black fur growing on the face.

The Belgian Tervuren has been used in the past for herding, but are now generally show dogs. They are often entered in competitions, but those that aren't are still considered favored pets.

The Belgian Tervuren has been known by several other names, including Tervuren and Chien de Berger Belge.

Temperament

Belgian Tervuren Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

The Belgian Tervuren is a naturally alpha dog and will demand attention from the owner. Without proper care and enough socialization especially from the pet owner, the dog will become aggressive and can be difficult to manage inside the house. In spite of this, the dog is very smart and can be used for many tasks such as picking up the paper, if the dog is living indoors or within an urban environment, and can also be used for farm work when the dog lives in a rural environment.

It is important to keep the dog properly exercised since the active nature of the Belgian Tervuren will make it anxious and easily bored when not given enough exercise and action based interaction. The dog also socializes very well with other people and even other dogs, unless it has been trained otherwise. It naturally has authority and can be used as a guard dog. When trained professionally, the dog can handle a variety of tasks.

Health and Exercise

The life expectancy of the Belgian Tervuren is up to 14 years of age, though some will only last up to 12 years. Good health practices and a regulated diet are essential for the dog, especially since it is prone to obesity when given too much food to eat, and which can consequently result in laziness. Without exercise, the Tervuren may also attack other small pets in the house, especially if the dog has not been socialized sufficiently with the other pets. One of the more prominent needs of the Tervuren is good grooming to ensure that its coat remains glossy and healthy. Otherwise, shedding may occur, as well as the growth of dull and brittle hair. A generally healthy dog with no major health problem tendencies, the most common ailments that should be watched out for are the following:

• Epilepsy
• Obesity
• Tervuren progressive retinal atrophy

With proper attention and regular exercise, however, these dogs are generally hardy creatures and will live well with its owner without posing any major problem. Another way to ensure that the Tervuren is healthy is by ensuring that your dog has been born from parents that are certified by the OFA and CERF as healthy, since some of the diseases associated with dogs are hereditary.

Visitor Comments

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