The Belgian Tervuren is a breed of Belgian herding dog with origins in the 1800s. It is in the same family of dogs as the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois and Belgian Groenendael. It is of medium size and is well-muscled and lean. It has a double coat with a face mask and ears that stand tall. Color variations are fawn, mahogany, black and grey with a black overlay. Its distinguishing characteristics are its long, thick coat that may have feathering, a black nose, upright ears and highly-set eyes. The most likely breeds used in the creation of this breed is the Bouvier des Flandres, the German Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd.
What makes the Belgian Tervuren special is its loyal nature and bright intelligence. They are considered to be one of the most trainable breeds and make excellent guard dogs, obedience competitors, and service and agility dogs. They are relatively large yet agile and have been bred for hundreds of years to be alert and responsive to their handler. Their distinctive black mask, feathering and highly alert eyes differentiate them from other breeds.
The Belgian Tervuren is a loyal and devoted working dog who loves to be active, loves to learn and loves to please their owners. They are friendly, gentle, tolerant, and highly intelligent. Tervurens make great companions for both adults and kids alike and get along well with other dogs and cats. Early socialization and obedience training are important for the Tervuren in order to prevent potential issues associated with high energy level and their active personalities.
They need plenty of daily exercise such as walks, runs, and playtime, but can be kept in an apartment as long as they receive proper attention and exercise. This breed is not barkers and is rather quiet which makes them suitable for apartment living. Due to their high level of intelligence, they are very trainable and develop strong bonds with their family after consistent, positive reinforcement.
The Belgian Tervuren is an energetic working dog that needs a balanced diet of protein, fat, whole grains, and carbohydrates. Feeding them two meals a day is suitable, but the amounts should depend on the dog’s age, sex, and activity level. An adult Tervuren should receive the recommended amounts of nutrients through whole grains, high-quality proteins, and vegetables. Healthy treats such as fruits and vegetables are also acceptable.
A proper diet and regular exercise are important in keeping your Belgian Tervuren strong and healthy, and also help to maintain a good temperament. Responsible ownership and adoption are key in making sure your dog is well taken care of, so please consider checking out the Way Canina website to learn more about your dog and find out what foods they should and shouldn’t eat. By doing this, you can ensure that your Belgian Tervuren lives a long and happy life.
Common health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and autoimmune thyroiditis. They have a genetic predisposition for bloat, a medical emergency with a swift onset in which the stomach rapidly rotates and fills with air, food and liquid. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are necessary to ensure their health and well-being. Regular grooming is also important for the Belgian Tervuren, which should be brushed regularly and bathed occasionally or on vet recommendation.
Ear cleaning should also be done as needed. Exercise and a balanced diet are important to keep them healthy and to prevent obesity. Keeping their diet portion-controlled can help their longevity as well.
The Belgian Tervuren is a smart and loyal breed with a typical lifespan range of 12 to 15 years. With adequate care, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and regular preventive veterinary checkups, these dogs have the potential to live a full life for their entire lifespan.
Owning a Belgian Tervuren is a big responsibility! Before you make any decision, it is important to learn about the breed in detail and understand the pros and cons of owning one of these delightful dogs. We invite you to take a look at our informative blog posts and articles on Way Canina for more information about the lifestyle and wellbeing of different breeds. Comparing breeds can help you make an informed decision that suits both you and your pup.
