One of four Belgian sheepdog breeds, the Belgian Tervuren is a versatile and athletic farm dog that also makes a wonderfully alert and intelligent housedog and companion.
If you are interested in bringing home a Belgian Tervuren, please keep reading. The following important breed information will help you decide if a Belgian Tervuren will be a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
Belonging to the AKC’s Herding Group, Belgian Tervurens or Tervs are medium sized dogs standing 22-26 inches tall and weighing approximately 45-75 pounds. The average lifespan of a Belgian Tervuren is 12-14 years.
In terms of personality, Belgian Tervurens are smart and active dogs that tend to get easily bored. They need to be kept busy and mentally stimulated to prevent destructive behaviors. This is a sensitive breed that does not do well if left alone for long hours every day. Prospective owners of Belgian Tervurens should therefore commit to providing plenty of exercise and attention to this pooch.
While not overly affectionate or playful, Belgian Tervurens make good family pets. They do reasonably well with young children and other dogs provided they receive early socialization as puppies.
Belgian Tervurens have a strong protective nature and make very good guard dogs. This is a versatile and adaptable breed that is quite open to strangers but not overly friendly.
Given that Belgian Tervurens were bred to be working farm dogs, they are very trainable. Again, Tervs have high energy levels and are easily bored, so they require positive outlets for their energy with daily exercise and play sessions. Prospective owners should be prepared to spend a fair amount of time getting active with this dog. Belgian Tervurens are moderately vocal and will bark on occasion.
The Belgian Tervuren’s medium length double coat sheds a fair amount and requires 1-2 weekly brushings, more frequently during the annual shedding season. These dogs are not heavy droolers.
In summary, you should consider the Belgian Tervuren if you want a smart, agile, confident, medium-sized muscular dog that likes to stay active and is pretty much tireless.
Convinced that a Belgian Tervuren is the right breed for you? Check out listings of reputable Terv breeders on Puppy Hero. We pre-screen every breeder so you can be sure you’re bringing home a happy, healthy Belgian Tervuren.
