The Belgian Tervuren (pronounced Tur-vyoor-en), often affectionately called the Terv, is the elegant, mahogany-colored aristocrat of the Belgian Shepherd family. He shares the same athletic build and keen intelligence as his cousins, the Malinois and the Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog), but is distinguished by his long, flowing fawn-to-mahogany coat with a dramatic black overlay.

This is a dog of stunning beauty and serious capability. He is not just a pretty face; he is a workaholic. Originally bred to herd sheep, he has served as a police dog, war dog, search-and-rescue hero, and guide dog. He is intensely loyal to his family, often described as a “shadow” who will follow you from room to room, always checking to make sure his flock (you) is safe.

History and Origin: The Mahogany Shepherd

The Tervuren is one of four distinct varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs, all of which were once considered a single breed with different coat types.

• The Four Varieties: The varieties are named after the villages where they were developed:
  • Tervuren: Long-haired fawn/mahogany with black mask.
  • Groenendael: Long-haired black.
  • Malinois: Short-haired fawn/mahogany with black mask.
  • Laekenois: Rough or wire-haired fawn.
• M.F. Corbeel: In the late 19th century, a breeder named M.F. Corbeel lived in the village of Tervuren. He bred fawn-colored, long-haired dogs that became the foundation for the Tervuren variety. While the other varieties were named after regions or estates, the Tervuren was named after Corbeel’s home village.
• War Hero: Like the Malinois, the Tervuren quickly proved his worth beyond the pasture. During World War I, they served as ambulance dogs, messengers, and machine-gun pullers on the front lines. Their bravery and intelligence were legendary.
• AKC Recognition: The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1959 as a separate breed from the Belgian Sheepdog. In most other countries (and in the UK), all four varieties are still considered one breed: the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

Physical Characteristics: Elegance in Motion

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-to-large, square, and elegant dog. He should look proud and alert, never fearful.

• Height: Males 24–26 inches (61-66 cm); Females 22–24 inches (56-61 cm).
• Weight: Males 60–75 pounds (27-34 kg); Females 45–60 pounds (20-27 kg).

Distinctive Features

• The Coat: The breed’s trademark. It is long, straight, and abundant, with a heavy ruff or “collarette” around the neck (especially in males) and profuse feathering on the legs and tail.
• The Color: Fawn to rich mahogany, with a black overlay (charcoaling) on the tips of the hairs. The mask and ears are black. As the dog moves, the black overlay shimmers over the red base.
• The Head: Elegant, long, and finely chiseled, with a flat skull. It should look noble.
• Ears: Triangular, stiff, and erect. They appear small in proportion to the head.
• Eyes: Dark brown, almond-shaped, and sparkling with intelligence.
• Tail: Long and well-feathered, carried low at rest and raised with a slight curve when active.

Temperament and Personality

The Tervuren is known for his high intelligence and extreme sensitivity.

The Sensitive Soul

Unlike the “harder” Malinois, the Tervuren is typically softer and more sensitive. He is deeply in tune with his owner’s emotions. If you are stressed, he is stressed. He does not respond well to harsh correction; a stern look is often enough to discipline him. He wants to be with you all the time. He is not a dog you can leave in the backyard; he needs to be part of the family.

The Workaholic

He needs a job. Whether it’s obedience, agility, herding, or therapy work, he needs mental stimulation. A bored Tervuren is a destructive, neurotic Tervuren who will bark, chew, and pace. He has a high prey drive and will chase anything that moves (cars, joggers, squirrels).

The Protector

He is naturally protective and possessed of a strong guarding instinct. He will bark to announce visitors and will place himself between you and a perceived threat. However, this protective instinct must be managed with early socialization to prevent it from turning into fear-based aggression. He should be observant, not vicious.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: Motion is Life

The Tervuren was bred to run all day.

• Daily Needs: A long walk is a warm-up. He needs vigorous exercise: running, fetching a frisbee, or training for a sport.
• Sports: He excels in almost every dog sport: agility, obedience, rally, herding, tracking, Schutzhund (IGP), and flyball. He is a versatile athlete who loves to work with his handler.

Training: The Thinking Dog

He is brilliant. He learns new commands in fewer than five repetitions.

• Methods: He responds best to positive reinforcement (treats, toys, praise). Avoid harsh methods or heavy-handedness, which will cause him to shut down or become defensive.
• Engagement: He wants to work with you, not just for you. Building a bond through play and training is essential.
• Socialization: Introduce him to new people, places, surfaces, and noises daily as a puppy. This builds confidence.

Health and Lifespan

Belgian Tervurens are generally a healthy, robust breed, often living 12 to 14 years.

• Epilepsy: Seizures can occur in the breed. Research the pedigree carefully.
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in medium-large breeds.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye condition leading to blindness.
• Hypothyroidism: Can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat issues.
• Cancer: Gastric cancer has been noted in some lines.
• Sensitivity to Anesthesia: Like many herding breeds, they can be sensitive to certain drugs.

Grooming and Care

The long coat is beautiful, but it requires care.

• Brushing: He needs to be brushed at least once or twice a week with a pin brush and slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent mats capable of forming behind the ears.
• The “Blow”: Twice a year (spring and fall), he will shed his entire undercoat. During this time, daily brushing is mandatory, and you will find tumbleweeds of hair everywhere.
• Bathing: Only when dirty. Over-bathing softens the coat.
• Nails: Keep them short.
• Teeth: Brush daily.

Is a Belgian Tervuren Right for You?

The Belgian Tervuren is a magnificent animal, but he is a lot of dog.

Yes, if:

• You are an active person. You want a partner for running, hiking, or dog sports.
• You want a “Velcro dog.” You want a dog that is always by your side.
• You are willing to train. You enjoy the process of shaping behavior.
• You want a loyal protector. You want a dog that watches over your family.

No, if:

• You work long hours. He cannot handle being alone for 10 hours a day.
• You want a “hands-off” dog. He demands interaction.
• You are a harsh trainer. He will break under pressure.
• You don’t want to deal with shedding. He sheds. A lot.

For the active owner who appreciates beauty, brains, and a dog with a soul, the Belgian Tervuren is a loyal, loving, and capable friend who will shadow your every step.