AKC Herding ANKC Group 5 (Working Dogs) Origin Belgium | Herding standard Life span 12 – 14 years | |
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Other names Belgian Tervueren
Chien de Berger Belge Coat dense undercoat with long, straight outercoat FCI Group 1, Section 1 Sheepdogs #015d Temperament Loyal, Intelligent, Protective, Energetic, Alert, Attentive Height Female: 56–62 cm, Male: 60–66 cm Colors Black, Brindle, Fawn & Black, Mahogany & Black, Black & Cream, Fawn & Liver Weight Female: 20–25 kg, Male: 25–30 kg Similar Groenendael, Belgian Shepherd, Malinois dog, Laekenois, Briard | ||
The Tervuren /tərˈvjʊrən/ (sometimes spelled Tervueren), is named after a village in Belgium. Its classification varies, being classified under some breed standards as a breed in its own right, and in others as one of several acceptable variations of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. It is usually listed within breed standards under one or other, or a combination, of these names.
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In the United States, since 1959, the AKC recognizes it under the name Belgian Tervuren. Prior to 1959, the Belgium Tervuren was shown as Belgium SheepDog. In that year, the AKC granted the breed separate status.
In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Tervuren as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd (prior to 2005, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were called Belgian Sheepdogs).
Description
The Tervuren is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the Herding dog group. Males stand between 24 and 26 inches, and weigh approximately 56 lb. Females are finer and smaller. It is recognized by its thick double coat, generally mahogany with varying degrees of black overlay (completely missing overlay on males is a serious fault), including a black mask. A small patch of white on the chest is permissible, as well as white tips on toes. The Tervuren may also be sable or grey, but this may be penalized in the show ring in some countries according to the standard of the registering body. While the FCI permits any type of red (mahogany) coat including pale yellow (sand colour) and grey the AKC has stricter rules regarding colour. While the FCI states that fawn/mahogany is to be preferred, grey colour is a fault under AKC rules.
Temperament
Tervurens are highly energetic, intelligent dogs who require a job to keep them occupied. This can be herding, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, or protection work. They are also found working as Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, finding missing people and avalanche victims. Tervurens that are not kept sufficiently busy can become hyperactive or destructive.
As companion animals, Tervurens are loyal and form strong bonds with their family, leading some to be shy around strangers. They are good watch dogs, being very observant and attentive to the slightest change in their environment. Some can be nervous, depending on breeding and early experiences, so care must be taken to adequately socialize Tervuren puppies to a wide variety of people and situations.
Tervurens are not generally recommended to first-time dog owners due to their high maintenance level.
Their appearance projects alertness and elegance. The breed is known for its loyalty and versatility. Those who own them report being charmed by their intelligence, and trainability.
Activities
Tervuren can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, Schutzhund, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Belgian Shepherds exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Tervuren are frequently in Schuzhund training as they are seen as a higher level protection dog to stylish or affluent owners and can be brought on most forms of travel without the panic problems that other breeds have.
Health
Generally healthy, but Tervurens can have a susceptibility to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, gastric problems (including bloats and torsions) and some eye and skin problems.
Grooming
The Tervuren has a thick, double coat similar to the Groenendael. Regular brushing is necessary to remove loose undercoat, but in general, the fur is not prone to matting but occasionally, they can get hairballs. A properly textured Tervuren coat is slightly hard, laying flat against the body (unlike, for instance, the Samoyed's off-standing fur). It naturally sheds dirt and debris, but burrs and seeds may stick to the feathering on the legs.
The Tervuren is shown in a natural state, with minimal trimming and cosmetic products. Bathing, brushing, and trimming the fur on the feet with scissors to emphasize their tight, cat-footed shape is the extent of most exhibitors' grooming routines. Products that alter the coloration of the coat and masking are not allowed in the ring.