Belgiam Tervuren
General
In addition to their long silks coats, these dogs are also very clever and extremely hardworking.
The Tervuren (or Terv as often called), is one of 4 types of Belgian sheepdogs, with the other 3 being the Belgian Malinois, the Groenendael and the Laekenois. These dogs all look similar as they are the same size and build, but what sets the Tervuren apart is the gorgeous coat.
This breed came about in Belgium in the late 19th century and named for their place of origin - Tervuren. They were bred by a Mr. Corbeel who owned two dogs who went on to become the breeds foundation pair.
In addition to their long silks coats, these dogs are also very clever and extremely hardworking.
The Tervuren (or Terv as often called), is one of 4 types of Belgian sheepdogs, with the other 3 being the Belgian Malinois, the Groenendael and the Laekenois. These dogs all look similar as they are the same size and build, but what sets the Tervuren apart is the gorgeous coat.
This breed came about in Belgium in the late 19th century and named for their place of origin - Tervuren. They were bred by a Mr. Corbeel who owned two dogs who went on to become the breeds foundation pair.
Personality
In addition to being a working dog, this breed can be very sensitive and shy, so having them meet a lot of people when a pup will help to build confidence and avoid lots of shouting and yelling as they don't like this on average. Socializing is crucial, as they can be aggressive if not properly socialized - as the dogs were also bred for guarding purposes, this is not surprising.
They are very loving and very clever, picking up new skills in no time at all - and throughly enjoying the process.
In addition to being a working dog, this breed can be very sensitive and shy, so having them meet a lot of people when a pup will help to build confidence and avoid lots of shouting and yelling as they don't like this on average. Socializing is crucial, as they can be aggressive if not properly socialized - as the dogs were also bred for guarding purposes, this is not surprising.
They are very loving and very clever, picking up new skills in no time at all - and throughly enjoying the process.

Is this the right dog for you?
These are very much working dogs and are incredibly versatile. In Belgium they are often used by the police, and are know to do very well at a canine sport called Schutzhund. Today, you can find them performing as police dogs, service dogs, show dogs, scenting lost people, sniffing out explosives, and herders.
Not the easiest breed for a first time dog owner, better with owners that have had some experience.
As mentioned above, puppy socializing and further socialization is necessary. They tend to get bored, so mental and physical stimulation in and around the garden is suggested.
These dogs are not one's that do well being left alone in the garden - they are 'people's' dogs and nothing makes them happier than being with their people.
Unless you can provide this dog with training, a lot of exercise and sufficient attention, rather give it a miss and look for a dog that does not need as much physical exercise.
These are very much working dogs and are incredibly versatile. In Belgium they are often used by the police, and are know to do very well at a canine sport called Schutzhund. Today, you can find them performing as police dogs, service dogs, show dogs, scenting lost people, sniffing out explosives, and herders.
Not the easiest breed for a first time dog owner, better with owners that have had some experience.
As mentioned above, puppy socializing and further socialization is necessary. They tend to get bored, so mental and physical stimulation in and around the garden is suggested.
These dogs are not one's that do well being left alone in the garden - they are 'people's' dogs and nothing makes them happier than being with their people.
Unless you can provide this dog with training, a lot of exercise and sufficient attention, rather give it a miss and look for a dog that does not need as much physical exercise.

Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
As long as your existing Terv is well socialized and used to other dogs, bringing in another one should not be a problem. It must always be the opposite sex, or else two males together. Two females together, regardless of the breed, is a definite 'nono'.
Having two pups from same litter, even another litter, or two different breeds, of about the same age is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
The key to this is early and continued socialization. Although they may get on well with dogs outside the family environment, they can become very protective and possessive of their own space, so do seek professional advice is considering getting another dog.
The key to this is early and continued socialization. Although they may get on well with dogs outside the family environment, they can become very protective and possessive of their own space, so do seek professional advice is considering getting another dog.
Do they get on with other animals?
As they have a very high prey drive, they will tend to chase cats and small animals. It is advisable to socialize them with small animals while pups.
As they have a very high prey drive, they will tend to chase cats and small animals. It is advisable to socialize them with small animals while pups.
Are they good with children?
Coming from the Herding group, they may try to herd both adults and children, even nipping at them slightly. Training from being a pup will prevent this happening. The breed loves their families and are very protective of them.
Early socializing is always the preferred way to go, so socialize your pup to children of all ages and sizes as often as possible.
Coming from the Herding group, they may try to herd both adults and children, even nipping at them slightly. Training from being a pup will prevent this happening. The breed loves their families and are very protective of them.
Early socializing is always the preferred way to go, so socialize your pup to children of all ages and sizes as often as possible.
Health
Many of the large chested breeds are prone to bloat and this breed is no exception. To avoid Bloat, don's do heavy exercise an hour before eating, and 1- 2 hours after eating. Rather feed two or three smaller meals a day and avoid the dog drinking large quantities of water at a time. Some of the dogs that are prone to Bloat, do better is the bowl is lifted a bit off the floor.
Due to poor breeding, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems so always make sure you get from a KUSA registered breeder. The more common concerns are elbow and hip dysplasia (HD), osteochondritis dissecons, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, autoimmune thryoiditis, von Willebrand's disease and allergies. Another area where they may have problems is with their teeth, so make sure you get into the habit of daily cleansing.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Many of the large chested breeds are prone to bloat and this breed is no exception. To avoid Bloat, don's do heavy exercise an hour before eating, and 1- 2 hours after eating. Rather feed two or three smaller meals a day and avoid the dog drinking large quantities of water at a time. Some of the dogs that are prone to Bloat, do better is the bowl is lifted a bit off the floor.
Due to poor breeding, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems so always make sure you get from a KUSA registered breeder. The more common concerns are elbow and hip dysplasia (HD), osteochondritis dissecons, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, autoimmune thryoiditis, von Willebrand's disease and allergies. Another area where they may have problems is with their teeth, so make sure you get into the habit of daily cleansing.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and before, do read the articles on Responsible Breeders and also Choosing a Pup - Tips.
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age, or just after the 2nd set of vacs. This breed can be aggressive due to lack of socialization of fear, so continued socializing is necessary.
- Daily exercise
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow this dog to be part of your family.
- Brush on a regular basis and do annual vacs.
- This breed is very clever and a working dog, so look for ways to satisfy their natural intelligence and keep them motivated.
- Don't feed one meal per day only, rather two or three smaller meals as prone to bloat. Dont do heave exercise at least an hour before feeding, and 1 - 2 hours after feeding. If changing food brand, do slowly over about a week.
- Don't leave this breed alone outside for long periods of time - behaviour problems will develop.
- Use a harsh voice or aversive methods of training - this breed can be very sensitive.