The Belgian Tervuren is a herding dog from Tervuren, Belgium and is traced to the late 19th century. The Tervuren is a strong mix of beauty and grace with intelligence and work ethic. The Terv isn’t just a herding dog anymore. It is used as a guide for the blind and the deaf, as helper for the handicapped, as a search and rescue dog, including avalanche rescue work, as sentry and courier in wartime, and as a tracking dog. They thrive on high activity and work.
Tervs made their debut in United States in 1953 and the American Kennel Club granted separate status in 1959.
Belgian Tervuren Appearance
The Belgian Tervuren is medium-sized. They stand 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder, are on average the same length as their height having a square stature, and weigh 45 to 75 pounds. Their coloring includes fawn and black and mahogany and black.
The Tervuren coat consists of a dense undercoat and a harder outer coat, requiring brushing once or twice a week with a pin brush and a slicker brush. They have longer hair like a collar around the neck; fringe of long hair down the backs of their legs and long, heavy hair on their tail.
For most of the year, Tervs require weekly brushing. At least once a year, though, Tervs shed heavily. During shedding season, the brushing sessions lasts 15 to 20 minutes and are needed more often; a rake should be added to the brushing tools to help remove all the dead hair. Bathe once a season or to remove dirt.
Temperament/Personality
Tervurens life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. In temperament, the Tervuren is highly individualistic; some are very lively, while others are mellow. Tervs are true companions being responsive to their owner and family. Tervs are outstanding family guardians; most Tervurens are suspicious of strangers until told by their owner to accept the strange person. Their intelligence and high activity level can be a challenge for the less creative individual who may not understand the breed’s need to work. But Tervurens are not grim, mechanical worker drones; they take delight in their ability to perform any task.
They require plenty of mental stimulation in the form of training and play, especially with puzzle toys such as Buster Cubes, as well as interactive play such as fetch games. They need at least an hour of exercise per day and variety to keep from becoming bored. He wants to be doing things with the family like playing frisbee and other retrieving activities, hiking and jogging, and tracking or agility exercises. He may just run around the yard in circles; a demonstration of his herding heritage. If he’s left alone, he’s likely to create his own destructive entertainment or develop separation anxiety.
Tervs are devoted to their families, including children, but they’re more interested in hanging with the adults. They can get along well with other dogs and cats if they’re brought up with them, although they may have issues with strange animals that come onto the property. They love to chase, so cats who stand their ground be better than those who run.
Caring for a Belgian Tervuren
Next, we’ll go into how you should care for a Belgian Tervuren.
Nutrition
Belgian Tervurens do well when consuming high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured with meat listed as the first ingredient or home-prepared (with veterinarian’s supervision and approval). Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be included in the Tervs diet.
All diets need to be appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). To avoid an overweight Tervuren, calorie consumption and weight level needs to be monitored. Although helpful in aiding training, giving too many treats will cause obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Of course, a veterinarian is the best resource when there are questions regarding diet.
Exercise
Belgian Tervurens need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be broken up into a few different sessions. They thrive on contact with their human so exercise for them needs to be engaging with you; letting them outside by themselves isn’t going to be enough.
They enjoy playing with a ball or going for a long run, or it could also mean training for and participating in obedience, agility, tracking, or herding competitions, or canine sports such as flyball. If possible, provide your Tervuren with some off-leash exercise in a fenced area in addition to long walks or jogging.
Training
While the Terv is smart and highly trainable, he is an independent thinker. To succeed in training him, you’ll need to earn his trust and respect without the use of anger, intimidation, or physical force. For all his confidence and strength, the Tervuren is sensitive, and his temperament can be damaged, sometimes irreparably, by harsh corrections.
He does best with a combination of firm, fair, consistent rules and rewards for correct behavior. Use positive training techniques, rewarding him with praise, play, or treats when he performs commands correctly or does anything you like even if you didn’t ask him to.
Health
The Belgian Tervuren is a healthy breed, but can be prone to minor health issues like hypothyroidism (low production of thyroid hormones), hip and elbow dysplasia where the ball and socket of the joints do not fit properly, and hemangiosarcoma which are tumors in the blood vessels in the spleen or liver are known to exist.
Tervs are also known to have eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA); a degeneration of the retina causing vision loss, and cataracts which affects the lens of the eye causing blurred vision. They may also develop epileptic seizures and convulsions. To identify some of these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend regular tests on the dog’s eyes, hips, and elbows.
Tervs ears should be checked regularly for signs of infections. Teeth should be cleaned a couple of times a week. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is inevitable for the dog’s health. Gum disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems. Nails need to be trimmed regularly. Nails should never touch the ground; trimming is past due if nails are clicking on the kitchen floor. Nails that aren’t trimmed can splinter and infect the quick or grow and curl into the flesh.
Similar Breeds
Best Dog Food For Belgian Tervurens
For Belgian Tervurens, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is apt. It contains deboned chicken, chicken meal, which is protein enriched and the amino acids promote the development of stronger muscles. Other ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, fruits, and vegetables form a completely balanced diet and keep providing energy for the entire day.
- There is no inclusion of any grains like wheat or soy and thus is easily digestible.
- Regular consumption helps in strengthening immunity.
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat.
Best Puppy Food For Belgian Tervurens
For ensuring the overall growth and development of Belgian Tervurens, right puppy food is vital from a tender age, so Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy Farm Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is the best choice. This dog food has a flavorful taste that makes your Belgian Tervuren love his meal. Along with that, it also helps build strong muscles with the presence of protein-rich chicken.
- It helps puppies to develop stronger joints and bones.
- It has a longer shelf-life and supports the development of the brain and eyes.
- As it is free from chemicals and preservatives, it is safe to consume.
Best Dog Crate For Belgian Tervurens
Belgian Tervurens tend to display destructive behavior, and the MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is the best dog crate for managing that. Along with providing comfort, it helps in behavior correction and ensures safety while not under supervision. Its convenient size is easy to relocate and has secured latches on both the doors to prevent escape.
- The material of the crate is sturdy and easy to assemble and dismantle.
- A divider panel in it helps in providing sufficient space to grow.
- There is a removable pan below the crate to prevent mess around the house.
Best Dog Bed For Belgian Tervurens
The Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Cat & Dog Bed is ideal for your Belgian Tervuren’s rest after a long day of work or activities. Apart from having a comfortable base, it also has bolstered edges that prevent falling and give a snuggling feel. It is light-in-weight, making it easy to carry around, and its removable cover keeps the bed hygienic with frequent washes.
- This has a layer of memory foam that supports the body while sleeping.
- The outer fabric is attractive, soft, and provides warmth during winters.
- There is a space between the raised edges, making it easier to climb in and out of bed.
Best Dog Harness For Belgian Tervurens
If you often travel with your Belgian Tervuren, the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength is appropriate. Along with providing safety while in a vehicle, it also helps control their movement with much precision. Its multiple adjusting straps ensure a perfect fit, and the buckles allow in securing and prevents self-removal.
- This dog harness is compatible with car seat belts and ensures minimum mobility.
- Ideal for regular use and does not cause discomfort in the chest, neck, or back.
- Padding in the chest area promotes the distribution of energy and does not impact the trachea.
Best Dog Collar For Belgian Tervurens
The PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar adds an identity to your Belgian Tervuren and minimizes leash pulling during brisk walks. It provides utmost comfort and does not cause any choking hazards. They are easy to wear and remove and have adjustable buckles to ensure a perfect fit and avoid slipping.
- It neither causes skin irritation nor unnecessary shedding in the collar areas.
- The material of this collar is nylon, which is easy to clean and long-lasting.
- Using this collar during outdoor activities prevents escaping as it tightens up on pulling.
Best Dog Muzzle For Belgian Tervurens
To minimize destructive chewing and barking during unnatural behavior, the Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle is the best muzzle for Belgian Tervurens. It fits in securely but does not cause any discomfort in natural breathing and panting. This muzzle is easy to wear and convenient to wash when not in use for maintenance of hygiene.
- Its nylon material provides longevity and does not tear off easily if chewed.
- Not possible to remove without human effort, thus ensures protection.
- Adjustable straps help in achieving a customized fit.
Best Dog Toys For Belgian Tervurens
The best dog toy for Belgian Tervurens is Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy as it promotes long hours of engagement and prevents loneliness. Both the balls bounce well on throwing, which helps in encouraging physical activities. The rubberized balls are easy to wash and do not sink in water, and are ideal for playing during bathing sessions.
- Ideal for fetching and improving muscle flexibility by enhancing physical strength
- The outer cover of the ball is sturdy and does not damage easily with teeth.
- The attractive color of the ball improves vision and helps in locating it from a distance.
Best Dog Brush For Belgian Tervurens
Since Belgian Tervurens requires regular grooming sessions, the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is suitable. Its two types of bristles on either side ensure deep cleaning and extraction of dead and loose hair from the body. Regular usage promotes the release of natural oil from the body and distributes it evenly, thus maintaining healthy skin.
- Along with removing tangles, it also smoothens the coat by retaining its moisture.
- Regular brushing reduces shedding and minimizes mess in and around the house.
- The bristles of this brush are gentle on the skin and do not cause any cuts or abrasions.
Best Dog Shampoo For Belgian Tervurens
Removing dirt and dust will be easy with Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. Its unique components have organic ingredients that are safe on the skin and do not cause any itching or irritation. There are also essential oils that influence soothing fragrances and promote a refreshing smell for a longer duration in Belgian Tervurens.
- This shampoo does not contain any soap, but the conditioner helps in acquiring a soft coat.
- No harmful chemicals ensure that it will not irritate the eyes.
- Coconut, lavender, and mint promote a cool and refreshed body after every bath.
Recommended Reading:
- How Much Does A Belgian Tervuren Cost?
- Best Dog Food
- Best Dog Bowl
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
- Best Interactive Dog Toys
- Best Dog Playpen
- Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
- Best Dog House
- Best Dog Crate
- Best Dog Treat
- Best Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best Dog Activity Monitor
- Best Dog Food Container
- Best Electronic Dog Door
- Best Dog Ramp
- Best Dog Cooling Vest
- Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
- Best Dog Bed
- Best Dog Cooling Pad
- Best Indestructible Dog Bed
- Best Dog Training Book
- 10 Breeds Most Compatible with Belgian Tervurens
Sources
