Belgian Shepherd Tervuren

The Belgian Shepherd Tervuren (Tervueren), is a member of the Belgian Shepherd Dog family of dog breeds. 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. The Belgian Shepherd Tervuren is usually listed within breed standards under one or other, or a combination, of these names.

In the United States, since 1960, the AKC recognizes it under the name Belgian Tervuren. Prior to that date, all recognized varieties of the Belgians were called Belgian Sheepdog.

In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Belgian Shepherd Tervuren as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (prior to 2005, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were called Belgian Sheepdogs).

Belgian Shepherd Tervuren Appearance

Like all Belgian Shepherds Dogs, the Belgian Shepherd Tervuren is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. Males stand between 24 and 26 inches, and weigh approximately 65 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 Belgian Shepherd Tervurenmay 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.

Belgian Shepherd Tervuren Temperament

The Belgian Shepherd Tervuren 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 persons and avalanche victims. Tervurens that are not kept sufficiently busy can become hyperactive or destructive.

As companion animals, the Belgian Shepherd Tervuren 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.

As with all the Belgian Shepherd Dogs, Tervurens are not generally recommended to first-time dog owners due to their high maintenance level.

Adult males are distinctly masculine and females are likewise feminine. 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, train ability, and, perhaps most of all, their sense of humor. They excel in many kinds of activities. Today the breed is still relatively rare in the United States, but it is well-established.

Belgian Shepherd Tervuren Health

Generally healthy, but the Belgian Shepherd Tervuren can have a susceptibility to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and some eye and skin problems.

Belgian Shepherd Tervuren Grooming

The Belgian Shepherd 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. 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 Belgian Shepherd 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.

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Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. The Malinois is recognized in the United States under the name Belgian Malinois. Its name is the French word for Mechlinian, which is in Dutch either 'Mechelse' (from Mechelen) or 'Mechelaar' (one from Mechelen).

Belgian Shepherd Dog Appearance

Like all Belgian Shepherds Dog, the Malinois is a medium-sized and square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. The Malinois is recognized by its short brownish yellow coat and its black ears that stick straight up, cheeks, and muzzle. It resembles a smaller German Shepherd.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Coat and color

Due to its history as a working dog, the Malinois can vary greatly in appearance. The acceptable colors of pure-bred Malinois are a base color fawn to mahogany with a black mask and black ears with some degree of black tipping on the hairs, giving an overlay appearance. The color tends to be lighter with less black agouti or overlay on the dog's underside, breeching, and inner leg. There used to be dogs with grey and black shorthairs but they no longer meet the dog breed standards.

The other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog are distinguished by their coats & colors: the Tervuren is the same color as the Malinois but grey is also possible with long hair, the Laekenois is the same color, only it may lack the black mask & ears, and has wirehair, the Groenendael (registered as Belgian Sheepdog by the American Kennel Club) has long hair and is solid black. There are (occasionally and historically) solid black, black-and-tan (as with Dobermans and German Shepherd Dogs), or other colored short-haired Belgian Shepherds Dog, but these are not technically Malinois.

If a dog represented as a Malinios is brindle (clear stripes of different colored hair) it is probably a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a mixed breed, although the possibility exists that it is a "throwback" to a common continental shepherd ancestor.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Size

Malinois dogs are about 24-26 in. (61-66 cm), while bitches are about 22-24 in. (56-61 cm) at the withers. Bitches are said to average 25-30 kg (55-65 lb), while dogs are heavier at 29-34 kg (65-75 lb). They are squarely built.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Working dog

In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for personal protection, detection dog, police work, search and rescue dog, and sport work (Belgian Ring, Schutzhund, French Ring, Mondio Ring). The United States Secret Service & Royal Australian Air Force uses the breed exclusively.

The dog is also used extensively by Unit Oketz of the Israel Defense Forces. Oketz favors the slighter build of the Malinois to the German Shepherd and Rottweiler, which were employed formerly.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Temperament

Well-raised and trained Malinois are usually active, friendly, protective and hard-working. Some may be excessively exuberant or playful, especially when young. These are large, strong dogs that require consistent obedience training, and Malinois enjoy being challenged with new tasks.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Health

The average lifespan of the Belgian Malinois is 10-12 years, and there are a number of health problems and disorders that are associated with the breed, though the breed's health is generally considered better than that of the German Shepherd Dog. Notable health problems prevalent to the Malionois includes cataracts, epilepsy, thyroid problems, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, and pannus, although these problems have been minimized through selective breeding.

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Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. The Laekenois is not fully recognized in the United States. However, they can be shown in Britain, along with all three of the closely related breeds which share a heritage with the Laekenois: the Tervuren, the Malinois, and the Groenendael, the last being shown in the U.S. as the Belgian Sheepdog.

Like all Belgian Shepherds Dog, the Laekenois is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family with sharply triangular ears. The Laekenois is recognized by its woolly brown and white coat, intermixed so as to give a tweedy appearance. Most kennel clubs' standards allow for black shading, principally in muzzle and tail, indicating the presence of the melanistic mask gene.

The Belgian Laekenois originated as a sheep herding dog at the Royal Castle of Laeken. It is considered both the oldest and the most rare of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs. Until the advent of dog shows in the early 1900's, the four varieties were freely intermixed, in fact, there are only three genes (short/long coat, smooth/wire coat, fawn/black coat) that separate the varieties genetically. Purebred Laekenois occasionally give birth to smooth-coated puppies, which, depending on the pure-bred registry, can be registered as Malinois.

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Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) The Groenendael is recognized by all major kennel clubs. In the United States it is recognized under the name Belgian Sheepdog.

Like all Belgian Shepherds Dog, the Groenendael is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned breed of dog in the sheepdog family. Theb Groenendael is recognized by its distinctive black coat.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Appearance

The Groenendael should be athletic, strong, imposing, rustic, and balanced in appearance. It should look natural, never as though it has been prepared just for the show ring. Its coat should be profuse, but never look as though it would inhibit the dog's working ability in any way. The colour is always black, with small white markings being allowed on the chest. When being shown, its handler should never have to force it into position; ideally the handler should not have to touch the dog at all.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Size

The Groenendael should be 24-26 inc (60-66 cm) at the withers for males, and 22-24 in (56-62 cm) for females. The weight should be approximately 25 - 30 kg for males, and 20 - 25 kg for females.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Coat

The Groenendael has a thin, double coat. The texture should be hard and dense, never woolly, silky, frizzy, fine, or wiry. The undercoat should be thick and profuse. In conformation shows, dogs without an undercoat are heavily penalized.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Temperament

The Groenendael is (very) intelligent, active, loyal and quietly affectionate. Groenendaels are not a dog breed for the faint of heart. However for those who have plenty of time, energy, confidence and love, they are wonderful friends. They are dominant dogs by nature, and it is important that they never question their owner's authority in order to be trainable. It is a large, powerful breed so training and socializing is essential and the only way one can live with the breed. Once you have established your dominance they are incredibly loyal and obedient. They are wary of strangers and protective. They love children as long as they are introduced to them at an early age. The Groenendael bonds deeply to its people and cannot live outdoors or in a kennel. It needs to spend time with its family every day and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Care

The Groenendael needs a large amount of exercise as a rule. Expect to spend about two hours a day working with it. Exercise should include not only a walk, but also a training session to keep the dog mentally stimulated. These dogs have great "work ethic" and need a job to do, such as obedience, flyball, schutzhund training, dog agility or livestock work in order to be happy. They are a sensitive breed and cannot be trained using harsh training methods, one does not need to use these methods to be dominant, one just has to show their dog that they are a fair, smart leader who the dog can't outwit. They need thorough grooming once a week, however when shedding (which happens once or twice a year) they lose massive amounts of coat and need grooming every day.

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Belgian Shepherd Dog

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) is a dog breed of medium to large-sized dog. It is a member of the Herding Group. It originated in Belgium and as such is similar to other sheep herding dogs from that region: the Dutch Shepherd Dog, the German Shepherd Dog, the Briard and others. Four types have been identified by various registries as separate breeds or varieties: Groenendael, Laekenois, Tervuren, and the Malinois. All are registered as a herding dog, more specifically a sheep dog.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Structure

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a medium-to-large size dog. All varieties share a similar underlying musculoskeletal structure, closely resembling the popular German Shepherd breed save for the hindlegs. All variants also share a close cranial features, having a domed forehead, a long, square-cut muzzle and black noses with their ears pointed and fully erect. One of the identifying characteristics of the breed is that it is square, with its height from the ground to top of the withers being equal length.

Belgian Shepherd Dog: Groenendael

The Groenendael is characterized by a long, double coat in solid black. White marking are to be confined to a small patch on the chest (not to extend to the neck) and white toes. Coat texture is stiff, tight, and thick: designed to withstand the elements.

Belgian Shepherd Dog: Tervuren

Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Tervuren is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. Males stand between 24 and 26 inches, and weigh approximately 65 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 by club standards, 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.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Temperament

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are described as highly intelligent, alert, sensitive to everything going on around them and form very strong relationship bonds. They are said to be loyal, intelligent, fun, highly trainable and well suited to family life. They should receive plenty of socializing as puppies and will benefit from regular activity and close interaction with people throughout their lifespan. Their training should be reward-based, as they react negatively to punishment.

Belgian Shepherds Dogs do well in sports such as obedience training and dog agility. They are used as assistance and search and rescue dog, as well as police, military and narcotics dogs as well.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Health

There have been few health surveys of the individual Belgian Shepherd varieties. The UK Kennel Club conducted a 2004 health survey of all Belgian Shepherd varieties combined. The Belgian Sheepdog (=Groenendael) Club of America Health Committee has a health registry questionnaire, but it is not clear whether or when results will be reported. The American Belgian Tervuren Club conducted health surveys in 1998 and 2003. Only the 2003 report included longevity information.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Mortality

Median longevity of Belgian Shepherds Dog (all varieties combined) in the 2004 UK survey, was 12.5 years, which is on the high side, both for purebred dogs in general and for dog breeds similar in size. The longest-lived of 113 deceased Belgians in the UK survey was 18.2 years. Leading causes of death were cancer (23%), cerebral vascular, i.e., stroke (13%), and old age (13%).

Average longevity of Belgian Tervurens in the 2003 American Belgian Tervuren Club survey was lower, at 10.6 years, than in the UK survey. The difference in surveys does not necessarily mean Belgian Tervurens live shorter lives than other varieties of Belgian Shepherds. Dog breed longevities in USA/Canada surveys are usually shorter than those in UK surveys. Leading causes of death in the 2003 American Belgian Tervuren Club survey were cancer (35%), old age (23%), and organ failure (heart, kidney, liver) (13%).

Belgian Shepherd Dog Morbidity

Belgian Shepherds Dog are afflicted with the most common dog health issues (reproductive, musculoskeletal, and dermatological) at rates similar to breeds in general. They differ most notably from other breeds in the high incidence of seizures and/or epilepsy. In the UK survey of Belgian Shepherds and both the 1998 and 2003 ABTC survey of Belgian Tervurens, about 9% of dogs had seizures or epilepsy. Other studies have reported rates of epilepsy in Belgian Tervurens as high as 17%, or about one in six dogs. For comparison, the incidence of epilepsy/seizures in the general dog population is estimated at between 0.5% and 5.7%. See Epilepsy in animals for more information on symptoms and treatments.

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