Belgian Tervuren
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The Belgian Tervuren has a very dignified look about him. His body is finely built, absolutely symmetrical and very fully coated with a long feathered tail. The appearance of the Tervuren is likened to that of the German Shepherd dog, though he is more squarely built and has a much fuller furnishings, especially around the neck and head. All in all, he is an impressive muscular dog, while at the same time appearing graceful.
Brewer Corbeel was given credit for establishing the standard for this variety of sheepdog, when he bred his fawn dog with a black long-haired dog owned by M. Donhieux.
The are four different varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs - Groenendale, Laekenois, Tervuren and Malinois - all named for the towns from which they originated. They vary in their coat color and coat type, the Tervuren bearing a full rich coat of fawn to mahogany with black overlay.
In addition to his excellence in herding, the Tervuren could easily be described as a jack of all trades. He is very successful in competitive obedience, police related detection work, tracking, agility, search and rescue, as well as in the fields of therapy and guide dog assistance to those in need of these services.
Appearance:
Height 22-26 inches Weight: 56-66 pounds
Color Variations: Rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overtones.
Coat & Care:
The medium textured coat is straight, abundant and long, with a thick ruff around the neck. The coat also forms a fringe on the back of the legs as well as the hindquarters. Maintenance should include regular brushing to remove the loose hair, as well as working out mats and tangles which tend to form in this type of coat. During the heavier seasonal shedding that occurs a couple of times a year, a bit of extra attention is needed.
Personality & Traits:
The Belgian Tervuren is intelligence, confident, loyal and very devoted to his family. Consistent with most breeds of herding dogs, his nature is inherently alert and protective. These traits make him a viligant watch and guard dog, though not aggressive. He thrives in a family that can give him a lot of interaction and make him a part of everything they do.
This breed is gentle, affectionate and friendly, seeks attention and is eager to please his master. He does best with owners who are experienced, capable of providing strong leadership and training without harshness. Early socialization to people and situations is very helpful and desirable.
Space Needs:
Does best in home with a reasonable outdoor area. He will not object to being be outside for short periods of time, but really prefers being inside with the family.
Dog Toys To Consider:
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Activity:
The Belgian Tervuren has the background of a working dog and needs exercise. Vigorous walks on a daily basis, coupled with frequent opportunities for other energetic activities, is the ideal. In addition, running off leash in a safe open area, will be greatly enjoyed.
Children:
Does best with children if he is raised with them from a puppy. A parent should take into consideration that this breed is quite large. As with any breed of dog, it is recommended that interactions between pets and children should always be supervised.
Elderly:
Not recommended for elderly owners or sedentary environments,
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