![\"Belgian](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Belgian-Tervuren-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nI had a terv named Jenny who I showed in conformation and she also did obedience, agility, as well as tricks. She also had her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog International (TDI) titles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenny was the normal terv: sensitive, high-energy, and a need to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
27 Facts Good & Bad About Belgian Tervurens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Belgian Tervurens are One of Four Belgian Herding Breeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They are members of the AKC herding group<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The four types were once recognized as one breed, but are now split into four breeds, differing by coat type:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were bred as an all-around herding and guard dog needed by farmers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Master breeder M.F. Corbeel in the village of Tervuren crossed black and fawn dogs which became the modern terv. Corbeel was a brewer and dog breeder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first two dogs he bred were used to pull his beer cart during the day and guard the brewery at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are known as Chien de Berger Belge in Belgium. The dogs guarded the farm and its family and also moved livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the Industrial Revolution, when Tervs weren’t required for farm work because of mechanized farming, they were used for many other purposes, such as police and military dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first Terv was registered in America in 1918. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, by the Depression, the breed\u2019s numbers remained so low that they died out. The Tervuren had to be almost recreated after World War II from long-haired offspring of Malinois parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their extreme exercise and training needs discussed below, they are not recommended for inexperienced owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a couch potato, a terv isn\u2019t for you. They require an active pet parent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If left alone too long and if not given a job, a terv will inevitably develop behavior problems ranging from separation anxiety to destroying possessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The breed standard even says that they are \u201calways in motion unless under command.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So a walk around the block isn\u2019t enough\u2013it\u2019s just an appetizer for a Belgian Tervuren. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They require at least two hours of exercise a day to be well-behaved adults. This can include long, brisk walks, jogging, running, hiking, and playing fetch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are very agile dogs and tireless workers. So don\u2019t forget mental exercise through training, activity toys<\/a>, and enrichment activities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Current tervs serve in the following functions in addition to being beloved family members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although all dogs should be properly socialized<\/a>, if a terv isn\u2019t, he\u2019s more likely than many breeds to become overly protective and aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So introduce him from puppyhood on to everything that he will need to face in everyday life, such as: a wide variety of people, friendly dogs, and new situations and places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although all breeds require training, a terv is an exceptionally intelligent dog who will wilt without it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A bored Belgian Tervuren will become destructive and will decide what is and isn\u2019t acceptable behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to demonstrate through consistent, ongoing obedience training<\/a> that you are a leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are an independent, headstrong breed and will make their own decisions otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use positive reinforcement and make the training a fun game. After all, tervs love to play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Training shouldn\u2019t be a problem because they love to learn new things. And they love to be with their people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a strong herding drive and need to learn a reliable recall and \u201cleave it\u201d in any circumstance, so that they don\u2019t herd other people and moving objects.<\/p>\n\n\n Teach them basic and advanced obedience cues and tricks. Do nosework with them. Try herding. Take them to training classes. The sky\u2019s the limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My terv Jenny and I participated in many activities: conformation, obedience, tricks, and fun agility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If she didn\u2019t train daily in some activities, it would have been very difficult to live with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though Belgian Tervuren dogs are independent because of their extreme intelligence, they are also a sensitive breed attuned to their pet parents\u2019 moods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So they will read if you\u2019re sad or happy and will comfort or celebrate with you\u2013whatever\u2019s appropriate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also need to be trained and dealt with in a calm, exacting manner because they are very sensitive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re too harsh with them, they will either shut down or become defensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They love to play and can even be silly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, poorly bred, trained, or socialized tervs can be walking time bombs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their naturally protective nature genetically, they can become aggressive if not bred and raised correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So get your Belgian from a reputable breeder or rescue<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a stylish, elegant dog who will stand out when you enter a room, a terv will certainly meet that requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a straight, abundant coat with dark tips to their hair and a black mask to their muzzle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They should appear to be a well-balanced, medium-size dog, elegant in appearance, standing squarely on all fours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They should have a proud carriage of their head and neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs are strong, agile, well-muscled, observant, and full of life. Their erect ears give them an alert look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a muscular frame with a sporty collarette of hair around their neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And they have the following markings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that you get your terv from a responsible breeder who screens breeding stock for health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs are generally a healthy breed. But, as is true with many purebred dogs, tervs can be prone to certain health problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, a terv must be properly socialized and trained. Then, they can be good with respectful children and friendly dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their prey drive, though, they may chase small animals, including cats, if not raised with them while young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs are very bonded and very loyal to family members. And, if their physical and mental exercise needs are met, love snuggling with their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Belgian Tervurens have a double-layer coat with a dense, protective undercoat covered by a harsh overcoat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In order for their long coat to remain in tip-top shape and not be matted, they require a thorough brushing once or twice a week with a pin brush<\/a> and slicker brush<\/a> for about 15 to 20 minutes each session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will remove excess hair, dirt, debris, and tangled fur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They shed year-round. During shedding season, which occurs at least once per year, they require more frequent grooming also requiring a grooming rake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shedding season usually occurs with the change of seasons during the spring and fall. Then, grooming can take more than a half hour each session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bathe as needed, depending on how dirty your terv becomes, unusually once every month or two. Also check and clean their ears<\/a> regularly and clip their nails<\/a> as needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some are nearly so such as poodles and bichon frise<\/a>. However, a terv\u2019s double coat sheds and has dander. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even when properly socialized and trained, a terv genetically is predisposed to be protective. They are devoted to their families. But this doesn\u2019t mean that they should be aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Belgian Tervuren should be able to distinguish friend from foe. And he will bark when he senses that something\u2019s wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So they generally don\u2019t make good dogs for apartments or when a lot of people are coming and going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a dog who loves everyone like a golden or lab<\/a> would, a terv is not for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are neutral and aloof towards strangers you welcome but don\u2019t fawn over newcomers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They should just stand their ground, be confident, and accept approaches by friendly people. But they won\u2019t approach others themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most tervs are suspicious of strangers unless their pet parent tells them to accept the stranger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, fear and aggression are both flaws in a terv\u2019s temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My terv Jenny accepted my friends but really didn\u2019t care about others. She just ignored them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Belgian Tervuren’s are medium to large sized dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to size and weight differences, male tervs should appear to be masculine and females feminine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a dog who is flashy and not too popular, a terv may be for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You won\u2019t see them on every street corner, that\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs are more likely than some other breeds to become obese. So don\u2019t overfeed them or provide too little exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, because they are always in motion, unless a terv is excessively fed and under-exercised, they probably won\u2019t become overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had to feed my terv Jenny more than I normally would a dog her size in order for her to remain a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some tervs have been famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The average litter size is 6 to 10 puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, meet both parents of the puppy you\u2019re thinking of getting. Even if you can\u2019t meet the male (aka the sire), you should be able to meet the breeding mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though puppies can vary in temperament within a litter, you can get an idea of the temperament of the puppies by meeting the parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The parents should not be fearful or aggressive. They should just be standoffish but approachable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I got my terv, both parents were on the premises. The mother was standoffish, but the father was very friendly (which is not common in the breed). He was even playful with us and brought us his squeaky toy to play fetch with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a puppy, choose a middle-of-the-road puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most good breeders of tervs will have some titles on the breeding parents, such as a Championship in conformation and\/or working titles in herding, obedience, rally, or Schutzhund. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And reputable breeders will have performed the required health tests on the breeding parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because they are relatively rare, a well-bred terv is usually expensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost varies from breeder to breeder and can depend on where they are located and whether the puppy is considered to be show or pet quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over two decades ago, I paid $1,300 for my terv. Currently, you can pay well over $2,000 for a well-bred specimen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are resources for obtaining a Belgian Tervuren:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably not. Tervs are protective dogs and will bark to alert if something is new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So the hustle and bustle of places with a lot of people can be difficult for them because of their sensitive and naturally protective nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. A well-bred terv who is properly trained and socialized shouldn\u2019t be aggressive. They can be standoffish with strangers but not aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a Belgian can tell friend from foe and can be protective of his people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. They are very intense, intelligent, sensitive dogs who require more mental and physical exercise than many breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research their needs and don\u2019t go by appearances when choosing a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Belgian tervuren breed isn\u2019t for first-time dog owners. And even if you\u2019ve had a dog before, make sure that you understand the dog\u2019s needs and that you can meet them before getting a terv. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tervs are an intense working breed who aren\u2019t happy being couch potatoes. They require a lot of physical and mental exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And they need regular coat care and shed\u2013profusely one or two times per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you thinking about getting a Belgian Tervuren? Has this article been helpful in making your decision? Please tell us about it in the comments section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you want a Belgian Tervuren but wonder if it\u2019s the right breed for you. If you\u2019re a first-time pet parent, probably not. Belgian Tervurens…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":35121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35097","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breeds"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
2. Tervs Have a Rich History as Working Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Tervs Are Not Recommended for Novice Owners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. They\u2019re Very Active Dogs Who Need a Ton of Exercise and a Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Recommended Jobs for Belgian Tervuren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Socialization\u2019s Crucial for a Terv To Not Become Overly Protective<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Daily and Lifelong Obedience Training\u2019s Required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Belgian](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jenny-on-leash.jpg\")
8. They Have a Very Sensitive, Playful Temperament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Beware of Poor Specimens With Aggressive Temperaments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. They\u2019re Beautiful, Flashy, Elegant-Looking Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. They come in the Following Colors:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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12. They Are Generally Healthy, But Can Have Certain Health Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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13. They Are Good With Children and Other Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. They Love Spending Time With Their Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. They Require Grooming and Shed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. They Aren\u2019t Hypoallergenic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. They Have a Protective Nature and Tend To Bark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. They Are Medium-to-Large Sized Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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19. Males and Females Appear Differently<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. They Are a Long-Lived Breed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. They\u2019re 104th of 284 in Popularity of AKC Breeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
22. They Can Become Obese<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
23. Tervs Have Been in the Limelight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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24. They Have Large Litters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
25. Meet the Parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
26. They Are Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
27. You Can Get a Terv from a Great Rescue or Breeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m thinking about getting a Belgian Tervuren but I live in an apartment. Would this be a good dog for me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Belgian Tervurens aggressive? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve never had a dog before and love the beautiful appearance of Belgian Tervurens. Would this breed be a good fit? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"So](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/so-you-want-a-belgian-tervuren-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"