Belgian Tervuren
Description
Ever wonder what makes the Belgian Tervuren stand out among sheepdogs? This breed, one of four Belgian sheepdog varieties, boasts a long, dense double coat that sets it apart. Originating in Belgium’s late 19th century, it was bred primarily for herding and guarding livestock. The Tervuren’s name comes from the village where master breeder M.F. Corbeel refined the breed. Tervurens are alert and driven dogs with a strong work ethic. They thrive when given tasks like herding, agility, or tracking. While they’re affectionate with family, their natural wariness of strangers means early socialization is key. They’re known to try herding other pets or even people, so understanding their instincts helps keep everyone happy. With a weight range between 45 and 75 pounds, they’re sturdy yet graceful companions.
Grooming
The Belgian Tervuren’s medium-length double coat needs regular care to stay healthy and beautiful. Expect heavy shedding during spring and fall when the undercoat blows out. Brushing three times a week is a must, with extra attention during shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps keep the coat clean, and blow-drying afterward is the best way to speed up shedding removal. - Brush 3× weekly, more in shedding seasons - Use an undercoat rake for dead hair - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry to help remove loose coat - Check for black mask and brindle pattern dirt spots Pro tip: Blow-drying after baths not only dries the coat faster but also loosens dead undercoat, making brushing more effective.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Belgian Tervuren really need? Plan on about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. This breed loves purposeful walks where they can sniff and explore but also benefit from mental stimulation. A morning walk might be a brisk 50-minute route around varied terrain, while the evening session could include some obedience or agility practice to engage their mind. Example routine: Morning: 50-minute walk with varied pace and scent breaks. Evening: 50-minute walk including short training drills and play. This schedule helps manage their natural drive and keeps them happy without overdoing it. Consistency is key to preventing boredom and excessive barking.
Boarding
When boarding a Belgian Tervuren, a crate size of 42 to 48 inches works best to give them enough room to stretch comfortably. These dogs are active and alert, so staff should plan two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Slow introductions to new people and a predictable routine help reduce stress and build trust. Tervurens enjoy interactive toys and games that tap into their herding and tracking instincts. Staff should watch for signs of boredom or anxiety and adjust enrichment accordingly. Their protective nature means gentle socialization with other dogs is important during boarding. With the right care, they adapt well and stay content while away from home.