The Belgian tervuren, also spelled tervueren, is a member of the Belgian sheepdog breed family. The four Belgian shepherd breeds are the groenendael, laekenois, malinois and tervuren and in some countries are regarded as a single breed. In the U.S., Belgian sheepdogs are recognised as dinstinct breeds and the tervuren has been recognized by the AKC since 2007. These dogs are not common in the U.S. but have a loyal following. The Belgian tervuren is perhaps the most striking of the four breeds, with its heavy coat and regal bearing.
Instructions
1. Identify a tervuren by its distinctive, heavy coat. The tervuren coat is adaptive to harsh weather and as such has a dense undercoat with a harsh, abundant topcoat. The most distinctive feature is the heavy mane, tail and feathering on the legs. The hair on the face is short. Since tervurens are rustic, herding dogs, they are never trimmed or overly groomed.
2. Tell a tervuren apart from its long-haired Belgian cousin, the groenendael, by the coat color. While the groenendael is a similar size and the only other long-haired member of the Belgian shepherd group, the groenendael is always black while the tervuren coat is fawn to mahogany, with black points and overlay. The face should be black and the chest, shoulders and back should be darker. The Tervuren has a double pigmented coat, meaning the fawn hairs are often tipped in black. The undercoat is typically lighter than the topcoat.
3. Look at the size of a Belgian tervuren. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall, with females a little smaller at 22 to 24 inches in height. They are fine boned and regal dogs weighing between 65 and 75 lbs. They should have a square appearance, with the length of the body from shoulder to rump being roughly equal. The overall appearance of a tervuren is of a medium-large, elegant, athletic dog with upstanding ears and an alert expression.
4. Consider the temperament and activity level of most herding dogs. Tervurens are an active breed of dog and need considerable outlets for both physical and mental energy. Tervurens are not couch potatoes and even at rest are likely to be standing, vigilant or pacing; they are tireless and willing workers. Tervurens are somewhat aloof with strangers, yet always approachable. Viciousness or extreme shyness is a serious fault in the breed. With those they know well, they are affectionate and devoted.
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