Belgian Tervuren are known for their multi-faceted personalities. They are strong, yet sensitive; energetic, yet precise; and driven, yet obedient. Accordingly, their needs can seem relatively demanding. The Terv is a superb addition to the family that enjoys an engaging experience with their dogs and can devote ample time to that relationship. They tend to be both approachable and protective, intuitively discriminating between who is threatening and who is not.

Like all herding breeds, your Terv can make a great playmate for children so long as their herding instincts are properly tempered through good training and early socialization (to prevent nipping). Well-socialized, they do well with other dogs. Their herding tendencies can be a challenge with smaller pets in the household, but training and socialization can usually help, especially when they are raised together.

The Belgian Tervuren is a good-natured dog, with a stimulating and charismatic personality. A great companion, who loves to accompany the family wherever they go, the Terv is also a clever dog with a great sense of humor. They also have a caring disposition, which makes them the quintessential pet for service and therapy.

The Belgian Tervuren is a highly adaptable dog that does well in all kinds of environments. They do well in most climates, especially colder areas, thanks to their double-insulated coat. But, as with any dog, extremes in temperature should be avoided. They are very much “pack animals” who bond closely with their families and are happiest when part of a group. They do not like to be alone for long periods of time.

These dogs were bred to work on farms and, although they are adaptable to a non-farm lifestyle, they instinctively thrive in the outdoors. They will adapt to apartment living, but they need to be exercised frequently for both their physical health and emotional well-being. The yard of a house may be okay, but they will not be happy if they’re bored. They do best with an active family because they live to be active.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Belgian Tervuren can include progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices and the health of the puppies make a big difference in the health of Belgian Tervuren puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The American Belgian Tervuren Club recommends an elbow evaluation, a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a thyroid evaluation.

The Belgian Tervuren seems to possess an abundance of the best personality traits of their many predecessor breeds. They share certain exceptional abilities with their shepherd cousins, such as intelligence, alertness, and agility. Their notable intelligence as one of the smartest dog breeds makes them highly trainable with a humorous side.

Although they are highly trainable, the Belgian Tervuren is not recommended for novice dog owners because they require careful training and continual mental stimulation to be a perfect pet. The Terv respects a strong “pack leader”. Training that is firm, yet kind, is also important to keep your Terv from wandering because they can be consumed by things that they find curious.

It is important to remember that, despite their strong personality, the Belgian Tervuren is a very sensitive dog breed. Therefore, they will not respond to commands that are aggressive or harsh. It’s also important to keep training sessions interesting to keep your dog engaged during training sessions. Tervs pick up on things quickly and love learning new things, but their curiosity can get them in trouble if you’re not careful. Tervs also have a lot of energy that needs to be channeled properly and they get bored easily.

The Belgian Tervuren has a gorgeous, insulating double coat, which sheds lightly year-round, and more heavily twice a year when they shed their undercoat. To keep it looking beautiful, frequent brushing is required.

Thoroughly brushing a few times a week is usually enough to remove tangles and prevent mats. You’ll likely want to increase to daily brushing during seasonal shedding. A pin brush, a slicker brush, a metal comb, and an undercoat rake are good dog grooming brushes to have on hand. Bathing is usually recommended on a monthly basis, or more often if they get dirty.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Belgian Tervuren’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections.

Brushing your dog’s teeth every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Getting your Belgian Tervuren puppy used to having their paws and mouth handled early on will make grooming a much easier experience as your puppy grows. If you reward them and keep it a positive experience, grooming can help you build a bond with your dog and may even be something your dog looks forward to.

Although the Belgian Tervuren is highly active and one of the most active dog breeds, they are not hyperactive. They love to explore, play, compete, and participate in all of the physical activities of their families.

This working dog needs a sufficient degree of exercise, which involves daily walks. Also important is some off-leash playtime, such as a game of Frisbee or catch, where a Terv can run. They are also considered one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and they tend to love outdoor activities. So, once your Terv puppy is finished growing and their bones are done developing, you can try higher-impact activities with them.

Because the Terv is prone to herding and chasing, a fenced-in area like a yard or dog park is best. If you’re planning to have your Terv in open areas to play, ensure they are very strong in basic commands and will listen even if they are very interested in something. It’s also helpful if they have had several successful off-leash training sessions.

They are a sporty breed and excel at competitive activities such as agility, tracking, herding, and sledding. The Belgian Tervuren is designed for activity and is often said to be in constant motion. However, maintaining control of their propensities is manageable through good training because of the Terv’s inherent capacity for obedience.

Fully-grown Belgian Tervuren usually stand 22-26 inches tall and weigh 45-75 pounds on average. Females usually average 22-24 inches tall and weigh 45-60 pounds while males average 24-26 inches tall and weigh 55-75 pounds. The Belgian Tervuren is usually a medium-sized dog, but some individuals can end up being a little on the large side.

Belgian Tervuren generally live for 12-14 years on average.

During World War I, the Belgian Tervuren was part of the war effort in a number of important capacities, including as the service dog for the Red Cross. Tervs impressed American soldiers, who returned from home, telling of how the dogs were used as messengers in Europe during the war.

Their versatility as working dogs continues into the present. One of the facts about Belgian Tervuren is that they often work as police dogs. They can still be found working as farm dogs and also serving as military dogs, service dogs, and more.