Belgian Tervuren: The Belgium Policedog

The Belgian Tervuren reminds me of werewolves. They have long muzzles, fur that highlights their striking physical features and often have dark muzzles and very serious looking eyes. These dogs are herding dogs, with roots in Belgium, and its name is derived from the village Tervuren. They are not as popular as other shepherd breeds and were recognized by the AKC in the early 1960s, they used to known as Belgian Sheepdog.

They were used to herd livestock and have a knack for agility courses and protection work such as being a police dog or doing search and rescue work. They are not common in the U.S. and may look like a long haired german shepherd to many people.

The Turvuren is a loyal, intelligent, and highly active dog that needs lots of exercise, challenges, and training. If they aren’t trained well and become bored, your home may be turned upside down and you may find the insides of your couch on the floor.

This breed naturally has a playful and alert temperament to their family and a protective and reserved personality towards strangers. Some may even seem possessive of their family. Socializing this breed is top priority but they are great with their families and good with children and may try to herd them by nipping at their ankles.

Many people who own Tervurens stress how this breed is not for a first time dog owner and requires time, patience, and a commitment to train and reinforce training. They also talk about how charming and smart the breed is and how they even seem to have a sense of humor and may try to do things such as herd the kids into the middle of a yard. Tervurens love to do activities with their owners such as flyball, agility training, jogging, and fetch. They love to be taught new tricks and their herding instinct is still very strongly intact.

Heath wise the Tervuren can live to be about 12 to 14 years old, and may be susceptible to hip problems and eye problems as they age. Their fur is a double coat and requires regular grooming and brushing to prevent matted fur. Their fur is usually a mahogany color with some black tones and shades throughout and a black mask on the face. These dogs have a very striking appearance and have excellent posture.

If you would like to know more about the breed, you can visit the American Belgian Tervuren Club.