The Belgian Tervueren
The Belgian Tervueren (or Tervuren) is one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog; this particular variety getting its name from the Belgian town of Tervueren. Towards the end of the 19th Century, there were many varieties of sheep-herding dogs that existed on the European continent. While many of these dogs shared similar working abilities, type was quite varied. Fanciers, fearing extinction of many of the breeds, gathered to decide on a set of standards that would be the Belgian Sheepdog. While there was general concensus surrounding the structure and abilities of the dog, there was no common ground on what the coat type or color should be. Therefore when the breed was officially created in 1891, four distinct varieties of the one breed emerged, based on coat-type. These were: the Groenendael (known in America as the Belgian Sheepdog), the Tervueren, the Malinois, and the Laeken (not recognized by the AKC); these varieties were named after the area in which they were most favored. While all four varieties are considered to be the one breed by the FCI and most countries (interbreeding allowed between the varieties), in the USA they recognized as separate breeds (with no interbreeding between the varieties). These energetic, smart dogs fit well into family and need plenty of outdoor activity, and excel in obedience if given the opportunity.
Height: 24 - 26" (61 - 61cm) for dogs, 22 - 24" (55.9 - 55.9cm) for bitches
Weight: 62 lbs (27.7 kg)
Coat Type: The Belgian Tervueren variety has a long-haired, harsh outer-coat which conceals the dense, woolly undercoat. This undercoat is shed once a year by the males, and twice a year by the females. The color of the Tervueren variety is dark fawn, mahogany, or gray with a black overlay. The black coloring is due to the hairs of the coat which have dual colors (i.e., base color at the root of the hair, with a black tip.) Regular grooming is required to keep the longer coat free of tangles or mats.
Temperament: These dogs exhibit the qualities inherent to true working dogs: alertness, protectiveness, confidence, extreme intelligence, and affection. This breed excels in obedience and makes a devoted family pet. Sometimes, one may find excessive shyness in the breed.
Health Problems: Epilepsy has been demonstrated to have a genetic component in this breed. As well, hip dysplasia and eye problems are found in this breed.
Special Interest: Although the breed was known in North America in the early 1900s, it wasn't until after World War I that it became popular. Returning soldiers heralded the breed's success as a messenger and Red Cross dog. Today it is often used to detect drug smuggling because of its highly developed scenting abilities and its keen intelligence.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 7 - Herding Dogs
CKC: Group 7 - Herding Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 1
ANKC: Group 5 - Working Dogs
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