8 Fascinating Belgian Tervuren Facts: Intelligence, Loyalty & Beauty

If you’re looking to learn about a smart and loyal dog breed, Belgian Tervuren dogs are worth your attention. These dogs have a striking look and a strong history as herding and working companions.

You’ll discover what makes Belgian Tervurens unique and why they are loved by many dog owners around the world. This introduction will help you get familiar with the breed before diving into eight interesting facts about them.

1. Belgian Tervuren is one of four Belgian Shepherd breeds, alongside Malinois, Laekenois, and Groenendael.

When you hear about the Belgian Tervuren, it’s important to know that this breed is just one type in a group known as the Belgian Shepherd dogs. The other types in this group are the Malinois, Laekenois, and Groenendael. All four share a common origin in Belgium. These breeds are mainly separated by their coat and color. The Tervuren has a long, fawn to mahogany coat with a black overlay. In comparison, the Malinois has short hair, the Laekenois has rough, wiry fur, and the Groenendael is known for a long, black coat.

2. They have a distinctive long double coat with a black overlay and rich fawn to mahogany coloring.

• When you look at a Belgian Tervuren, one of the first things you notice is its beautiful coat. This breed has a long, thick double coat. The coat helps protect the dog from different weather.
• The base color of the Belgian Tervuren is rich fawn to deep mahogany. On top of this, there is a noticeable black overlay that gives the coat extra depth. You can also see a black mask on the face and often black ears.
• Their undercoat is dense and soft, offering warmth, while the outer coat is harsher and lies close to the body. The mix of these coat layers helps keep dirt away and makes grooming easier.
• You can read more about the Belgian Tervuren’s unique coat colors and markings in this article about the Belgian Tervuren’s long, dense double coat. This elegant and practical coat is one of the breed’s defining features.

3. Originally bred as versatile farm dogs for herding and guarding livestock.

• Belgian Tervuren dogs were first developed in Belgium to help farmers. Their main jobs were herding sheep and protecting farm animals from predators or thieves.
• These dogs are known for their intelligence and quick learning. This made them reliable helpers on farms, where daily tasks could change quickly.
• You can trace their history back to the late 1800s. Farmers chose Tervurens for their strong work ethic, alertness, and loyalty to their human families.
• Their natural alertness also made them good at guarding property and animals. Today, some Tervurens are still used on farms, but their skills in herding and guarding are valued in other roles too.
• To learn more about how Belgian Tervurens and other shepherd breeds were used for farm work, see this guide to types of Belgian Shepherds. They are related to three other Belgian shepherd types, all once bred for these important jobs.

4. Adult females typically stand 22-24 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.

• When you look at a Belgian Tervuren female, you will notice she is not a small dog. Adult females usually stand 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. This height gives them an elegant yet sturdy appearance.
• In terms of weight, most adult female Belgian Tervurens range from 45 to 60 pounds. This puts them in the medium to large dog category.
• The balance of height and weight helps Belgian Tervuren females stay agile and active. These dogs often have a lean but strong body.
• If you own a female Belgian Tervuren, regular exercise helps her maintain a healthy weight. Feeding her the right amount for her size is also important for her overall health.
• These size guidelines are typical, but some dogs may be a little smaller or larger. For more information about dog weight by age and gender, you can look at this height and weight chart for helpful details.

5. Known for their high intelligence, excelling in obedience and agility training.

Belgian Tervuren dogs are well known for their sharp minds. You will notice that they learn new commands quickly and are eager to pick up new skills. This breed often stands out in obedience classes because of its focus and willingness to please. Many Belgian Tervurens do very well in agility courses, showing off their fast thinking and quick movements.

6. They possess a strong work ethic, making them ideal working and protection dogs.

• You will notice the Belgian Tervuren is a breed that thrives when given a job. Their strong work ethic is one of their most admired traits.
• These dogs are eager to learn and love being mentally and physically challenged. They do best when they have a purpose, whether it’s herding, obedience, or learning new tasks.
• Their intelligence and drive to work make them highly trainable. This is why Belgian Tervurens are often chosen for police, search and rescue, and other working roles.
• With their alertness and loyalty, you can count on them to watch over your home. They take protection work seriously, never acting out of unnecessary aggression.
• Compared to other breeds, Belgian Tervurens often need regular tasks to stay happy. If you keep them busy, you will see just how dedicated they are to their work.
• Their reputation for a strong work ethic is backed up by experts who rank them among the top working and protection dogs. This is a reason why many families and professionals choose them for active lifestyles and security needs.

7. Belgian Tervurens are loyal and devoted, yet affectionate and friendly with family.

When you bring a Belgian Tervuren into your home, you gain a dog that is very loyal to their family. Their devotion makes them want to stay close to their loved ones and protect them when needed. Belgian Tervurens are not just loyal. They are also known for being affectionate and friendly with their family members. They enjoy spending time with you and often look for ways to be involved in your daily activities.

8. They have an athletic and elegant build, combining strength and agility.

• When you look at a Belgian Tervuren, you notice a dog that is both strong and graceful. Their body is well-muscled and designed for work, with a frame that shows off their athletic ability.
• Male Tervurens tend to stand 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds. Females are usually a bit smaller, at 22 to 24 inches tall and 45 to 65 pounds. This size range helps these dogs stay fast and powerful without being bulky.
• Their long, elegant coat adds to their unique appearance. The hair flows smoothly, and the overall shape of their body remains visible underneath. The coat is both practical and beautiful, allowing them to stay comfortable while working and expressing their distinctive style.
• You can also see their agility in the way they move. The Belgian Tervuren is quick and nimble, able to turn, jump, and run with ease. Their build makes them well suited for dog sports, herding, and active family life.