Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
A Tervuren
Alternative names
Belgian Tervuren Chien de Berger Belge
Country of origin
Belgium
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 1 Section 1 #015	Stds
AKC:	Herding	Stds
ANKC:	Group 5 (Working)	Stds
CKC:	Group 7 - Herding	Stds
KC (UK):	Pastoral	Stds
NZKC:	Working	Stds
UKC:	Herding Dogs	Stds

The Belgian Shepherd Dog Tervuren, less often spelled Tervueren, (IPA pronunciation: [tʌɹˈvʊɹɛn]), is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. In the United States, the AKC recognizes it under the name Belgian Tervuren. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Tervuren as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (prior to 2005, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were called Belgian Sheepdogs).

1 Appearance
2 Temperament
3 Grooming
4 Famous Tervurens
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Appearance

Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Tervuren is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. Males stand between 24 and 26 inches, and weigh approximately 65 lb. Females are finer and smaller. It is recognized by its thick double coat, generally mahogany with varying degrees of black overlay, including a black mask. A small patch of white on the chest is permissible, as well as white tips on toes. The Tervuren may also be sable or grey, but this may be penalized in the show ring in some countries according to the standard of the registering body.

[edit] Temperament

A Tervuren in an agility competition

Tervurens are highly energetic, intelligent dogs who require a job to keep them occupied. This can be herding, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, or protection work. They are also found working as Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, finding missing persons and avalanche victims.

As companion animals, Tervurens are loyal and form strong bonds with their family, leading some to be aloof with strangers. They are good watch dogs, being very observant and attentive to the slightest change in their environment. Some can be nervous, depending on breeding and early experiences, so care must be taken to adequately socialize Tervuren puppies to a wide variety of people and situations.

Tervuren at 7 months

As with all the Belgian Shepherd Dogs, Tervuerens are not generally recommended to first-time dog owners due to their high maintenance level.

[edit] Grooming

The Tervuren has a thick, double coat similar to the Groenendael. Regular brushing is necessary to remove loose undercoat, but in general, the fur is not prone to matting. A properly textured Tervuren coat is slightly hard, laying flat against the body (unlike, for instance, the Samoyed's off-standing fur). It naturally sheds dirt and debris, but burrs and seeds may stick to the feathering on the legs.

The Tervuren is shown in a natural state, with minimal trimming and cosmetic products. Bathing, brushing, and trimming the fur on the feet with scissors to emphasize their tight, cat-footed shape is the extent of most exhibitors' grooming routines. Products that alter the coloration of the coat are not allowed in the ring.