Belgian Tervuren

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Epilepsy · Progressive retinal atrophy

The Belgian Tervuren is the elegant, long-haired member of the Belgian shepherd family — every bit as brilliant, driven and energetic as its Malinois cousin, dressed in a beautiful mahogany coat. This is a serious working and herding dog for experienced, active owners: highly intelligent and intensely bonded, it seems to read minds, but it needs a great deal of daily exercise plus real mental work and training (herding, agility, obedience, protection sport), or its cleverness turns to anxiety and mischief. Sensitive and devoted, it forms a profound connection with its person and responds only to positive, engaging methods, and it needs early, thorough socialisation as it can be reserved with strangers and alert to everything. The long double coat sheds heavily and 'blows' seasonally, needing brushing a couple of times a week and more during moults. Health-wise, buy from a breeder who screens hips and eyes, and be aware of hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism. Give a Tervuren a genuine job, plenty of exercise, mental challenge, positive training and close engagement, and this brilliant, beautiful shepherd will be a devoted partner for twelve to fourteen years.

• How much exercise does a Belgian Tervuren need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a Belgian Tervuren need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Belgian Tervuren suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Belgian Tervuren a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Belgian Tervuren live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Belgian Tervuren?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Progressive retinal atrophy. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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