Belgian Tervuren

  

Summary

• Belgian Sheepdog, or the Belgian, includes four different varieties of the breed: Tervueren, Malinois, Laekenois and Groenendael.
• The breed is hardworking, alert, intelligent and requires a lot of activation both physically and mentally.
• The Belgian matures late, usually around three years of age.
• It is considered a healthy and long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
• Belgian Sheepdogs were developed at the end of the 19th century as versatile working dogs and family dogs.

History

Belgian Sheepdogs, including the Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois and Tervuren, were established as breeds in 1891. Originally they were herding dogs, but have since developed into versatile working dogs and good companions in families. Interest in creating national dog breeds spread in many European countries at the end of the 19th century.In Belgium it was Professor A. Reul, a veterinarian in Cureghem near Brussels, who began work on creating a Belgian sheepdog breed. In 1899, the breed club decided that the long-haired Belgian sheepdog should be black, the short-haired should be reddish-yellow with black hair tips, and the rough-haired should be ash gray. All other colors were banned. In 1907, the non-black, long-haired Belgian Shepherd (tervuer), the reddish-yellow rough-haired Belgian Shepherd (laekenois) and the black, short-haired Belgian Shepherd (malinois) were also recognized as varieties of the breed.

Characteristics and mentality

The Belgian is a lively, happy, alert and attentive breed. It is also intelligent, easy to learn and has a great willingness to work. It is important to give this breed sufficient exercise and activity to channel its energy and work ethic, otherwise problems may arise.Environmental training and socialization during the first year of life is important for the Belgian. Towards its owner, it is loving and devoted, but it can be disinterested or reserved towards strangers.

Size and appearance

Belgian Sheepdogs should be medium-sized, well-proportioned and square in shape, while at the same time radiating elegance and power. They have a strong and muscular body, toughness and are used to living outdoors. They are created to withstand the changing seasons and the Belgian climate. With their harmonious physique and proud stance, they give the impression of robust elegance.The four varieties – Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois and Tervuren – have the same standard, except for the coat. The Groenendael has long, black fur. Malinois has short, reddish-yellow fur with black hair tips and a black mask. Laekenois have rough hair and dry fur, which is reddish-yellow with a hint of black hair tips. The Tervuer has long-haired fur, which can be reddish-yellow or gray with black hair tips and a black mask.

Fur care

Belgian Sheepdogs do not require much grooming, as the fur has a quality that is largely self-grooming. They can be bathed as needed and brushed a couple of times a month, more often during shedding periods.

More information about the breed

in general, anyone interested is advised to contact the Belgian Shepherd Breed Club for more information on the breed, breeders and health aspects. You can also read more about the breed and its health in the RAS document (Breed-specific breeding strategies), which provides a thorough introduction to the breed’s status today and the breed club’s focus on breeding in the future. The breed standard describes both the physical and mental characteristics of the breed and is recommended reading for anyone considering getting a puppy of this breedWe wish you good luck!Supporting Sources: Dyrebar , Wikipedia , Wildlife