PACarlson, Flickr
Personality: As with most Belgian breeds, the Belgian Tervuren is happiest when it is has a job to do and an owner to adore. They have been widely used as search-and-rescue dogs, and are often found participating in flyball competitions. Some Tervurens can act shy or nervous around strangers or other dogs, but in general they are considered a well-adjusted breed. In fact, "intelligent, courageous and alert" are the first three words that the American Kennel Club uses to define the breed standard. Perhaps if anything distinguishes the temperament of the Tervuren from other Belgian sheepdogs and shepherd dogs, it's their natural charm and sense of humor, according to the American Belgian Tervuren Club.
Grooming: Don't be afraid of the Tervuren's bushy coat; it is not as high-maintenance as it might appear. The Tervuren's double coat tends to resist matting, and sheds dirt and debris all on its own. Regular brushing -- the AKC recommends doing it twice weekly -- may be all that's needed to remove loose undercoat fur and the occasional stuck-on grass, burrs or other bits of outdoor nature.
Common Health Issues: A Belgian Tervuren's common health issues are just that -- ailments that are usually found in all breeds and not particularly serious. As a Tervuren ages, look for dysplasia, eye complications, skin conditions or epilepsy.
Training Tips: The ABTC has a number of suggestions on how to best obedience-train a Tervuren. Don't wait until the dog is an adult. Involve your puppy in a class-learning environment. Don't push it too hard. Expose it to many different types of social and physical situations (cars, crates, elevators, dog parks, etc.) from an early age.
Best Animal/Owner Match: The AKC specifically recommends Tervurens as both therapy and guide dogs, but also claims that "as an intelligent, sensitive dog, the Belgian Tervuren makes a wonderful addition to any home, as long as training is provided." The ABTC, however, suggests otherwise, saying on its Web site that the breed "is certainly not for everyone." Why not? According to the ABTC, "they are very possessive of their loved ones and extremely demanding of your attention.," Because of this, if they are not given regular time by you, they are apt to invent their own entertainment, which may not be what you would choose for them to do."
What Belgian Tervuren Owners Say: Paw Nation Facebook friend Darlene Cruz of Brownsville, Tex. praises the breed's loyalty: "He will be there for you no matter what."
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I had a Turvuren named Lacy for 16 years and we miss her dearly. She passed on a little over a year ago and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She was one of the smartest and most lovable pets that my family ever had.
We got her when our boys were 10 and 12 and she just fit right in and played with them and slept with them and ate her meals with them. She traveled in a SUV cross country to California with us and was a pleasure on the trip. Loved to play ball and go thru the drive thru at Mcdonalds and Wendys and get a burger. She was a furry member of our family that communicated by pushing me to the refrigerator or the back door or dropping her ball in my lap. You looked in her eyes and she understood everything that you said. They are a wonderful family addition if you have the time and they need a lot of love and they give alot of love in return. We will one day get another one when the time is right.