Belgian Shepherd - Tervuren dog training school and breed information

Understanding and Training a Belgian Shepherd - Tervuren

This breed is alert (watchful), responsive, serious and highly intelligent. A handler of a Belgian shepherd needs to be as smart and capable as the breed itself - should the breed be allowed to make a mistake, they will repeat.

Belgian Shepherds respect and obey firm, experienced handling and will not tolerate mistreatment. The handler must also be gentle and patient and on top of the dog's behaviour as well as the external distractions at all times.

The breed can be restless without something to do, even during exercise sessions. Incorporate random obedience routines and distraction games into your walks to keep the dog mentally stimulated and focused on you at all times.

Breed Profile

Breed Name: Belgian Shepehrd Tervuren

Domestic Dog Group:

Brief Description:

General Size: 62-75 lbs (28-35 kg); 56-66 cm
General Temperament: Obedient & Loyal
General Description: A highly capable breed that requires the same from their handler.

Breed’s Key Traits

High Med-High Medium Med-Low Low

Requires Experience x

Good Family Dog x

Exercise Required x

Activity Indoors x

Ease of Training x

Sociability with Strangers x

Grooming Requirements x

Brief History

Although the origins date back to the 1200's as dogs bred for herding stock, the general heading of Belgian shepherd dogs include the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervuren. These dogs are all of similar type, differing primarily in terms of their coloration and coat length. The breeding distinctions were introduced for all four Belgium dogs in the late 1800's.