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Belgium•herding
Belgian Tervuren
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
Elegant, agile, and intelligent. Belgian Tervurens are devoted herding dogs with a striking long coat and tireless work ethic.
Weight20-34 kg44-75 lbs
Height56-66 cm22-26"
Lifespan12-14 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
IntelligentLoyalEnergeticAlertProtective
Height
56-66 cm22-26"
Weight
20-34 kg44-75 lbs
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Large - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Belgian56-66 cm22-26"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Belgian Tervuren
high energy60-90 min/day
The Belgian Tervuren is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
2+ hours daily of vigorous physical and mental exercise
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Belgian Tervuren
High Maintenancefur coat
Belgian Tervurens require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Belgian Tervuren
Eager to Please
The Belgian Tervuren is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Belgian Tervuren
Large Breed2 meals$42-106/month
Large breeds need careful nutrition management, especially during growth. Controlled growth and joint support are key priorities.
Feeding Tips
Large Breed Formula
Use foods specifically formulated for large breeds, especially during puppyhood for controlled growth.
Joint Support
Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health throughout life.
Don't Overfeed puppies
Rapid growth stresses developing joints. Large breed puppies should grow slowly and steadily.
Consider Bowl Placement
Some large dogs benefit from elevated food bowls for comfortable eating posture.
Important Considerations
- Rapid puppy growth increases risk of joint problems
- Higher risk of bloat - avoid exercise right after eating
- Prone to obesity in less active individuals
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Belgian Tervuren
2
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Belgian Tervuren
Monthly costs
Food
$42-106
Insurance
$43-101
Supplies
$17-35
Grooming
$90-108
Monthly total
$192-350
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$492-828/yr
Parasite prevention
$432/yr
Annual total
$924-1,260/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Belgian Tervuren's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
7 references for Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Belgian Tervuren Dog Breed Health and Care
Veterinary·PetMD
Canine Health Information Center - Belgian Tervuren
Health·OFA-CHIC
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research