The first impression of the Belgian Tervuren is that of a well balanced medium size dog,
elegant in appearance, standing squarely on all fours, with proud carriage of head and
neck. He is strong, agile, well muscled, alert and full of life. He gives the impression of
depth and solidity without bulkiness. The male should appear unquestionably masculine;
the female should have a distinctly feminine look and be judged equally with the male.
The Belgian Tervuren is a natural dog and there is no need for excessive posing in the
show ring.
The Belgian Tervuren reflects the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and
devotion to master. In addition to his inherent ability as a herding dog, he protects his
master's person and property without being overtly aggressive. He is watchful, attentive,
and usually in motion when not under command.
The Belgian Tervuren is a herding dog, and faults which affect his ability to herd under all
conditions, such as poor gait, bite, coat or temperament should be particularly penalized.
Characteristics
A balanced dog of medium proportions, harmoniously
proportioned, intelligent, rustic, accustomed to open-air life, built to resist the bad
weather of the seasons and the atmospheric variations so frequent to the Belgian
climate.
By the harmony of his shape and the proud carriage of his head, the Belgian Shepherd
Dog must give the impression of that robust elegance which has become the heritage of
the selected representatives of a working breed.
In addition to his inborn aptitude for guarding flocks, he has the precious qualities to be
the best guard dog for the property. When necessary he is, without hesitation, a
tenacious and ardent defender of his master. He is vigilant and attentive, his look is alert
and enquiring, denoting his intelligence.
Temperament
In his relationship with humans he is observant and vigilant with strangers, but not
apprehensive. He does not show fear or shyness. He does not show viciousness by
unwarranted or unprovoked attack. He must be approachable, standing his ground and
showing confidence to meet overtures without himself making them. With those he knows
well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous for their attention and very possessive.
History
On September 29,1891, the "Club due Chien de Berger Belge" (Bel-gian
Shepherd Dog Club) was organized to determine the characteris-tics of the
native shepherd dogs in Belgium. They defined a consistent type of native
dog, anatomically identical but differing in hair texture, hair length and colors.
During the first decade of the twentieth century, owners and breeders in
Belgium urged acceptance of additional Varieties based on color and the
adoption of "place names" to designate those Varieties. The black, long-hairs
were given the name Groenendael. The fawn, rough hairs were given the
name Laekenois. The short-haired fawn with black mask and charcoaling was
given the name Malinois. The name Tervueren was given to the long-haired
fawn with black mask and charcoaling. "Tervueren" later became the
designation for the long-hair other than black.
His abilities as an intelligent and versatile working dog soon gained him
popularity in other countries as well. The first Belgian Shepherd Dogs were
imported into the United States in the early 1900's.
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