With a dark, long silky coat, the Belgian Tervuren always draws attention. They are not only attractive, but also intelligent and hardworking. Here are some interesting facts about the Belgian Tervuren.
They Were Bred To Be Herding and Guard Dogs
The Belgian Tervuren was originally developed as a versatile farm dog that could herd livestock and guard the animals and the property. The Tervuren is actually one of four types of Belgian sheepdogs (the other three being the Belgian Malinois, the Groenendael, and the Laekenois), which all served as herders and guard dogs.
It’s One of Four Breeds With ‘Belgian’ in Their Name
Belgian Tervuren aren’t the only breeds with their country of origin in their official name. Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Sheepdogs all share the first part of their name. But don’t get them confused — they are all separate breeds.
In Some Countries, the Tervuren Is Not a Separate Breed
The American Kennel Club separated the Belgian Sheepdog into three distinct breeds, the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog (the Groenendael), and the Belgian Tervuren in 1959. The Belgian Laekenois was not yet recognize. But in many other countries, the Belgian Tervuren is still counted as one breed with the other three types of Belgian sheepdogs. Having the same size and build, the breeds are only distinguished by their coats. The Tervuren is unique because of their long, sleek fur.
They Were Named After a Belgian Village
The Tervuren was named for their place of origin. Tervuren is a Belgian village that was home to a man named M.F. Corbeel, who owned the two dogs that would become the breed’s foundation couple.
The Foundation Couple Worked at a Brewery
A man of many talents, Corbeel was a brewer, as well as a dog breeder. He used his dog, “Tom,” to pull his beer cart during the day and guard the brewery at night. Corbeel mated Tom to “Poes,” his female dog, and this pairing became the foundation of the modern Tervuren breed.
The First Ever AKC Herding Champion Was a Tervuren
Industrialization reduced the need for herding dogs, but Belgian Tervuren still retain their natural herding ability. The first recorded champion of the AKC herding championship was a Tervuren.
Their Name Has a Different Meaning in Belgian
In Belgium, the Belgian Tervuren is actually known by a different name. They are called the “Chien de Berger Belge,” which translates to “Belgian Shepherd Dog.”
They’re As Mischievous As They Are Focused
While they’re focused and talented herding and working dogs, they aren’t all business. Part of their temperament is reflected in their delight at mastering tasks set to challenge them, and the love to outsmart their owners. Owners of the breed often say that their mischievous sense of humor is always at work.
Tervuren Are Used as Police Dogs in Belgium
In the United States, the Belgian Malinois is a more popular breed for police and military work, but Tervuren are often trained to work with police in Belgium.
They’re Featured in a Famous Painting
In the very early 20th century, famed painter Alexandre Clarys (A. Clarys) featured a Belgian Tervuren in one of his most famous paintings. Clarys was known for painting very realistic portraits of animals, especially dogs and horses.