Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)

It shares its foundation with the Groenendael and Malinois, developed from the general farm herding dogs found across Belgium before Professor Adolphe Reul's 1891 survey established recognised varieties. The Tervueren's long fawn coat with black overlay was refined by breeders including M. F. Corbeel, who owned dogs named Tom and Poes from the Tervuren area, giving the variety its name. Like its relatives it worked Belgian farms as an all-purpose herder and guard before moving into competitive obedience, herding trials and, in smaller numbers than the Malinois, police and military work.

Living with a Tervueren means living with an alert, energetic, highly trainable dog that forms an intense bond with its family and wants to be included in daily life and work. It excels at herding, agility and obedience and needs a genuine outlet for that drive, since a bored Tervueren tends to become anxious, herding family members or nipping at heels out of frustration. It is watchful with strangers and benefits from consistent early socialisation. The long coat needs brushing two or three times a week, with a heavy seasonal moult twice a year.

Today the Tervueren is less common than the Malinois but maintains a dedicated following among herding and dog sport enthusiasts, as well as families able to meet its considerable exercise and training needs. It is not a low-maintenance breed in any sense, but a well-exercised, well-trained Tervueren is an exceptionally capable and devoted companion.