The Belgian should fit the following description, based on the standard defined to the AKC. Any dogs outside this standard, usually because of size, color, or conformation, are sold as pets. These dogs are not considered breeding stock, but make the finest of friends. Often the dog that is spayed or neutered is better company because it is not distracted by the "seasons".




Character and Nature of the Belgian
By nature, the Tervuren is a lively dog, one who is happiest doing something and especially if it be with his owner. He has been bred as a herding dog to work in close association with his master and his instincts are still geared to this task. He is very alert, agile, gentle with those he knows and watchful of those he does not know. He loves to play, is an excellent listener and you will always find him alert for instruction or praise. An understanding of the nature of the Tervuren is essential so that as an owner you will see that this energy and desire to do things with you, if left alone to his own devices will become bored and turn his active mind to destructive acts. If you are not willing to spend some time to care for and train you dog, the Tervuren is NOT for you.

 

Appearance
A Tervuren should be well balanced and medium size. You should be able to tell a male dog from a female at a glance. The breed standard uses the terms "strong, agile, well muscled, alert and full of life," it also says that the Tervuren is to be "elegant" with "proud carriage of head and neck." The Tervuren is kept natural, the only cosmetic surgery done is possibly to remove the dew claws. His coat should stay fairly clean and only require regular brushing.

Personality
The Tervuren is intelligent, often resorting to games of his own design if not entertained. He should show courage, alertness, and devotion. He is a watchdog, but should not be overly aggressive. When meeting strangers he should be neither shy or aggressive, but should stand his ground. He is likely to act protectively of his property when the owner is away. Once a Tervuren makes a friend, they will always be his friend.

Size
The Tervuren must conform to specific size standards to be shown and bred. Height: For males - 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, for females - 22 to 24 inches. They are allowed a tolerance of one inch shorter and a half inch taller before being disqualified. They should be as long from chest to hip as they are tall, females tend to be slightly longer than tall.

Coat and Color
A Tervuren coat should be very full and double. The hair texture should be coarse and as straight as possible. Once the adult coat has grown in, the texture makes care fairly simple, the thickness and straightness of the coat keeps it free from dirt and tangles. The color of the coat is any rich shade of red with black highlights. The ears and muzzle have to be black, quite often the entire head, neck, and chest will be black also. There should be a black overlay, or blackening, of the coat, so that the hairs are banded - colored in the middle and black on the ends. The blackening can be only on the head and neck or cover the entire body of the dog. Too much blackening is a fault, as is washed out colors, no black or none on the face and ears, or shades of gray. White markings should be only on the front of the chest, and then only a very small amount. White hair on the muzzle and chin is not unusual and not penalized, sometimes it makes a young dog appear old.

The breed standard, as submitted to the AKC, details conformation, temperament, and coloring, and should be referred to when considering a Tervuren for show and possibly breeding.