At first glance, a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd doesn’t appear to be too different from its parent breeds. Tervuren Belgians and German Shepherds have a fair amount in common. They do, however, vary in certain physical characteristics and health conditions. Here is a closer look at what to expect from a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd mix:
What are the Basic Characteristics of the Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
- Height: 21 – 26 inches
- Weight: 58 – 83lbs
- Coat: Double coated, medium to long fur
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, with older children
- Dog Friendly: Yes, if socialized at a young age
- Cat Friendly: Yes, if socialized at a young age
- Preferred Climate: Cool to Cold Climate
- Shedding Levels: High
- Trainability: High
- Potential to Bark/Howl: High
What Will a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Look Like?
A Tervuren Belgian Shepherd can take after either parent like any other mixed breed or have a unique combination of genes. With this particular mixed breed, it isn’t easy to tell that this pup is mixed. This is because their parent breeds look very similar.
How Big Will a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Get?
One of the main ways to tell this mixed breed apart is that Tervuren Belgian Shepherds will be larger than Tervuren Belgians and smaller than German Shepherds. When fully grown, this pup will fall into the medium-sized category.
What Type of Coat Will a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Have?
This pup may have a medium-length or long coat. The one thing you can be certain of is that this dog will have a thick, double coat.
The topcoat will have longer, straight fur. The undercoat will be dense and soft – the fur may be slightly wavy or wiry. There may be a thicker tuft of fur around the neck, much like a mane. The fur around the legs and tail may be longer as well.
There are many different color combinations for the Tervuren Belgian Shepherd and it is unlikely that these pups will ever be a solid color. Instead, they may be some combination of black, cream, silver, red, tan, blue, gray, sable, white, fawn, or russet mahogany.
The Tervuren Belgian Shepherd may have that German Shepherd-like mask or a darker face than the rest of their body like the Tervuren Belgian.
What Kind of Temperament Will a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Have?
These dogs are family-oriented, making them loving and loyal dogs to own. Tervuren Belgian Shepherds can be quite needy and may insist on having your full attention. These aren’t dogs that like to be ignored or left by themselves for a long time.
They work best with families where at least one member will be home at all times. If they are alone for more than a couple of behaviors, boredom and loneliness will set in causing them to be destructive.
While they are affectionate with their family and people they recognize, they are reserved around strangers. They are also observant and cautious, with a protective streak towards their family. This is what makes them excellent watchdogs.
If these pups aren’t socialized properly, you may struggle with them being wary or even borderline aggressive. Due to this, they need to be introduced to all kinds of people at a very young age.
These dogs get along well with young children and will bond quickly with the young ones in their families. You should be aware that these pups can have strong herding instincts and may try to herd younger children. As such, they are better suited to households with older children. Keep an eye on these dogs when they are around smaller children.
Tervuren Belgian Shepherds have the potential of getting along well with other dogs. The key here is early socialization. There is a better chance of this happening if this mixed breed is raised with other dogs from a young age. This is the same for cats and other pets.
What are the Health Issues Associated with a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
Through cross-breeding, many of the genetic issues of purebreds can be avoided with Tervuren Belgian Shepherds. There is still a chance of certain medical conditions cropping up, however, and it is important to know what these may be.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
A Tervuren Belgian Shepherd can have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. You can improve their life expectancy by providing them with proper nutrition, exercise, affection, and healthcare.
What are the Health Issues Experienced by a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
The good news is that both parent breeds for Tervuren Belgian Shepherds are quite healthy. In addition to this, they have few common health issues, reducing the risk of their pups developing these conditions. Nevertheless, here are some of the problems that you should be aware of:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Regularly monitor your dog’s healthy, making note of any changes in their diet, mood, movement, or general behavior patterns. If you notice anything different, make sure to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. An early diagnosis can greatly improve the overall quality and length of your dog’s life.
What are the Nutrition Requirements for a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
It is best to speak with your vet about which dog food is right for your Tervuren Belgian Shepherd. There is potential for your pup to take after their German Shepherd parent. If so, there is a chance that your puppy may grow quickly from the age of four to seven months.
This rapid growth puts them at risk of developing joint and bone issues. You can overcome this problem by giving your dog lower-calorie, high-quality dog food. Your vet will be able to recommend the best options for your puppy.
Stick to reputable dog food brands that use high-quality food sources. Dog food should contain an appropriate balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for a balanced diet. Dogs with allergies or specific health conditions may need to be put on special diets.
How Much Exercise Does a Tervuren Belgian Need?
As mentioned, these puppies may grow quickly from four to seven months. During this period, their bones and joints need extra care, requiring you to keep them away from any hard surfaces. Avoid letting your dog play or jump on the pavement or similar surfaces. Grass, however, is fine.
This is a high-energy dog that requires a lot of exercises. Your dog will require up to an hour of exercise each day. This includes long, vigorous walks and more engaging activities like fetch and Frisbee.
Try to split their overall exercise routine into two or shorter segments throughout the day to avoid them from getting bored.
As intelligent and independent pups, these dogs also require mental stimulation. Once they have passed that critical growth and development stage, consider enrolling your dog in agility training or dog sports. This will help them to engage more fully and cater to their working dog tendencies.
How Much Grooming Does a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Need?
Expect your double-coated Tervuren Belgian Shepherd to shed all year long. Due to this, you will need to brush them several times a week. Use a slicker brush as well as an undercoat rake to cut down on the loose hair around your home.
If your dog has a thicker mane around its neck, give this area extra attention. Comb through it to prevent the fur in this area from being matted. This is especially important if your dog has been playing in the dirt.
Your Tervuren Belgian Shepherd will blow their coat. The males may only do this once a year. Females, on the other hand, may blow their coats with every heat cycle. This mixed breed may only shed their coat after the colder months.
Despite their thick coats, the Tervuren Belgian Shepherd doesn’t need to be bathed that often. They may only require a bath a few times a year or when they get really dirty. For the most part, these pups don’t smell bad or get dirty that easily.
What is the Best Living Environment for a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
With their thick coats, they love being in cooler climes. They don’t tolerate heat that well so it is important to keep an eye on them during the warm months. Try to keep your dog indoors as much as possible, preferably around a fan or air conditioning.
Don’t take your dog out during the day but only exercise them early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler. This mixed breed is at an increased risk of overheating.
These dogs don’t do well in apartments. For one thing, they are a larger breed and need more space. Tervuren Belgian Shepherds are also highly energetic working dogs and they enjoy having a yard to move around in. At the very least, they should have plenty of space to run around inside the house.
If you do have a backyard, make sure there is a high and sturdy fence. These dogs may tend to chase after small animals, vehicles, and even people. A good fence will prevent your pooch from running away when you aren’t around.
How Can You Train a Tervuren Belgian Shepherd?
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. The trick is to understand the right approach to training. Bear in mind that these pups have been bred to be independent, but can also be rather sensitive.
Due to this, positive reinforcement is always the way to go. Avoid reprimanding or scolding your dog during training. Instead, focus on rewarding them for what they do get right. They will especially appreciate cuddles and attention when they get the hang of tricks and commands.
These dogs require constant mental stimulation, so don’t be afraid to keep teaching them new tricks and commands. Not only will your dog love having a job to do, but you will be pleasantly surprised to find out just how much they can pick up and retain.
Where Can You Find Tervuren Belgian Shepherds?
This is one of the rarer mixed breeds and isn’t that common. You will have to find a breeder that specializes in this mixed breed. Don’t be surprised if you have to search for these pups outside your immediate area or have to be put on a waiting list.
Always choose a reputable breeder for puppies as it can help to lower the risk of genetic issues. Good breeders will research both parents’ bloodlines for several generations back to ensure that they aren’t carrying dominant disease-causing genes.
Can You Adopt Tervuren Belgian Shepherds?
As they are considered to be a designer breed, it is unlikely that you will find them in a shelter. You can focus your search on shelters that specifically take in German Shepherds or Tervuren Belgian Shepherds to increase your chances of finding one.
How Do Big-Will Tervuren Belgian Shepherds get?
These dogs can reach up to 26 inches and can weigh over 86lbs as an adult. This classifies them as a large breed.
How Much Are Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Puppies?
Depending on your region and breeder, these puppies can cost upwards of $1,200 due to how rare they are.
Are Tervuren Belgian Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
Affectionate and loyal, this mixed breed is great around adults and dogs alike, making them a great addition to the family.
It’s not easy to find too much information on Tervuren Belgian Shepherds, but we have changed that. If you’re thinking of getting this mixed breed, you can make a fully informed decision about whether or not this pup is a good fit for you.