Belgian Tervuren

AKC Group: Herding

Club: American Belgian Tervuren Club, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Sally Davis
Address: PO Box 272776, Fort Collins, CO , 80527--277
Website: www.abtc.org
Email: abtcsec@mindspring.com
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

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.

Size:

The ideal male is 24 to 26 inches in height and female 22 to 24 inches in height measured at the withers. Dogs are to be penalized in accordance to the degree they deviate from the ideal. Males under 23 inches or over 26½ inches or females under 21 inches or over 24½ inches are to be disqualified. The body is square; the length measured from the point of shoulder to the point of the rump approximates the height. Females may be somewhat longer in body. Bone structure is medium in proportion to height, so that he is well balanced throughout and neither spindly or leggy nor cumbersome and bulky.

Coat:

The Belgian Tervuren is particularly adaptable to extremes of temperature or climate. The guard hairs of the coat must be long, close fitting, straight and abundant. The texture is of medium harshness, not silky or wiry. Wavy or curly hair is undesirable. The undercoat is very dense, commensurate, however, with climatic conditions. The hair is short on the head, outside the ears, and on the front part of the legs. The opening of the ear is protected by tufts of hair. Ornamentation consists of especially long and abundant hair, like a collarette around the neck, particularly on males; fringe of long hair down the back of the forearm; especially long and abundant hair trimming the breeches; long, heavy and abundant hair on the tail. The female rarely has as long or as ornamented a coat as the male. This disparity must not be a consideration when the female is judged against the male.

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:

The Belgian Tervuren is known in its country of origin as the Chien de Berger Beige . This variety is distinguished by its coat color and length as "long-haired other than black" in comparison to the Groenendael with long black hair, the Malinois with a short coat, and the wirehaired Laekenois. The variety designation, Tervuren, owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervuren, the home of M. F Corbeel, an early devotee of the breed. Mr. Corbeel bred the fawn colored "Tom" and "Poes," commonly considered the foundation couple of the breed, to produce the fawn-colored "Miss." In turn, Miss was bred to the black "Duc de Groenendael," to produce the famous fawn "Milsart," who in 1907 became the first Tervuren champion.

Prior to the Industrial Age, the rural farmers of Belgium had a great need for a general purpose herding and guard dog. The protective instinct of these dogs provided security for the farm and the family, and their herding abilities assisted with the daily maintenance of the stock. The mental development of the breed as a versatile helper and attentive companion paralleled the physical evolution of a medium-sized, well-balanced animal with strength and stamina. With industrialization, the rural farm dog became less important, but the beauty and loyalty of the breed made them well appreciated as family companions.

Very little written information is available on the origins of the breed before the establishment of the Belgian Shepherd Club in 1891. Professor Adolphe Reul's documentation of the exhibitions held to determine breed type, leading to the first written standard in 1893, and the breed's recognition by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert in 1901, are considered the important historical landmarks in the development of the Belgian Shepherd. In May of 1892, the first Belgian Shepherd Specialty was held in Cureghem, Belgium, and was won by a registered Tervuren, Duc II, owned by Arthur Meul. This same Duc, a brown-brindle born in 1890, served as the model for the Belgian Tervuren in the famous painting done by A. Clarys in 1910.

From the establishment of the Belgian Shepherd breed, there were only a few breeders dedicated to the production of the Tervuren, and breeding continued on a modest scale until after World War LI. The outstanding reproducers of the 1900's were "General," a direct descendant of Milsart, as well as Minox and Colette ex Folette, who were from Malinois parents, and who produced "Jinox," "Noisette," and "Lakme." These dogs figure heavily in the ancestry of the Belgian Shepherds of the 1940's and 1950's who brought about the revival of the Tervuren as we know it today.

The first Tervuren was registered with the AKC in 1918. Registrations at this time were sparse and by the time of the Depression the variety had disappeared from the AKC Stud Book . It was not until 1953 that the blackened fawn long-haired dogs were again imported, through the efforts of Rudy Robinson, Robert and Barbara Krohn, and Marge Coyle. Prior to 1959, these dogs were registered and shown as Belgian Sheepdogs. In that year, the AKC granted the separate breed classification designating the Belgian Tervuren as a distinct breed.

The Belgian Tervuren has retained the characteristics of their working ancestors that made them so valued in times past - qualities that make them equally important to their owners today by virtue of the quick intelligence and unwavering devotion they are precious personal companions. Their versatility is still highly appreciated on a par with their graceful elegance and eye-catching appearance. They have remained useful in herding and are now exhibiting their talents as therapy dogs and companions to the disabled. It is not at all unusual for them to compete equally in the breed, obedience and agility rings, and many breed champions also have earned obedience and agility titles. They have been trained in sports as diverse as schutzhund and sledding. Truly, they have earned our respect for their adaptability, their exuberant personalities, and distinctive beauty, and they have captivated our hearts with their love.