Things to Think About Before Adopting a Belgian Tervuren
Thinking about getting a Belgian Tervuren? You’re not alone — once you learn more about them, it’s hard not to fall in love. They look like a fluffier, more majestic version of the German Shepherd, but here’s the real kicker: they’re typically healthier, live longer, and are more mellow. If you’re looking for a loyal, smart, and family-friendly dog, this breed deserves a serious look.
Let’s walk through the key things we’ve learned from living with and researching this incredible breed — and what you should know before bringing one home.
Why People Love Belgian Tervurens
Belgian Tervurens are part of the Belgian Shepherd family (along with the Malinois, Laekenois, and Groenendael). Of the bunch, the Tervuren stands out for its long, lion-like coat and gentle, affectionate personality.
They’re incredibly smart — classic herding dog brains — which means they love learning and problem-solving. Training them is usually a breeze, especially if you start young and keep things positive. They’re eager to please, and they actually enjoy having a job to do, whether that’s agility, obedience, or puzzle games at home.
Also, they’re total velcro dogs. They want to be with their people as much as possible, so don’t expect a Tervuren to be okay sitting alone for hours every day. If you work from home or have a flexible schedule, this breed can be a perfect companion.
Health and Lifespan: A Big Win Here
One of the biggest reasons people choose Belgian Tervurens over German Shepherds is their health. While GSDs are unfortunately prone to hip issues, digestive problems, and a shorter life expectancy (around 7–10 years), Tervurens often live 12–14 years and are generally much hardier.
Of course, no breed is immune to health issues. You’ll still want to watch for things like hip/elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). But if you’re getting your dog from a responsible breeder who does health testing, your odds of a long, happy life together are pretty good.
Personality and Social Life
Tervurens are sweet, sensitive, and very attached to their humans. They’re not aggressive by nature, but they do need early socialization to be confident around strangers, kids, and other pets.
They usually do well with other dogs and even cats — especially if raised together or properly introduced. Just keep in mind that their herding instincts can kick in if a cat darts across the room. Teach your pup early on that chasing is not part of the game.
With kids, they’re generally wonderful — gentle and protective without being overly assertive. But like any big dog, they can accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is always a good idea.
Exercise and Living Space
This isn’t a couch potato breed. You’re looking at a minimum of two hours of exercise a day, ideally split between walks, play, and training. They thrive with structure and variety — long hikes, agility courses, obedience classes, or just a good game of fetch in the yard.
Speaking of yards: if you have one, great! If not, you’ll need to be extra committed to outdoor time. Apartment living can work, but only if you’re really active and your space is large and not overly hot (more on that below).
Grooming: Yes, They Shed. A Lot.
Tervurens have gorgeous double coats that shed year-round and even more during spring and fall. You’ll need to brush them at least 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) to keep the fur under control and prevent mats. A good groomer can help, especially during coat blow-outs.
They’re definitely not hypoallergenic, so if allergies are an issue, this breed probably isn’t for you.
Also, because of their thick coat, they don’t do great in hot weather. If you live somewhere warm, you’ll need to be careful with walks (early mornings and late evenings are best), keep them hydrated, and never leave them in a hot car. And no — don’t shave them. Their coat actually helps regulate temperature.
Tervuren vs. German Shepherd vs. Malinois
If you’ve been considering a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois, here’s how the Tervuren stacks up:
- Compared to GSDs: Tervurens are healthier and live longer. They’re less prone to hip and spinal issues. They’re also typically more sensitive and family-oriented.
- Compared to Malinois: Tervurens are more mellow and less intense. Malinois are high-drive working dogs that need constant stimulation — not ideal for most casual pet owners.
The Deal on Cost and Availability
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 for a well-bred Belgian Tervuren puppy. They aren’t as easy to find as GSDs or Labs, so you might need to travel or get on a waitlist. Always go through a reputable breeder — no pet shops or puppy mills.
Rescuing one is possible, but rare. Since they’re not super common, you won’t see them in shelters often. Still, it’s worth checking with breed-specific rescues if adoption is your goal.
Final Thoughts: Is the Belgian Tervuren Right for You?
If you want a smart, loyal, and stunningly beautiful dog that loves being part of the family, the Belgian Tervuren is a gem. They’re not for everyone — you'll need to commit to exercise, grooming, and companionship — but if that sounds like your lifestyle already, you’re in for an amazing bond.
They’re gentle, trainable, and far healthier than many of their shepherd cousins. If you’ve been eyeing a German Shepherd but want something a bit calmer (and with fewer vet visits), a Tervuren might just be your perfect match.