Belgian Tervuren Breed Profile
Much like the Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Sheepdog, the Belgian Tervuren's origins may be traced to the late 1800s, when Belgian interest in breeding distinctly Belgian dogs, of which the nation could be proud, sprang into being. Like the others mentioned above, this dog was originally developed by Belgian farmers who needed a hardworking, intelligent, general purpose herding and guard dog. The breed had all but disappeared until the birth of a single dog, Willy de la Garde Noire, in 1948, who was born of Groenendael parents, but was of the longhaired fawn type that now typifies the Tervuren. Willy won numerous CACIBs in both Belgium and France, including the 1950, 1953 and 1954 Paris shows, and was such an excellent sire as well that he completely rejuvenated the Belgian Tervuren's popularity. In 1959, the AKC granted the Belgian Tervuren a separate breed classification from the Belgian Sheepdogs. Not considered to have the same need to work as the Malinois, the Tervuren is an excellent companion and guard dog.