Tervard
The Tervard is a cross between the Belgian Tervuren and the German Shepherd Dog. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Tervard. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren is an elegant, well-proportioned, medium-sized dog that combines strength with agility in a square-built frame. Males stand twenty-four to twenty-six inches at the withers and typically weigh fifty-five to seventy-five pounds, while females measure twenty-two to twenty-four inches and weigh forty to sixty pounds. The breed presents a proud carriage with the head held high on a muscular, slightly arched neck. The skull is flattened rather than rounded, approximately equal in length to the muzzle, with a moderate stop. Dark brown, almond-shaped eyes convey an alert and questioning expression that reflects the breed's intelligence and attentiveness. The triangular ears are stiff and erect, set high on the head and proportionate to the head size. The Tervuren's most striking feature is its luxurious double coat with a long, straight outer layer and a dense undercoat that provides protection from harsh weather conditions. The coat is particularly abundant around the neck, forming an impressive collarette that is especially pronounced in males. Feathering appears on the legs, with longer hair on the back of the forelegs and profuse ornamentation on the hindquarters forming distinctive culottes. The base coat color ranges from rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overlay, as each hair is tipped with black, creating the characteristic blackened effect. A black mask covers the face, and the ears are predominantly black. The coloring tends to deepen with age. The Belgian Tervuren's body structure reflects its heritage as a versatile herding and working dog. The chest is deep but not overly broad, reaching to the level of the elbows. The topline is level with a moderate tuck-up at the loin. The well-muscled hindquarters provide powerful drive, while the shoulders are well-laid-back for efficient movement. The feet are round with well-arched toes and thick pads, suited for various terrain. The tail is strong at the base, reaching at least to the hock, and is carried with a slight curve when the dog is active. Movement is smooth, effortless, and tireless, with good reach and drive that showcases the breed's athletic capabilities.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Energy levels in the Belgian Tervuren are remarkably high, requiring substantial daily exercise and purposeful activity to maintain mental and physical balance. This is not a breed suited to sedentary households or owners unable to commit significant time to training and exercise. The Tervuren thrives in active homes where it can participate in activities such as agility, tracking, herding trials, or other canine sports. The breed's sensitivity means it responds poorly to harsh training methods, instead flourishing under positive reinforcement techniques that make training an enjoyable partnership. The Belgian Tervuren's combination of intelligence, athleticism, and devotion makes it an outstanding companion for committed owners who appreciate an active, engaged canine partner.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, occur in the Belgian Tervuren with some frequency. This condition results from decreased thyroid hormone production and can cause symptoms including weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and coat changes. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is readily treatable with daily medication once diagnosed. The breed has been noted to have some susceptibility to certain autoimmune conditions and gastric sensitivities. Cancer, while not unusually prevalent in the breed, does occur, with some research focusing on hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate health screening of breeding stock, and attention to maintaining healthy weight through proper diet and exercise contribute to longevity in this active breed.
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a large, well-balanced, muscular breed that presents an impression of strength, intelligence, and nobility. Males typically stand twenty-four to twenty-six inches at the withers and weigh sixty-five to ninety pounds, while females measure twenty-two to twenty-four inches and weigh fifty to seventy pounds. The breed's ideal proportions create a body that is longer than it is tall, with the desired ratio being approximately ten to eight and a half. The head is strong but not coarse, featuring a moderately arched forehead with little or no median furrow. The muzzle is long and strong, parallel to the topline of the skull, with a black nose. Dark, almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and confidence, while the large, pointed ears are carried erect and open forward. The German Shepherd's double coat consists of a dense, straight outer coat lying close to the body and a thick undercoat that provides insulation. Coat length is medium, though longer coats occur naturally in the breed and were historically considered a fault but are now accepted in some registries. The neck is strong and muscular, relatively long, and carried at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the body. Common coat colors include black and tan, black and red, solid black, and sable, which features individual hairs banded with multiple colors. White markings are considered a fault in the show ring. The rich pigmentation adds to the breed's distinguished appearance. The breed's structure reflects its heritage as a versatile working dog capable of sustained physical effort. The deep chest reaches to the elbows with well-sprung ribs that allow for efficient heart and lung function. The back is straight and strongly developed, flowing into a gently sloping croup. The hindquarters are broad and well-muscled with good angulation at the stifle and hock, providing powerful propulsion. The feet are compact with well-arched toes and thick, durable pads suited for varied terrain. The tail is bushy, reaching at least to the hock, and hangs in a gentle curve at rest while being raised when the dog is excited. The German Shepherd's movement is a ground-covering, effortless trot that demonstrates the breed's endurance and athleticism.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The ideal German Shepherd temperament balances confidence with approachability, courage with discretion, and independence with responsiveness to handler direction. The breed is characteristically aloof but not hostile toward strangers, assessing situations before reacting. This breed thrives on having a job to do and becomes restless or potentially destructive when understimulated. Daily exercise combining physical activity with training or problem-solving tasks keeps the German Shepherd mentally and physically satisfied. The breed responds best to firm, fair, and consistent training methods that establish clear leadership without harshness. A well-trained German Shepherd is a remarkably devoted companion that brings intelligence, loyalty, and capability to its family.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, poses a serious risk to German Shepherds due to their deep chest conformation. This life-threatening emergency occurs when the stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood supply and requiring immediate surgical intervention. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals rather than one large meal and avoiding vigorous exercise around feeding times. Cancer affects German Shepherds at concerning rates, with hemangiosarcoma being particularly prevalent. This aggressive cancer of blood vessel cells often develops in the spleen or heart and carries a poor prognosis. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, commonly affect the breed and may manifest as skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive issues. Regular veterinary care and awareness of breed-specific health concerns help ensure the longest, healthiest life possible.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Tervard may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd Dog to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.