Personality
Tervurens are highly energetic, intelligent dogs who require a job to keep them occupied. This can be herding, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, or protection work. They are also found working as Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, finding missing persons and avalanche victims. As companion animals, Tervurens are loyal and form strong bonds with their family, leading some to be aloof with strangers. They are good watch dogs, known to be very observant and attentive to the slightest change in their environment. Some can be nervous, depending on breeding and early experiences, so care must be taken to adequately socialize Tervuren puppies to a wide variety of people and situations.
Activity Level
As with all the Belgian Shepherd Dogs, Tervuerens are not generally recommended to first-time dog owners due to their high maintenance level. Their appearance projects alertness and elegance. Adult males are distinctly masculine and females are likewise feminine. The breed is also known for its loyalty and versatility. Those who own them are completely charmed by their intelligence, trainability, and, perhaps most of all, their sense of humor. They excel in many kinds of activities. Today, the breed is still relatively rare in the United States, but has become well-established.