Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs American Bulldog - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) is originated from Belgium but American Bulldog is originated from United States. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and American Bulldog are having almost same height. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than American Bulldog. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may live 4 years less than American Bulldog. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and American Bulldog has almost same litter size. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) requires Moderate maintenance. But American Bulldog requires Low maintenance

History

belgian shepherd dog tervuren - historyReferred to as the ‘Terv’, this dog from Belguim was created in the late 19th century. He is one of 4 varieties of Belgian Shepherd and he has a long, fawn colored coat. It was in 1892 that the first show for Belgian Shepherds took place and it was the Tervuren variety that won.

Breeders of these dogs gave each of the four varieties their own name, and the name Tervuren comes from a Belguim village. This is where M.F. Corbeel bred dogs, believed to be the foundation of the Tervuren breed.

In World War I, many of these dogs were used by the military for war related jobs. Some of these dogs were imported to America for breeding and in 1959 it was considered a separate breed from other Belgian Sheepdogs.

american bulldog - historyFollowing World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct.

Thanks to John D. Johnson from Summerville, Georgia the breed is still with us today. He gathered the best dogs he could find throughout the rural South and bred them back into popularity among his family and other rural families. His father bred the American Bulldog before John did and they have bred them longer than any other in any part of the world. His dogs were regularly used for tracking, hunting, guarding, watchdog and weight pulling. At some point Alan Scott joined Johnson breeding other bulldogs to Johnson's and forming the Standard American Bulldog.

The American Bulldog/ is popular today as a family pet and companion as well as a working dog.

Description

Attractively Elegant

belgian shepherd dog tervuren puppy - descriptionThe Tervuren is a medium to large sized, well muscled dog achieving heights of up to 66cm. He has an attractively elegant, regal look to him. The dog has a double coat which is weather resistant. The overall length of the coat which is fawn to mahogany is medium to long and the outer coat is straight with black tips. The males have almost like a mane of hair around the neck that you won’t necessarily find with the females. The tail is long and feathery

The Tervuren is Full of Beans

The Belgian Tervuren is alert and intelligent. His has a long-shaped face with a black mask and upright ears that are sharp and receptive to every sound. He is a herding dog and is full of energy – used to having a job that keeps him busy.

If you don’t want your Tervurens to become destruction, you will need to keep him busy and not just keep him cooped up in the back yard. This particular dog breed is a devoted, loyal pet and forms a strong bond with his human family. However, he will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to behave well around children and pets in the home.

american bulldog puppy - descriptionThe American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular dog in a sturdy and compact frame. The female is more refined than the heavy boned and stocky male, but both genders are athletic, agile and quick. The have large heads, strong jaws, a muscular neck and with a moderately deep and wide chest.

They have a square head, with muscular cheeks and a clearly defined furrow between his eyes. With broad, square and strong muzzles, they have a reverse scissors, scissors, moderate underbite and an even bite. Ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes and eyes can be any color as well. The nose however should be black and lips black as well. Their legs are strong, heavy boned and straight with well-defined muscles in the hindquarters. Finally ,they have a thick, low set tail that comes to a point at the end.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog tervuren dog - characteristicsWith his beautiful face and lustrous coat, this is a pet that you’re always going to be proud of. Not only that, he is active too, a great watchdog and a fantastic family companion.

To keep your Tervuren spritely and contented, ensure he has a high quality diet designed for active herding dogs. He is intelligent too and training and socialization will turn him into an exceptional pet for you. Provide him with lots of human companionship, give him nutritious food and see that any ailments he has are attended to by the vet and you’ll have your attractive pet around with you for up to 12, 13, 14 or 15 years.

american bulldog dog - characteristicsThe American Bulldog is characteristically loyal, brave and reliable. It is a friendly, gentle dog that truly loves children. There is not a hostile bone in his body despite his history and reputation for bull baiting. Though he is protective of its family and affectionate with most, he still needs a human companion who is strong willed and a genuine pack leader. Without this he might become aggressive around other dogs and pets. They are immensely self-confident and they do slobber and drool and will become excited and hard to handle without daily exercise of both their body and their minds.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog tervuren puppies - health problemsYour Tervuren is a robust, healthy dog breed and with the right food, love and attention, you’re not going to have major health concerns with him. Skin allergies, eye problems and hip dysplasia might be something you want to be aware of.

Skin Allergies

A dry, itchy skin with incessant scratching from your pet might require a visit to the vet. If left untreated, an itchy skin and a scratching dog can lead to secondary skin infections and even hair loss. Check for allergies or fleas, and remember that apart from medical management of fleas and ticks, dogs with a dull coat will require a supplement with omega 3 fatty acids.

Hip Dysplasia

A common skeletal disorder with malformation of the hip brought on by environmental- and genetic factors. Recognizing the signs of hip dysplasia is important for your dog to help him with pain.

american bulldog puppies - health problemsThough generally healthy, the American Bulldog is prone to a few problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a serious issue in many breeds of dogs and is especially prevalent with the American Bull Dog. This may seem ironic in such a short legged dog but it is unfortunately very common. It is a genetic disorder that causes the bones in the joint to separate and causes the dog much pain and lameness.

Skin and Ear Issues

Due to skin folds you need to be care and watch for irritation and infection in the folds. They are also prone to ear infections.

Obesity

The American Bulldog is prone to overeating and all the health issues that presents. With short legs and a genetic predisposition to arthritis and hip dysplasia, obesity is a real health risk for your bulldog.

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing is Required

belgian shepherd dog tervuren dogs - caringYour Terv is a double-coated dog and he will shed his hair throughout the year. Brushing him at least twice in the week will be necessary to get rid of the hair he sheds. Apart from brushing him and keeping his beautiful coat shiny and healthy, other grooming needs will include clipping his nails and dental hygiene. Brushing his teeth 2 or 3 times a week with specialized dog toothpaste and toothbrush will help with keeping plaque and bacteria at bay.

Feeding

Speak to your vet about feeding your Tervuren puppy as he will need at least 4 bowls of food while he is so tiny. By the time he is a year old, he will be able to have 1 or 2 meals a day. Always make sure you feel him high quality food which can be home-made food or commercially manufactured food.

To ensure he doesn’t suffer with any skin allergies, he will need to have some raw meat mixed into his food from time to time. Always provide fresh water for him and make sure to wash the bowls out often.

Feeding Puppies

american bulldog dogs - caringThree times a day from 12 weeks to a year for a total of 3 cups per day.

Feeding Adults

After 6 months cut back to one cup twice a day of high quality dry dog food.

Bulldogs will eat anything at anytime and are prone to obesity. Don't overfeed them.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
52 - 65 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
32 - 54 kg
70 - 120 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
10 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Belgian Tervueren Chien de Berger Belge
shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald.
Colors Available:
Fawn, red, grey with black overlay
Brindle, mostly white, white with brown or red and piebald.
Coat:
Dense with long, straight outercoat
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  10. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  11. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  12. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  13. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  14. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  15. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. American Bulldog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  27. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sakhalin Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Pinscher vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Puli vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. Borador vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spaniel vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Porcelaine vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Finnish Lapphund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Blanc Suisse vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Pumi vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  48. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds