East German Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) is originated from Belgium but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and East German Shepherd are having almost same height. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than East German Shepherd. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and East German Shepherd has almost same litter size. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) requires Moderate Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Belgium
Germany
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 9
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Belgian Tervueren Chien de Berger Belge
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
Fawn, red, grey with black overlay
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
Dense with long, straight outercoat
double, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

belgian shepherd dog tervurenReferred 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.

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

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.

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

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.

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

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.

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

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

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison