Silky Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison

Silky Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) is originated from Belgium but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than Silky Terrier. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may weigh 29 kg / 64 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) may have more litter size than Silky Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) and Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
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Belgium
Australia
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Belgian Tervueren Chien de Berger Belge
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
Fawn, red, grey with black overlay
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
Dense with long, straight outercoat
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

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.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

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.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

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.

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

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.

●Grooming:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

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