Sussex Spaniel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison

Referred 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.

The Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

Attractively Elegant

The 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.

With his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

With 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.

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

He is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

Your 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.

Your Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

Regular Brushing is Required

Your 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:

Because of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.