Terv: Meet the Dog of Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren, often called the Terv, is a distinguished and intelligent breed named after the town of Tervuren near Brussels. One of four recognised varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, the Terv was first bred in the late 19th century to herd and protect livestock.

The canine ambassador of Tervuren, Belgium is a variant of the Belgian Shepherd, a breed named after and deeply connected to the town.

The Breed and Its Community

The breed was formally recognised in 1901 by Belgium’s Royal Society of Saint-Hubert. Local breeder M.F. Corbeel played a decisive role in establishing its lineage through dogs named Tom and Poes. Their offspring, Miss, gave birth to Milsart, who went on to become the Tervuren’s first champion in 1907.

Celebrated for its agility, loyalty and sharp mind, the Tervuren reflects the cosmopolitan character of its namesake town. With over 23,000 residents representing more than 116 nationalities, Tervuren is a diverse municipality where 44 per cent of the population is of non-Belgian origin.

The Terv has become world-famous. “If you search on Google you will find breeders in the United States and China – it is truly well known,” town council chair Mario Van Rossum told national broadcaster VRT back in 2018 during the unveiling of the statue.

Born ten years ago in Vossem, and now living in Duisburg, two of the municipality’s three surrounding villages, Oisín (see photo) embodies the breed’s dignity and adaptability.

Named after the mythical Irish warrior-poet, Oisín flourishes on daily walks through Tervuren’s park and woodland – spaces also enjoyed by prominent figures including Belgium’s Prince Laurent and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Terv has proven versatile beyond its herding origins. During the First World War, it served as a messenger and ambulance dog, earning a reputation for courage and reliability. In later years, its skills extended to search and rescue, as well as becoming a trusted family companion in countries such as the United States and Canada.

A Modern Symbol of Tervuren

Although its popularity once waned, the breed is now enjoying renewed interest, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders and enthusiasts. Today, the Terv stands as a living emblem of loyalty, resilience and cultural pride in Tervuren, near Brussels in Belgium.

Town hall grandees organised a competition in 2018 to create a statue or artwork of the Belgian Tervuren. Chair of the jury was Dutch NRC Handelsblad’s editor-in-chief Peter Vandermeersch. He then lived in Tervuren and ultimately chose the design of two Dutch artists.

Artists Fons Broess and Barbara Recourt were awarded €40,000 to design the two 3.9-metre steel statues of the Belgian Tervuren. Today, the Terv statues stand outside the town hall of Tervuren, Belgium. Finished in gold, the sculptures catch light and shadow, symbolising the breed’s role as the eternal guardian of Tervuren.