I don't "believe" the Dutch Shepherd is recognized as a breed by the FCI.
The UKC started recognizing it in '95 I believe but they are crossed with the Mal in the Netherlands and other countries. If the pup is brindle it is a Dutch. If it's anything else it's a Mal.

 Quote: Carol Blumlein

Growing up, we always had smallish dogs.

But I always loved the big boys. So as soon as I was able I got my wish. Now, as I am over 29(WAY OVER!!...LOL), that size is appealing.

I'll bet you have some adjusting to do after having 80-90 lbs. at the other end of the leash.

On the odd occasion I walk Jamie's whippet, it feels like I'm walking a helium balloon after my lot

On the odd occasion I walk Jamie's whippet, it feels like I'm walking a helium balloon after my lot


Hahahahaha!!! Let's hope you don't levitate!

duplicate?

Edited by Carol Blumlein (08/27/2013 12:35 AM)
Edit reason: duplicate post

While I don't have any personal experience with the Belgian Tervuren, interestingly, they are very popular in my area. I'm not sure if it's just a regional thing or what, but I belong to a fairly large (200+ members) dog training club, and the Tervuren is among the most common breeds to see around the club. We are an AKC club so our members do obedience, rally, agility, and tracking, primarily. The ones I see around are doing a nice job in all of those events.

I also think it's safe to say the ones I'm familiar with are from show lines, complete with the extra-fluffy coats!

I have what would be a tervuren in Europe, but is a malinois in the U.S. because she comes from malinois parents. The longer coat gene seems to be fairly prevalent in KNPV lines. I am actually not a fan of show-line tervurens. They are nervy and have issues with eyes and seizure disorders. I also don't like their coloring or build or that massive coat.

My "terv" has a very manageable coat, and dark mahogany coloring. Similar to the working line tervuren bred by Denise Fenzi. There is also the famous "Virus" working terv from Europe. http://ksbelgians.homestead.com/Ulhan-du-Musher.html

While show-line tervuren may be smaller, those from working lines are the same as malinois- mine is right in the middle for height/weight for a female malinois. I can't say much about her terv-specific personality, she is true to her lines and none of that has anything to do with coat length.

Tervs are pretty dogs, but no different from working malinois if you get one from malinois lines. I like that mine is a bit "different" from typical malinois but sometime wish she didn't have that sticky fur on her haunches and feet that attracts snow clumps. Because all that is different from a malinois is her coat, I can't speak to differences in their temperament or size.

I think Michael Ellis' kennel produces tervs every once in a while, too.

So there is the same distinction as with GSD; show vs. work?

 Quote: Carol Blumlein

So there is the same distinction as with GSD; show vs. work?

Here's a link to Denise Fenzi's site. If you have some time and don't mind doing a bit of reading, there is a lot to learn from her regarding her breeding philosophy, differences in working line versus show line, etc. Not only does she have lots of good articles on her site, she has a lot of inspirational videos of her Tervs working/training in various venues.

http://www.spritebelgians.com/about/

Kristin sent me a wonderful video of Denise working one of her Tervs.

I will continue on the site.

I never understood they were so close to the Mals.

At one point in history you could get the different varieties in any litter of Belgian Shepherds. Short coat, long coat, black, brindle, tan, etc colors. It just depended on what he/she was bred to. They were bred for function not color or coat.
Different breeders started breeding for one particular type and they started to be separated into "breeds" in some places. AKC does it, UKC does not.
Many of our terrier 'breeds started out the same way. The JRT can still have three different coats in one litter. The Carin terrier came from the West Highland and will occasionally throw a whit pup in the litter. The Norwich used to throw both prick and folded ears so fanciers started breeding for one or the other, thus the Norfolk terrier.
It goes on and on and on!