The Belgian Tervuren is one of four coat varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The Terv is a long coated variety. The base color can range from a light cream, almost grey, to a deep red color. Regardless of base color, they should have a black mask and when mature, carry blacking on their neck and shoulders extending over the ribcage. The Terv was originally used as a farm and sheep herding dog in its native Belgium. The temperament is reserved and watchful with strangers, but extremely loving with its family. They are very intelligent, and require training to direct their energy and to keep them from inventing their own amusements. They are seasonal shedders. They will have a major shed usually approximately once per year. Between “blowing coat” they do not drop much hair in their environment. A weekly brushing at home will keep them beautiful. In the American Kennel Club, they are registered as a separate breed due to historic reasons. Everywhere else in the world they are considered varieties of one breed along with the short hair, long hair black, and the rough coated varieties. In the USA, the United Kennel Club registers them as one breed called the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The American Belgian Tervuren Club is the AKC parent club, while the United Belgian Shepherd Dog Association is the parent club in the UKC.