Did you know that there is a dog breed which is known as “the secret service of dog world”? Meet the Belgian Tervuren, a dog breed renowned as one of the smartest in the canine world. Renowned for their intelligence, versatility, and brilliant work ethic, these dogs are nothing short of extraordinary. They aren’t just pretty faces, behind those bright-eyed looks exist a brain that’s always on its toes!
An interesting fact about the Belgian Tervuren – they get their name from the Belgian village of Tervuren, the place where they were first bred during the late 19th century. These dogs have since then traveled the world, impressing everyone with their sharp minds and quick learning abilities.
Let’s delve into the genius mind of the Belgian Tervuren and seek the answers to why they are considered a brilliantly smart breed.
The Intelligence Factor
Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Canada, is popular for his ranking of dog intelligence. In his book, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Belgian Tervurens are classified among the top 10 percent of dog breeds when it comes to intelligence. They hold a remarkable place alongside Border Collies, Poodles and German Shepherds.
But what makes them so clever, you might ask? It comes down to two broad aspects – their working intelligence and instinctive intelligence. The former involves following orders, understanding commands, problem solving and ability to adapt to new situations. The latter basically revolves around their skills for which they were initially bred.
Belgian Tervurens traditionally were bred for herding sheep. They bring that instinctive intelligence to this historical activity, showing exceptional capacity for directional commands and problem-solving in a field. But it doesn’t end here. Beyond herding, Tervurens are also extraordinary in acting swiftly in response to potentially dangerous situations. This makes them excellent police dogs, rescue dogs, and even war dogs.
Trainability – A Peak Into The Working Intelligence
Trainability is a key component of a dog’s working intelligence. If we were to award certificates for acing this aspect, Belgian Tervurens would graduate with honors! Conventional dog training can bore them due to their quick learning skills. Katrien Lismont, a well-known dog-behaviorist from Belgium, mentions that these dogs love to take up advanced challenges in training because their mind thrives on stimulation.
However, this high trainability comes with a caveat. If Belgian Tervurens don’t receive enough mental stimulation, they can resort to destructive behavior to amuse themselves. It’s therefore essential for Tervuren owners to keep their fur-friends busy with interesting dog puzzles, training exercises, or interactive toys.
The Personality Factor
Every dog breed has its unique personality traits. The Belgian Tervuren fits right into the category of dogs that are described as ‘eager to please their owners’. They thoroughly enjoy participating in family activities and are happiest when they’re treated as part of the family. This greatly enhances their learning experience, making the training process smoother and more fruitful.
However, their distinct personality doesn’t come without hurdles. Some Tervurens can be overly aggressive or shy. This is where the role of early socialization comes into play. The more they’re exposed to varying situations, people, and other animals, the more adaptable they become.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, the answer is an emphatic thumbs-up to the question – is Belgian Tervuren a smart dog? Not only are they intelligent, but they engage their intellect in ways that are often surprising.
However, their intelligence also implies that they are not suitable for everyone. They require mentally engaging activities and their extreme loyalty means they’ll always want to be at your side. This breed is ideal for owners who enjoy active and stimulating lifestyles.
The mind of a Belgian Tervuren is a fascinating thing. Smart, adaptable, and eager to please, they demonstrate that the phrase ‘it’s a dog’s life’ can signify a life of active intellect, continual learning, and joyous living alongside human companions.
