Belgian Tervuren vs Australian Kelpie: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison

Belgian Tervuren

Herding Group

Height: ♂ 24-26 / ♀ 22-24 in

Weight: ♂ 55-75 / ♀ 45-60 lbs

Life Span: 12-14 years

EnergeticAlertLoyalIntelligent

Australian Kelpie

Herding Group

Height: 17-20 in

Weight: 35-50 lbs

Life Span: 10-13 years

FriendlyEnergeticAlertLoyal

Highlight Diff

Belgian Tervuren

Australian Kelpie

Best

Physical Traits

60% similar

Breed Group

Herding

Size Category

Large

Medium

Height (in)

♂ 24-26♀ 22-24

17-20

Weight (lbs)

♂ 55-75♀ 45-60

35-50

Life Span

12-14

10-13

Personality & Temperament

Belgian Tervuren

EnergeticAlertLoyalIntelligentAttentiveProtective

"The Belgian Tervuren is an alert, intelligent, and courageous breed with a strong protective nature. They are affectionate with family, playful, and highly trainable, making them versatile working dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with high grooming needs due to their double medium-length coat and the breed's tendency to be stubborn without consistent training.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide structured training, ample exercise, and mental challenges, such as those involved in herding, agility, or service work.

Australian Kelpie

FriendlyEnergeticAlertLoyalIntelligentEager

"The Australian Kelpie is highly alert, loyal, and intelligent, making it an excellent working dog. Energetic and playful, it thrives on mental and physical stimulation, forming strong bonds with its family while remaining watchful and protective. Its adaptability and trainability make it a versatile companion, though its high energy demands consistent engagement."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with managing its extremely high energy levels and strong herding instincts, which require consistent training and engagement to prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced or active owners who can provide ample outdoor exercise, mental challenges, and a structured routine, ideally in a rural or spacious setting.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose

All-around herding and guard dog

Herding

Best Suited For

Active families or individuals with experience in dog training and high energy levels, preferably in homes with space for exercise and mental stimulation

Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, preferably in rural or spacious environments

Training Difficulty

Moderate

Care Difficulty

High

Moderate

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type

Double

Smooth

📏 Coat Length

Medium

Short

🎨 Colors

Fawn & BlackMahogany & BlackBrindleGray & BlackSilver & BlackBlackCream & BlackFawn & LiverMahogany & Liver

BlackBlack & TanFawnRed & TanRedChocolateBlue

✨ Markings

White MarkingsBlack MaskBlack MarkingsBlack Points

—

Care & Health

Belgian Tervuren

Care

Grooming

Exercise

Training

Nutrition

Health

—

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

Australian Kelpie

Care

Grooming

Exercise

Training

Nutrition

Health

—

Trait Comparison

82% similar

💡 Compare their traits above to see differences

Affectionate With FamilyReserved→Very Affectionate

🐾 Balanced

Good With Young ChildrenNot Ideal→Excellent with Kids

🐾 Balanced

Good With Other DogsPrefers Solo→Very Dog-Friendly

🐾 Balanced

Shedding LevelMinimal Shedding→Heavy Shedding

🐾 Balanced

Coat Grooming FrequencyLow Maintenance→High Maintenance

Belgian Tervuren

Drooling LevelRarely Drools→Heavy Drooler

🐾 Balanced

Openness To StrangersCautious→Very Friendly

🐾 Balanced

Playfulness LevelCalm→Extremely Playful

🐾 Balanced

Watchdog/Protective NatureLow Alertness→Highly Protective

🐾 Balanced

Adaptability LevelRoutine-Oriented→Highly Adaptable

🐾 Balanced

Trainability LevelIndependent Thinker→Very Eager to Learn

Belgian Tervuren

Energy LevelLow Energy→Very High Energy

Australian Kelpie

Barking LevelQuiet→Very Vocal

Belgian Tervuren

Mental Stimulation NeedsMinimal Stimulation→Needs Daily Challenges

🐾 Balanced

ⓘ

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

ⓘ

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

← Compare different breeds

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Belgian Tervuren and Australian Kelpie.

Both breeds can be good family pets with proper socialization, though they may not be as naturally patient as some other breeds.

Both breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.

Yes, both breeds have a similar shedding level (3/5).

Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

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