Belgian Tervuren

Herding Group

Height: 24-26 / 22-24 in

Weight: 55-75 / 45-60 lbs

Life Span: 12-14 years

EnergeticAlertLoyalIntelligent

Border Collie

Herding Group

Height: 19-22 / 18-21 in

Weight: 30-55 lbs

Life Span: 12-15 years

TenaciousKeenEnergeticResponsive
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Herding
Herding
Size Category
Large
Medium
Height (in)
24-2622-24
19-2218-21
Weight (lbs)
55-7545-60
30-55
Life Span
12-14
12-15

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.

Border Collie

TenaciousKeenEnergeticResponsiveAlertIntelligent

"The Border Collie is an exceptionally energetic, intelligent, and affectionate breed with a strong work ethic. Highly trainable and playful, they thrive when engaged in activities that challenge their mind and body, forming deep bonds with their families while remaining somewhat reserved with strangers."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with managing their high energy levels and mental stimulation needs, as well as potential socialization issues due to their tendency to be reserved with strangers.

💡

This breed is best suited for an active, experienced owner or family who can dedicate ample time to daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation, preferably in a home with space for outdoor activities.

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, experienced dog owners, or individuals who can provide intense physical and mental stimulation
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Easy
Care Difficulty
High
High

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Double
Double
📏 Coat Length
Medium
Medium
🎨 Colors
Fawn & BlackMahogany & BlackBrindleGray & BlackSilver & BlackBlackCream & BlackFawn & LiverMahogany & Liver
BlackBlueBlue MerleRedRed MerleSableWhite & BlackWhite & Blue MerleWhite & RedLilacSaddleback SableSable MerleGoldBrindleWhite & BlueWhite & Red MerleWhite TickedSealWhite & SealWhite & Gold
✨ Markings
White MarkingsBlack MaskBlack MarkingsBlack Points
Tan PointsWhite MarkingsWhite Markings, Tan PointsWhite Markings, TickedWhite Mkngs, Tan Pts, TickedWhite Markings, Brindle PointsWhite Mkng, Brindle Pt, TickedMerle Markings

Care & Health

Belgian Tervuren

Care

Grooming
Exercise
Training
Nutrition

Health

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

Border Collie

Care

Grooming
  • Border Collie grooming essentials: dense double coats (rough or smooth) need weekly pin-brushing (daily during shedding) to prevent mats, tangles, dirt, and debris
  • nails require regular trimming
  • rough coat is medium-length and feathered
  • smooth coat is shorter and coarser
  • both coat types are weather-resistant
  • adjust brushing frequency as needed for coat condition
Exercise
  • Border Collie exercise needs: high-drive breed demands intense daily activity beyond casual walks or yard play
  • thrives with structured tasks or ample running space
  • must engage in vigorous exercise daily if not working a herding or similar job
  • ideal for active owners who prioritize outdoor involvement and consistency
  • excels in herding, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and sports like flying disc/flyball
  • unsuitable for sedentary or frequently traveling owners.
Training
  • Border Collie training essentials: early socialization (puppyhood to ~7 months) with diverse people/situations for well-adjusted behavior
  • start obedience training early and maintain it lifelong for mental stimulation and happiness
  • highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in herding, obedience, and agility activities
  • best suited for families with older, well-behaved children due to herding instincts
  • may be reserved with strangers despite strong family loyalty
  • consistent training leverages their natural intelligence for optimal results.
Nutrition
  • Border Collie nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity
  • use treats for training but limit to avoid excess weight gain
  • consult vet for safe human foods and dietary concerns
  • ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
  • check with vet if unsure about diet or weight management

Health

Border Collies are typically robust and healthy, but responsible breeders prioritize screening for genetic issues like hip dysplasia, eye anomalies, deafness, epilepsy, and metabolic disorders. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential to maintain their well-being.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

Trait Comparison

57% similar
💡 Compare their traits above to see differences
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Affectionate With Family for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Very Affectionate)
Border Collie
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Young Children for Border Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for Border Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for Border Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Belgian Tervuren: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Border Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Border Collie
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Belgian Tervuren: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for Border Collie: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
🐾 Balanced
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Openness To Strangers for Border Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Border Collie
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Extremely Playful)
Border Collie
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Belgian Tervuren: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Border Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Belgian Tervuren
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Highly Adaptable)
Border Collie
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Belgian Tervuren: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
Trainability Level for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
🐾 Balanced
Energy Level
Energy Level for Belgian Tervuren: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Very High Energy)
Border Collie
Barking Level
Barking Level for Belgian Tervuren: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for Border Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Border Collie
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Belgian Tervuren: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Border Collie: 5 out of 5 (Needs Daily Challenges)
Border Collie

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.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Belgian Tervuren and Border Collie.

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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Belgian Tervuren vs Border Collie: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison