Weimaraner vs Belgian Tervuren
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Weimaraner
Sporting Group
Belgian Tervuren
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Weimaraner Overview
Majestic and athletic, the Weimaraner boasts a distinctive silver-gray coat and striking amber or blue-gray eyes. Standing proudly with a muscular build and graceful gait, these dogs exhibit remarkable stamina and agility. Their noble bearing and distinctive physical features combine with an alert, intelligent expression that hints at their sporting heritage.
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Weimaraners are more energetic than Belgian Tervurens, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Weimaraners require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Tervurens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Weimaraners tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Tervurens.
- Trainability: Belgian Tervurens may be slightly easier to train due to their Belgian Tervuren's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Tervurens adapt better to apartment living, while Weimaraners typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Weimaraner and Belgian Tervuren, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Weimaraner | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Weimaraner | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 55-90 lbs 25-41 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Weimaraner | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Fearless, Obedient | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Weimaraner | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Weimaraner Temperament
The Weimaraner is known for being friendly, fearless, obedient, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is characterized by being courageous, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Weimaraner and Belgian Tervuren, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Weimaraner
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Weimaraner
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Weimaraner
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Weimaraner
Rating: 1/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Weimaraner
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Weimaraner Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Weimaraners require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Weimaraners require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Tervurens require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Weimaraner Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Von Willebrand's
- Hypothyroidism
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Weimaraner
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Athletic
- Loyal
- Good watchdog
- Excellent hunting companion
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Separation anxiety prone
- Strong prey drive
- Needs experienced owner
- Can be stubborn
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Weimaraner and Belgian Tervuren, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.