Belgian Tervuren

Both are Belgian shepherds built on the same frame, but the Malinois has a short fawn coat and the Tervuren a long, full one. Many Malinois lines are bred for police and protection work and are more intense, while Tervurens are often a little softer and more sociable. Both still need far more exercise and training than an average family dog.

It can be for the right family: active, organized and willing to train regularly. Tervurens are often affectionate with children they know, but they may try to herd running kids or nip at heels. They also dislike being left alone for long. Families with busy schedules or very young children usually find a calmer breed easier to live with.

Yes. They shed moderately all year and heavily once or twice a year, when the undercoat comes out in clumps over 2 to 3 weeks. Weekly brushing keeps things manageable, stepped up to daily during a shed. A bath followed by a strong blow dryer helps loosen dead undercoat. Expect some hair on floors and clothes whatever you do.

Only if you can meet its needs outside the home: around 2 hours of daily exercise and training, plus regular access to space where it can run safely. Even then, noise from neighbors, stairwells and passing people can keep a watchful Tervuren on edge. A house with a secure garden near open country suits most of these dogs far better.

Puppies are often lighter with less black, and the dark tips on the hairs usually deepen through adolescence. Most reach adult color and coat length somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, and males often grow their full ruff later than females. Judge a puppy's likely adult color by looking at its parents rather than at the pup itself.