Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Terrier Versus Belgian Tervuren: Introduction
- Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren: Overview
- Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren
- The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren
- Size (Weight and Height) of Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren
- Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Belgian Tervuren
- Adopting the Australian Terrier versus Adopting the Belgian Tervuren
- The Intelligence of the Australian Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Belgian Tervuren
- The Popularity of Australian Terrier versus Popularity of Belgian Tervuren
- Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Belgian Tervuren
- Do Australian Terriers shed more than Belgian Tervurens?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren?
- Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Belgian Tervurens?
- Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Belgian Tervuren?
- Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Belgian Tervurens?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Belgian Tervuren
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren?
- Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Belgian Tervuren?
- Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Belgian Tervurens?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Australian Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Tervuren
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Terrier Versus Belgian Tervuren: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Terrier and for the Belgian Tervuren. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren
Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Belgian Tervuren is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Belgian Tervuren belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Belgian Tervuren based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | Australian Terrier | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 14 to 16 pounds | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1200 | $1480 |
| Price Range | $975 – $1500 | $1200 – $1600 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 134 | 105 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 34 | 14 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Belgian Tervuren. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a Australian Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Belgian Tervuren is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Terrier is a better pet than the Belgian Tervuren. So, you should get the Australian Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren
Below is a list of where the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren
The Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren.
Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Belgian Tervuren
The average price of the Australian Terrier puppy is $1200. The price of the Australian Terrier typically ranges from $975 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Terrier can be as low as $150 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 18 Australian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Belgian Tervuren puppy is $1480. The price of the Belgian Tervuren typically ranges from $1200 – $1600. However, the price of a Belgian Tervuren can be as low as $300 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 41 Belgian Tervuren puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Belgian Tervuren is more expensive than the Australian Terrier.
| Australian Terrier | Belgian Tervuren | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1200 | $1480 |
| Price Range | $975 to $1500 | $1200 to $1600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Terrier and Belgian Tervuren. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Terrier puppies or how many Belgian Tervuren puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Terrier puppy or the Belgian Tervuren puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Australian Terrier versus Adopting the Belgian Tervuren
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Terriers and many Belgian Tervurens are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Australian Terrier named Zorro &Amp; Oliver that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Terriers like Zorro &Amp; Oliver on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Terriers, Belgian Tervurens are also available for adoption. For example, Adonis is a Male Belgian Tervuren that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Belgian Tervurens like Adonis that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also Kobe, an adorable Male Belgian Tervuren on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Terriers and Belgian Tervurens that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Australian Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Belgian Tervuren
| Australian Terrier | Belgian Tervuren | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 34 out of 130 dog breeds | 14 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Australian Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Australian Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Australian Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Belgian Tervuren has an obedience intelligence rank of 14 out of 130 dog breeds. The Belgian Tervuren belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Belgian Tervurens tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Belgian Tervuren is more intelligent than the Australian Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Australian Terrier versus Popularity of Belgian Tervuren
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Belgian Tervuren is more popular with dog owners than the Australian Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Belgian Tervuren is 105 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Australian Terrier is 134 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Australian Terrier
Popularity of Belgian Tervuren
| Year | Australian Terrier Popularity Rank | Belgian Tervuren Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 122 | 108 |
| 2014 | 139 | 110 |
| 2015 | 125 | 98 |
| 2016 | 136 | 107 |
| 2017 | 137 | 103 |
| 2018 | 139 | 106 |
| 2019 | 142 | 103 |
| 2020 | 134 | 106 |
Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Belgian Tervuren
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Belgian Tervuren is prone to more genetic health problems than the Australian Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Belgian Tervuren than for the Australian Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Australian Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Belgian Tervuren.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Terriers and in Belgian Tervurens.
Australian Terrier Health Problems
Australian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Australian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Terriers here.
Belgian Tervuren Health Problems
Belgian Tervurens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Tervuren puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Belgian Tervuren puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Tervuren breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Belgian Tervurens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Tervurens here.
Do Australian Terriers shed more than Belgian Tervurens?
Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Belgian Tervurens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren
Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Belgian Tervurens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren
Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.
Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Belgian Tervurens?
Australian Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.
Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Belgian Tervurens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Belgian Tervurens?
Australian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Belgian Tervurens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Belgian Tervuren
Australian Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Belgian Tervurens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.
Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Belgian Tervuren?
Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Belgian Tervurens?
Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Belgian Tervurens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Australian Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Belgian Tervuren that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Belgian Tervuren:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Tervuren
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Australian Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Australian Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Australian Terrier and how the Belgian Tervuren compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Australian Terrier and of the Belgian Tervuren to other breeds:
Australian Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Australian Terrier versus Sloughi Australian Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei Australian Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler Australian Terrier versus Bracco Italiano Australian Terrier versus Golden Retriever Australian Terrier versus Belgian Malinois Australian Terrier versus Beaglier Australian Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Australian Terrier versus Silky Terrier Australian Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler
Belgian Tervuren Versus Other Dog Breeds
Belgian Tervuren versus Pekingese Belgian Tervuren versus Lhasapoo Belgian Tervuren versus Brussels Griffon Belgian Tervuren versus French Spaniel Belgian Tervuren versus Sloughi Belgian Tervuren versus Chorkie Belgian Tervuren versus Shih Tzu Belgian Tervuren versus Siberian Husky Belgian Tervuren versus Keeshond Belgian Tervuren versus Shiba Inu
Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Terrier and the Belgian Tervuren better suits you and your family.