Is the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard better for families with children?

Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Briard are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard?

The Belgian Tervuren sheds more than the Briard. If shedding is a concern, the Briard is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard?

The Belgian Tervuren is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Belgian Tervuren or Briard bigger?

Belgian Tervuren and Briard are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Belgian Tervuren or Briard?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Belgian Tervuren or Briard?

For apartment or apartment living, Briard has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Belgian Tervuren vs Briard: Which Trains Easier?

Belgian Tervuren vs Briard: full comparison

Trait	Belgian Tervuren	Briard
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	Very High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Belgian Tervuren has noticeably higher trainability than the Briard.

Size and living space

The Belgian Tervuren is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Briard is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Belgian Tervuren is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Briard demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Belgian Tervuren is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Briard is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Belgian Tervuren is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Briard trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Belgian Tervuren is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Briard is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Briard has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Belgian Tervuren and Briard are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Belgian Tervuren has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Briard has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Briard has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Belgian Tervuren if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Briard if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard better for families with children?: Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Briard are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard?: The Belgian Tervuren sheds more than the Briard. If shedding is a concern, the Briard is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Belgian Tervuren or the Briard?: The Belgian Tervuren is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Belgian Tervuren or Briard bigger?: Belgian Tervuren and Briard are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Belgian Tervuren or Briard?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Belgian Tervuren or Briard?: For apartment or apartment living, Briard has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Belgian Tervuren vs Briard