There is not a great deal of information regarding the origins of the Tervard. In order to understand the origins of the Tervard, it is important to study the history of his parent breeds. In 1899, a Captain Max von Stephanitz began to develop a distinct breed using the various sheep herding dogs native to Germany. The Captain studied a number of dogs competing in dog shows in addition to learning about various breeding techniques. When Stephanitz happened upon a wolfish-looking dog, he realized this was the perfect dog for his purposes. He interbred this dog with the various sheep herding dogs of Germany in the hopes of creating a new type of herding dog. Although sheep herding was going out of fashion in Germany, Stephanitz found ways to promote his new breed. He introduced his dog to those in the military and policemen. The German government saw potential in the dog, and put the dog to work with military servicemen. During World War II, many Allied soldiers observed the positive work ethic of the dog and procured puppies to bring back to America. The German Shepherd participates in police work to this day. He also serves as a service dog. Many Americans have a German Shepherd simply for companionship and his ability as a watchdog. The Tervuren hails from Belgium, hence his name. He was one of four Belgian shepherd-type dogs from the area. In 1892, a Professor Adolphe Reul wrote the standard for the four Belgian shepherds based on his studies of the various herding dogs of the area. It was not until 1901 when the four distinct shepherd breeds would become recognized as definitive breeds. It was at this point that the four distinct breeds were given separate names. The Tervuren takes its name from the village in which they are thought to come from. It was here that a Mr. M.F. Corbeel developed Tom and Poes, the two parents thought to be the foundation dogs of the breed. Much like the German Shepherd, the Belgian Tervuren has been traditionally used in police work. He was also used as a military dog during the first world war. Shortly after World War I, a few Belgian Tervuren made it to America (likely with soldiers returning home), but these few Tervurens died out before the breed became widely popular. In 1953, more Belgian Tervurens were imported for breeding purposes, and this time, more people saw the value of the breed. In 1959, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. The Tervard is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry.
