breed of herding dog known for its keen intelligence and strong abilities as a shepherd, police and military dog, guide dog, and search-and-rescue dog; the long, straight, and dense coat can be any shade from fawn to mahogany with black shadings; ears are large, erect, and pointed; tail is long, bushy, and carried low-slung and in a natural curve; eyes are large, almond-shaped, and dark brown; adult stands 22–26 in. (56–66 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg); very dutiful and hard-working nature; requires much exercise; originated in about 1900 near Tervuren, Belgium, the city for which it is named; closely related to Belgian Malinois and Belgian sheepdog,