Belgian Tervuren Dog Names

When it comes to pop culture works, particularly film and television, the Belgian Tervuren remains highly underrated, especially when compared to other similar-looking dogs such as the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. This is because in part of their black mask, which does not translate well on camera. Regardless, the Tervs, as they are playfully called, have had various appearances in a number of movies, including The Company of Wolves, Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London, Ladyhawke and The Breed, wherein they play wolf-like characters.

In television, Tervurens have been featured quite prominently as well. The breed has appeared in some episodes of television shows such as Friday Night Dinner, Inspector Lewis and Hogan’s Heroes. A reality show entitled Alaskan Bush People also features a Tervuren named Mr. Cupcake as the family dog. But perhaps the most renowned Belgian Tervuren in all of television was Wellard, from the British soap opera called EastEnders.

Wellard, whose name is a portmanteau of the British expression “well hard”, first appeared in the show on October 18, 1994. While Wellard is male, three different female Tervurens played the character. He was written into the show when Robbie Jackson, a resident of the fictional Walford, found the dog whom he thought was a stray. He names the dog Wellard and brings it home with him. However, the dog’s true owner, Mr. Hammond, eventually finds him and takes the dog back. Shortly after, Wellard runs away and returns to Albert Square. This is when Robbie puts together that Wellard is being neglected by his owner. Mr. Hammond admits that he has not been treating the dog well and decides to give Wellard to Robbie. Throughout the first half of the show, the duo share some moments together. Some of these include Robbie having to pick between Wellard and the girl he is dating, and Wellard being run over by a car.

When Robbie had to leave for India, he leaves Wellard with his sister, Sonia. However, unable to care for the dog, she gives Wellard to her friend, Gus. This was the start of a meaningful relationship between Gus and Wellard. At one point in the show, Wellard saves Gus after he was involved in an accident. Unfortunately, in 2008, Wellard was eventually written off the show. He was fed chocolate by one of the show’s characters, which caused him to die of theobromine poisoning.

Wellard was a fan favorite throughout his stint in the soap opera and was even chosen as “Best Pet” in the Digital Spy Soap Awards in 2008. The magazine Inside Soap also chose Wellard as the UK’s most favorite pet in soap opera. During his tenure in the show, Wellard was known as a “celebrity dog”, having appeared in several public events. Wellard’s popularity also helped make the Belgian Tervuren a more well-known breed than it was before.