The Tervuren, is named after a
village in Belgium. Its classification varies, being classified under some
breed standards as a breed in its own right, and in others as one of several
acceptable variations of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. It is usually listed within
breed standards under one or other, or a combination, of these names.
In
the United States, since 1959, the AKC recognizes it under the name Belgian
Tervuren. Prior to 1959, the Belgium Tervuren was shown as Belgium Sheepdog. In
that year, the AKC granted the breed separate status.
In
Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Tervuren as a variety of the
Belgian Shepherd (prior to 2005, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were called Belgian
Sheepdogs).
Description
The
Tervuren is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the Herding dog group.
Males stand between 24 and 26 inches, and weigh approximately 56 lb. Females
are finer and smaller. It is recognized by its thick double coat, generally
mahogany with varying degrees of black overlay (completely missing overlay on
males is a serious fault), including a black mask. A small patch of white on
the chest is permissible, as well as white tips on toes. The Tervuren may also
be sable or grey, but this may be penalized in the show ring in some countries
according to the standard of the registering body. While the FCI permits any
type of red (mahogany) coat including pale yellow (sand colour) and grey the
AKC has stricter rules regarding colour. While the FCI states that
fawn/mahogany is to be preferred, grey colour is a fault under AKC rules.
Temperament
Tervurens
are highly energetic, intelligent dogs who require a job to keep them occupied.
This can be herding, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, or protection work.
They are also found working as Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, finding missing
people and avalanche victims. Tervurens that are not kept sufficiently busy can
become hyperactive or destructive.
As
companion animals, Tervurens are loyal and form strong bonds with their family,
leading some to be shy around strangers. They are good watch dogs, being very
observant and attentive to the slightest change in their environment. Some can
be nervous, depending on breeding and early experiences, so care must be taken
to adequately socialize Tervuren puppies to a wide variety of people and
situations.
Tervurens
are not generally recommended to first-time dog owners due to their high
maintenance level.
Their
appearance projects alertness and elegance. The breed is known for its loyalty
and versatility. Those who own them report being charmed by their intelligence,
and trainability.
Activities
Tervuren
can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, Schutzhund,
tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be
measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Belgian Shepherds exhibiting basic
herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Tervuren
are frequently in Schuzhund training as they are seen as a higher level protection
dog to stylish or affluent owners and can be brought on most forms of travel
without the panic problems that other breeds have.
Health
Generally
healthy, but Tervurens can have a susceptibility to hip dysplasia, epilepsy,
gastric problems (including bloats and torsions) and some eye and skin
problems.
Grooming
The
Tervuren has a thick, double coat similar to the Groenendael. Regular brushing
is necessary to remove loose undercoat, but in general, the fur is not prone to
matting but occasionally, they can get hairballs. A properly textured Tervuren
coat is slightly hard, laying flat against the body (unlike, for instance, the
Samoyed's off-standing fur). It naturally sheds dirt and debris, but burrs and
seeds may stick to the feathering on the legs.
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