About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 84-97 cm

Height range  : 56-66cm

Weight range : 18-29kg

Coat : Long|double coat|thick|straight abundant guard hairs|weatherproof|black mask|heavier neck furnishings especially in males

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: fawn|mahogany|red|grey|cream|fawn black mask|fawn black overlay|red black mask|grey black mask

Activitity Level : Very Active

Origin: Belgium

Similar Breeds : Belgian Sheepdog|Belgian Malinois|Belgian Laekenois|German Shepherd|Dutch Shepherd

 

History

Belgian shepherd dogs of this type trace back in Belgium to the Middle Ages and were refined through formal classification after the first breed club formed in 1891. The Belgian Tervuren developed as one of four Belgian shepherd coat varieties and became valued as a general-purpose farm herder , guard and later as a police , armed services , search and rescue and therapy dog.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

smart|courageous|energetic|friendly|watchful|protective|wary of strangers|obedient

Personality

highly intelligent|energetic|watchful|loyal|affectionate with loved ones|self-assured|alert|versatile|trainable|wary

Needs

significant daily exercise|mental stimulation|challenging play|regular family inclusion|confident leadership|outdoor space

Social Needs

forms strong family bonds and should not be isolated|good with children if socialized|may overwhelm little ones because of high energy|wary with strangers

Grooming 

regular combing and brushing|trim mats|extra brushing during coat blow once or twice yearly|light year-round shedding|brush a few times a week

Nutrition

N/A

 

Breed Standard

Versatile herding and armed services dog with four distinct Belgian shepherd coat types. The Tervuren should appear alert , elegant and naturally balanced with a moderately long coat in red , fawn or grey tones with black overlay and mask.

Did you know?

The Belgian Tervuren is one of four Belgian shepherd varieties and remains relatively uncommon in the United States despite being well established. Its versatility has taken it from farm work to obedience , agility , therapy , search and rescue and law enforcement roles.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

 

Symptoms

1. sudden muscle rigidity , paddling of limbs , jaw snapping , excessive salivation and loss of consciousness may occur
2. involuntary urination or defecation and temporary confusion , pacing or blindness might follow

1. hind limb lameness , stiffness after rest , bunny-hopping gait and reluctance to jump or climb stairs may occur
2. muscle atrophy in the hindquarters might develop

1. loss of night vision , hesitancy in the dark , progressive pupil dilation and hyper-reflective eyes may occur
2. gradual daytime vision loss and blindness might develop

1. forelimb lameness that may worsen after exercise , outward paw rotation , elbow swelling and painful restricted motion may occur
2. abnormal elbow angle might be noticed

1. unproductive retching , hard swollen abdomen , extreme restlessness , pacing and hypersalivation may occur
2. pale mucous membranes , rapid shallow breathing and shock might develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Epilepsy

1. typically may manifest between 1 and 5 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability due to breed-specific heritable risk similar to other Belgian Shepherd varieties

Hip Dysplasia

1. severe juvenile cases may present between 4 and 12 months
2. many cases might manifest later as progressive osteoarthritis in mature and senior dogs

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability and notes hip evaluations and breeding clearances are a major focus

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. typically may become clinically observable between 3 and 7 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability with genetic screening and annual ophthalmic evaluations recommended

Elbow Dysplasia

1. early clinical signs may emerge during rapid growth between 5 and 10 months of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability and notes elbow clearance alongside hip evaluation for breeding stock

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. may occur acutely in adulthood
2. risk might increase in middle-aged and senior dogs especially around large meals or heavy water intake near intense activity

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability due to deep-chested and relatively narrow conformation

Reasons

Epilepsy       

1. the text indicates the normal balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters within the cerebral cortex may be altered.
2. No specific dietary chemical deficiency is identified in the provided material.
3. The content suggests a complex polygenic trait affecting brain signaling may be involved.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. no specific missing chemical is identified and the content points to an autosomal recessive mutation.
2. The text suggests normal metabolic function and cellular survival within retinal tissue may be impaired.
3. It indicates progressive retinal cell degeneration rather than a simple nutrient lack.

 

Epilepsy       

1. the text indicates the normal balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters within the cerebral cortex may be altered.
2. No specific dietary chemical deficiency is identified in the provided material.
3. The content suggests a complex polygenic trait affecting brain signaling may be involved.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. no specific missing chemical is identified and the content points to an autosomal recessive mutation.
2. The text suggests normal metabolic function and cellular survival within retinal tissue may be impaired.
3. It indicates progressive retinal cell degeneration rather than a simple nutrient lack.

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. no specific missing chemical is identified and the disorder is described as a developmental orthopedic condition.
2. The text suggests excessive caloric intake , calcium oversupplementation and high-impact exercise during growth may worsen the inherited problem.
3. It indicates a structural joint disorder rather than a defined nutrient deficiency.

Elbow Dysplasia

1. no specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The text suggests incongruity in growth rates between the radius and ulna may create abnormal stress and micro-fractures.
3. It indicates a heritable developmental joint problem rather than a defined chemical deficiency.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  1. 1. no specific chemical deficiency is identified in the provided material.
    2. The text suggests anatomical predisposition and lifestyle triggers such as rapid eating or stress may contribute.
    3. It indicates gas , food or fluid distention with stomach twisting may occur without any stated missing compound.

Normally Treament Methods

Epilepsy:

  1. 1. lifelong anticonvulsant medication such as phenobarbital , potassium bromide , levetiracetam or zonisamide may be used
    2. regular blood serum and liver function monitoring might be needed

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. weight management , controlled low-impact exercise , NSAIDs , joint fluid modifiers and physical therapy may be used
    2. severe cases might need femoral head ostectomy or total hip replacement

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. there is currently no medical cure or surgical treatment to halt or reverse PRA
    2. management may focus on education , environmental safety modifications and blind-pet lifestyle support

 

Elbow Dysplasia:

  1. 1. arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bone or cartilage fragments and address defects may be used
    2. lifelong NSAIDs , strict weight control , joint supplements and structured rehabilitation might be needed

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. immediate emergency intervention may include rapid intravenous fluids , gastric decompression and surgery to untwist and assess the stomach
    2. gastropexy might be performed and single large meals or elevated bowls are not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Epilepsy :

  • 1. medium-chain triglyceride oil can,might be helpful for alternative neuronal energy support
    2. vitamins E and C can,might be helpful for antioxidant brain support
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint support
    3. MSM can,might be helpful for inflammation support
    4. marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can,might be helpful for joint comfort
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. lutein can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support
    2. zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for retinal support
    3. astaxanthin can,might be helpful for oxidative stress support
    4. vitamins A , C and E can,might be helpful for eye antioxidant support
recommend product

Elbow Dysplasia

  • 1. green-lipped mussel extract can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. high-potency omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for synovial inflammation support
    3. hyaluronic acid can,might be helpful for joint lubrication support
    4. collagen peptides can,might be helpful for articular cartilage integrity
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. probiotics can,might be helpful for gastrointestinal motility and flora support
    2. digestive enzymes can,might be helpful for reducing gas production
recommend product