Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)

Lifestyle Needs

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) is a large dog with a working background.  He has strength and intelligence and would need an owner who is firm and experienced who would give him the physical and mental challenges he deserves.  He needs to live in a house with a garden.   He should have plenty of exercise with opportunites to run free.  His abundant coat needs grooming at least twice a week.  Due to his size, strength and working background, the Tervueren would need a special and very active family to give him what he needs.

Genetic Diversity
(Known as Coefficient of Inbreeding: 'COI'. It should be as low as possible.)

The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 6% - See 'A Beginners Guide to COI'

Gene Pool Size
(Known as Effective Population Size: 'EPS')

243.4

EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.

Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)

None known

BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs

  • Hip dysplasia: breed 5 year mean score 8 (parents should be lower)
  • Eye disease: Hereditary cataract (HC) (annual screening)

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs

DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds

 

  • Cerebellar Ataxia KCNJ10-related
  • Cerebellar Ataxia ATP1B2-related
  • Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Subtype 1(SDCA1)
  • Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Subtype 2 (SDCA2)

Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.

Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes

None known

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)

  • Skin – Vitiligo
  • Cancer – Gastric carcinoma
  • Epilepsy
  • Eyes – Chronic superficial keratitis
  • Leukopenia

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Or the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders Scheme Standard and Guidance:
Standard PDF | Guidance PDF

Breed Health Information