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Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)

Lifestyle needs

Belgian Shepherd

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.

Inbreeding coefficient – COI

(should be as low as possible)

The breed average COI is 4.3%

See A Beginners Guide to COI.

Health and welfare problems due to conformation

(body shape and physical characteristics)

None known

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

  • Hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip joints causing pain and disability) breed mean score 8.4 (parents should be lower)
  • Eye disease: Hereditary cataract

DNA tests available

None available

Unofficial (breed club) schemes

None known

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents (or check the KC’s health test results finder). 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

(for which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
  • Epilepsy
  • Cataract (defective eyesight due to opacity of lenses)
  • Gastric carcinoma
  • Atopy (hypersensitivity to pollens or other protein particles, causing intense itching)

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.  Some breeders will also agree to contribute towards medical costs or refund purchase price.

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

You are also advised to buy from a breeder who follows the Dog Advisory Council’s Standard for Breeders: http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/dac-breeding-standard/

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