Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren is an energetic, confident and a smart dog. It was bred in Belgium in late 19th century as a herding and guardian dog, according to the American Belgian Tervuren Club (ABTC). Belgian Tervuren weighs 45–75 pounds and 22–26 inches tall. They have an average lifespan of 12–14 years.

How To Care for a Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren is a family-friendly dog that desire for family bonds. Belgian Terv needs a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation as it’s a high-energy dog breed. According to the ABTC, Belgian Tervurens have worked as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and wartime sentries and couriers. You will have to brush their beautiful, long double coat every week.

Belgian Tervuren Health Issues

As of other dog breeds, they do get succumbed to health issues. Here are some of the health issues prominent in Tervurens:

Hip Dysplasia

It’s a genetic disorder that fits their hip joints abnormally. It is also influenced by growth rate, hormones, diet, and exercise. Moreover, it loosens their hip joints which finally result in wearing down their cartilages. It may finally end up in Arthritis that leads to pain, limping, and difficulty in rising. They have to maintain a lean body condition to prevent arthritis in Belgian Tervuren. Vets recommend low-intensity exercise and supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic disorders that cause as a result of  improper development of the rod and the cone in the dog’s eye. Perhaps it leads to cataracts, loss of night vision, eyes that are more reflective in the dark, and eventually blindness.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that inactivate the thyroid gland. In this condition the body will either either attack its own glands or fat will replace the glands. The treatment with levothyroxine will help your dog to overcome the condition by replacing the thyroid hormone.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a genetic blood disorder seen in Belgian Tervuren. It prevents blood clotting in dogs, which makes bleeding dangerous.

So, you may immediately take your dog to the vet if you notice any unusual bruising, blood in their urine, bleeding from the gums, or nosebleeds. You can do a blood test for your dog to detect this condition, and though there isn’t a cure, the condition is manageable.

What To And How To Feed a Belgian Tervuren

In fact you can assure that your Belgian Tervuren gets the necessary diet if you provide kibble or wet food that is compliant with the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You have to feed your Belgian Tervuren twice a day, in the evening and in the morning. Two meals per day prevent  bloat and GDV in your dog. You should not feed your dog with an elevated food bowl as it has an increased risk of bloating. It’s better to use a slow feeder bowl to help slow your dog when they eat. However their caloric intake varies based on their size, metabolism, activity levels, and spay/neuter status. The most assured way through which you can get exact information about the required amount to feed your dog is, consulting a veterinarian.

Behavior and Training Tips for Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren Personality and Temperament

Belgian Tervuren are deeply devoted to their family. In the meantime they are lively and alert companions. Nevertheless they may hesitate to get around with people. That’s because of improper socialization. Thus, they need early and consistent socialization. You can accomplish it with training classes.

Belgian Tervuren Behavior

Belgian Tervuren is a high-energy breed. Tervs were bred as working dogs and have nearly inexhaustible energy, and they do best with structured activities such as herding, agility, and other dog sports. As an inherent attitude, they may try to “herd” children and smaller animals such as cats. Yet, Patient and positive training  corrects this behavior, and you can work with a professional trainer for guidance. Always keep your dog well-exercised and stimulated to eliminate their unwanted behavior.

Belgian Tervuren Training

Belgian Tervurens are fast and eager learners. Consistent expectations, along with positive reinforcement, are the best ways to successfully train them. Socialize your Terv when it’s a puppy before it grows into adult dog. It makes your dog comfortable around new people and situations.

Your Terv would love to engage in fun activities like obedience training, agility, herding trials, scent walks, hiking , running and etc. Let them expose to what they prefer to enjoy their doghood.

How To Groom A Belgian Tervuren

It has a beautiful and dense double coat. They have a lot of hair so that they require weekly grooming, yet not excessively. Tervs shed heavily in the spring and fall. Thus, during this time, change their weekly brushing to regular routine. Belgian Tervuren will bath every four to six weeks. You should not  over-bathe them, as bathing more than twice a month can strip the skin of its natural oils. Brush your Tervs coat weekly to keep its lustre and prevent matting and tangling. Coat conditioners or detangling sprays make brushing easier. During periods of heavy shedding, brushing may take 20–30 minutes. In fact, Tervs are prone to PRA. Therefore you have to be alert on the noticeable changes in their vision. Clean its ears every one or two weeks! It helps prevent ear infections and keeps the canals clean. Moreover, Redness, odor, and debris in the ears are signs an infection may be present. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may contact your veterinarian for immediate treatments.

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