The Belgian Tervuren is a medium sized, elegant square standing herding dog that originally comes from Belgium. She was bred to protect flocks from wolves and other predators. She is fearless and can be quite aggressive. She needs an experienced handler. The optimal housing for her is indoors to be with the family with access to a large properly fenced yard or run. She needs plenty of exercise. She needs to be extensiviely socialized when very young. She like to chase joggers, cars and anything moving away from her due to her herding instinct so care must be taken if she gets loose. She can be very good with children but care must be taken with your childrens friends. As a reminder, no child should be left alone with any puppy or dog for any length of time. She does not like rough housing. She makes a great watch dog and guard dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Belgium Tervuren is 24 to 26 inches at the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 65 to 75 pounds. Females range between 22 and 24 inches at the withers and weigh 60 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Belgium Tervuren is no exception. Be on the lookout for epilepsy (common in dogs), eye problems, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and excessive shyness and aggressiveness.

*Grooming. The Belgian Tervuren has a long, harsh, straight coat and it lays flat. She should be brushed frequently. She is a shedder and brushing will help keep her environment free of shed hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. She will also require some trimming.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Tervuren puppies.

*Life Span. The Belgian Tervuren can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Belgian Tervuren was developed in Belgium from a Belgian Shepherd line. These dogs were bred to protect flocks from predators such as wolves. They are intelligent, courageous and very aggressive. In France she is registered as part of the larger family of Chien de Berger Belge, but in the United States and some other countries they are broken out into four separate breeds, this one being Belgian Tervuren.

*Some Registries:

American Belgian Tervuren Club

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Sheepdog puppies

Category: Herding, Sheepdog Family

Terms To Describe: intelligent, courageous, elegant, grace, power, smart, watchful, obedient,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Excellent watch dog.

Excellent guard dog.

Highly intelligent.

Fast learner.

Will prefer cool climates.

She is full of life.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be very aggressive.

May not tolerate rough housing.

May want to chase cars, joggers and anything that appears to be moving away from her.

She needs an experienced owner.

She needs extensive socialization from an early age.

Can tend to be a one or two person dog.

She needs to be part of the family.

She needs a lot of exercise.

*Other Names Known By: Tervuren, Chien de Berger Belge