Pollet Robert - Belgian Tervuren

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS B ELGIAN T ERVUREN

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-652-6

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-006-7

Copyright 2007 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Pollet, Robert, Dr.

Belgian tervuren / by Robert Pollet ; edited by Muriel P. Lee.

p. cm.

ISBN 1-59378-652-2

1. Belgian tervuren. I. Lee, Muriel P. II. Title.

SF429.B42P65 2007

636.737--dc22

2007002446

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Isabelle Franais

with additional photographs by:

Ashbey Photography, Booth Photography, Paulette Braun, Cott Photography, Tara Darling, Hodges Photography, Carol Ann Johnson, Bill Jonas, Norton of Kent, Dr. Robert Pollet, Susan and Lennah, Chuck Tatham, Karen Taylor and Riitta Tjorneryd.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners whose dogs are illustrated in this book, including Diane Dykman, M. Edling, Maureen Foley, Frank and Charlene Mascuch, N. and S. Rose, Judith Lee Smith and Steve Sorensen.

With a combination of natural elegance, physical beauty, intelligence and a faithful temperament, the Belgian Tervuren has secured himself a place in the hearts of fanciers around the world and looks ahead to a bright future.

Contents

Meet one of Belgiums best-known contributions to the Herding Group. See how the Tervurens ancestors got their start on Belgian farms, meet the people who bred these talented sheepdogs and follow the emergence of the four Belgian shepherd varieties. Discover the breeds talents and uses as working dogs, meet important foundation dogs and champions and accompany the Tervuren on its way to AKC acceptance.

Is the Tervuren the dog for you or, just as important, are you the person for the Tervuren? Discuss the breeds physical traits and abilities, his wonderful personality as well as a few drawbacks, his need for activity and his aptitude for myriad pursuits and what makes him a fabulous companion. Also acquaint yourself with breed-specific health issues of which every prospective owner should be aware.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Belgian Tervuren by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Belgian Tervuren puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Belgian Tervuren every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog ID, safe travel and boarding.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Belgian Tervuren, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility, tracking and herding events.

Physical Characteristics of the Belgian Tervuren

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Ears: Triangular in shape, well cupped, stiff, erect, height equal to width at base. Set high, the base of the ear does not come below the center of the eye.

Head: Well chiseled, skin taut, long without exaggeration.

Neck: Round, muscular, rather long and elegant, slightly arched and tapered from head to body. Skin well fitting with no loose folds. Withers accentuated.

Stop: Moderate. The topline of the muzzle is parallel to the topline of the skull when viewed from the side. Muzzle moderately pointed, avoiding any tendency toward snipiness or cheekiness. Jaws strong and powerful.

Skull and muzzle: Measuring from the stop are of equal length. Overall size is in proportion to the body, top of skull flattened rather than rounded, the width approximately the same as, but not wider than the length.

Eyes: Dark brown, medium size, slightly almond shape, not protruding. Light, yellow or round eyes are a fault.

Nose: Black without spots or discolored areas. Nostrils well defined. Lips tight and black, no pink showing on the outside when mouth is closed.

Teeth: Full complement of strong white teeth, evenly set, meeting in a scissors or a level bite.

Chest: Not broad without being narrow, but deep; the lowest point of the brisket reaching the elbow, forming a smooth ascendant curve to the abdomen.

Forequarters: Shoulders long, laid back 45 degrees, flat against the body, forming a right angle with the upper arm. Top of the shoulder blades roughly two thumbs width apart. Upper arms should move in a direction exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Forearms long and well muscled. Legs straight and parallel, perpendicular to the ground. Bone oval rather than round. Pasterns short and strong, slightly sloped. Dewclaws may be removed.

Feet: Rounded, cat footed, turning neither in nor out, toes curved close together, well padded, strong nails.