Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is usually between 10 and 12 years. Regular activity, an appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight and early screening for hereditary conditions help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Solid and enduring, the Tervueren has good overall resistance and can work in cool or damp weather. Its robustness does not exempt it from monitoring the hips, the thyroid and any unusual neurological sign.
Watch points
What to watch for
Prevention is based on choosing a breeder who screens breeding dogs, regular veterinary check-ups and attention paid to mobility, behaviour, digestion as well as the condition of the ears and eyes.
Hip dysplasia : This developmental abnormality of the joint can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs reduces the risk.
Epilepsy : Seizures may occur in certain lines and require a veterinary work-up as well as appropriate medical follow-up.
Hypothyroidism : Insufficient thyroid function can cause fatigue, weight gain and coat changes; a hormone test allows diagnosis.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : This serious digestive risk justifies splitting meals, avoiding exercise around feeding time and seeking emergency care if the abdomen is swollen or there are unproductive retching efforts.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its long, dense coat with a woolly undercoat, the Tervueren tolerates cold and bad weather well. It tolerates heat moderately: in hot periods, activities must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and frequent breaks.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active, the Tervueren generally maintains an athletic build when it gets enough exercise. However, its ration must be adjusted to its age, its weight, its physiological status and its activity level, then its body condition must be monitored regularly to avoid both overweight and weight loss.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the breeding dogs’ hips checked before purchase.
- Consult promptly in case of a seizure or neurological change.
- Monitor unusual fatigue, weight gain and coat deterioration.
- Inspect and clean the ears and the area around the eyes regularly.
- Increase brushing during the two annual shedding periods.
- Avoid intense activities during the hottest hours.
Vaccination
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)? Like all cats, the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
Before any acquisition, it is prudent to ask for the screening results of the breeding dogs for hip dysplasia and to inquire about the family history of epilepsy and thyroid disorders. An annual veterinary examination, supplemented according to clinical signs by an orthopedic, neurological or thyroid assessment, is recommended.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
