Page 26 - ShowSight Presents - The Beligian Tervuran
P. 26
LIFE WITH A TERV
By Sharon Ann Redmer
Living with a Tervuren.... what do you think it is like? THINK VERSA- TILE... think way smart... think active... think agile... think easily
trained.... think alert! Your average Belgian Tervuren is wicked fast. Owning one is like driving a Ferrari...not a minivan! Any Terv owner will attest...there is absolutely noth- ing these wonderful dogs cannot learn.
Our Belgians truly want to please... it is hardwired into their very nature-- they are “biddable”. They bond quickly to “their humans” and become your sec- ond skin. If having a loyal dog shadowing
you everywhere is irritating...well a Ter- vuren just is NOT for you. Terv owners will tell you that it has been years since they’ve done much of anything without the “help” of their dogs!
The 3 AKC Herding Group Belgians (Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdogs named Groenendael in other countries, and Mali- nois) were first developed in different areas surrounding Brussels. They were herders, guardians of the farmer’s property, family dogs, and protection dogs. Subsequently used by law enforcement and the military, they were one breed with variations in coat color and coat length/texture. All were square dogs with high set erect triangular
ears, long tails and medium long heads. They were medium in bone and moderate in just about everything except their abil- ity to learn.
Physically, Tervs are typically elegant with proud carriage of head and neck. The coat of a Tervuren male is truly a thing of beauty. Rich base color caressed by a black overlay is often the first quality attracting newcomers to the breed. The girls are less ornate in their furnishings, but are equally lovely.
My first Tervuren was “Bravo” a pet male who earned his UDT back in the day when there was no OTCh, no MACH, no CTandnoHT.Iwantedadogtoshowin
