JUDGING THE BELGIAN TERVUREN
Th ere are height stipulations for Tervuren. Th e ideal male is 24 to 26 inches with the ideal bitch coming in at 22 to 24 inches. Disquali fi ca- tion is set for males under 23 or over 26.5 inches and for bitches under 21 or over 24.5 inches. Movement should be free and easy. Tervs should tend to single track when moving fast at a trot. You want the maximum amount of ground covered with the minimum of e ff ort—no “tin- ker toy” strides or hackneyed action—but they should also not have the tremendous reach and drive of a German Shepherd Dog. Th e ideal Terv on the move should look e ffi cient and e ff ortless. As noted, temperament is of extreme impor- tance. Th e standard states, “He must be approach- able, standing his ground and showing con fi - dence to meet overtures without himself making them.” Th is is a breed to approach con fi dently, but calmly. Remember, these dogs are mostly owner-handled. A kind word to set the handler at ease lets the dog know that this is all good. Th e dog should not need to be propped or held up by the handler. If a death grip is required, you should excuse the dog. Th e show ring is not the time or the place to push a dog past its comfort zone. When judging, it is important to keep the ABTC guidelines on faults in mind: • Th e extent to which it deviates from the standard. • Th e extent to which such deviation would actually a ff ect the working ability of the dog. And as I mentioned above, repeating because it is so important, “ Th e Belgian Tervuren is a herding dog and versatile worker. Th e highest value is to be placed on qualities that maintain these abilities, speci fi cally, correct temperament, gait, bite and coat.”
Author Bio: Deb M. Eldredge, DVM got her first Terv in 1985 and has never looked back. Coyote Run is her kennel with her daughter, Kate. Despite limited breeding they have won multiple national
specialties (one with their foundation bitch) and regional specialities. They have produced multiple Group placers, herding and obedience High In Trial dogs, and outstanding dogs in rally, dock diving, and barn hunt. Between them they have four Champion Trackers (one a Pembroke Welsh Corgi). Deb is an award-winning veterinarian and writer with many books to her credit. Deb is currently serving on the Board of Directors of ABTC and has also served on the Health Committee for many years. She is a recipient of the Leigh Carter Award from ABTC. Deb is also a member of Central NY Kennel Club, Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club and, previously, Ann Arbor Dog Training Club where she served as Vice President. Deb lives in upstate New York on a small farm with four Belgian Tervuren, one Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and one Cirneco dell Etna along with sheep, chickens, ducks, a donkey, and a mini horse. Her Tervs are her chore dogs and keep everyone in line!
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2020 | 229
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