Belgian Tervuren health: what owners should know
Conditions the Belgian Tervuren is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
The Belgian shepherd varieties are generally sturdy, but some conditions are known in the breed, including epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, low thyroid function, and certain cancers. Responsible breeders X-ray hips and elbows, have eyes examined, test thyroid function, and talk openly about any epilepsy in their lines.
A lean, fit dog that builds new activities gradually has the best chance of staying sound. If your Tervuren has a seizure, note the time and call your vet, and treat it as an emergency if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or a second one follows soon after. Unexplained weight gain, lethargy, a thinning coat or limping after exercise also need a check.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
12 to 14 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
20 to 30 kg