My Belgian Tervuren…. The Codeman!!! :)

Cody is my very first AKC dog. After my beautiful German Shepherd/Alasken Malamute Tanya passed away I was devestated. I needed a dog that reminded me of her… but different. I know all to well, if you think you can replace one animal with another… you can not. My first choice was to go to the SPCA to save an unwanted animal… but how do I do walk away with only 1? When I saw the pic of the Belgian Tervuren, I knew this dog was for me! For some reason, they are not a very popular breed, which is actually good, because the health quality is not jeopardized by people breeding a dog for no other reason than for profit. The Belgian Tervuren is an awesome dog…. everything they say above & more! They are very loving, loyal & affectionate! They are great with cats & small animals…. which is good, because I am a HUGE animal lover!!! Actually, he is a cat magnet! My cats absolutely love him! He loves shopping at Petsmart & loves people! He does have his querks though…. He will do almost anything to avoid a puddle & will never walk on a sewer cap on his walks! He does not do well playing ball…. a word of warning… Belgian Tervuren are more into “stealing” than into retrieving… & returning! If you throw a ball to him, the game then changes to trying to get the ball back from him!!! My baby is 12 years old now… and he is just as much a stinker as he was when he was a puppy! Everything has to be moved out of his reach… or he will steal it! That goes for purse contents, purses… & visitors shoes!!!

So… You are forewarned… if you ever plan on visiting…. keep your belongings attached to you! lol!

A little info on the Belgian Tervuren Breed!

General Appearance

The first impression of the Belgian Tervuren is that of a well balanced medium size dog, elegant in appearance, standing squarely on all fours, with proud carriage of head and neck. He is strong, agile, well muscled, alert and full of life. He gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness. The male should appear unquestionably masculine; the female should have a distinctly feminine look. The Belgian Tervuren reflects the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master. In addition to his inherent ability as a herding dog, he protects his master’s person and property without being overtly aggressive. He is watchful, attentive, and usually in motion when not under command.

Owning

The Belgian Tervuren’s most identifiable feature is his long coat. The coat requires weekly brushing to remove excess hair. He is an active dog who needs daily exercise. The Belgian Tervuren needs to be a close companion. He usually chooses one person to whom he will become attached.

Temperament

In his relationship with humans he is observant and vigilant with strangers, but not apprehensive. He does not show fear or shyness. He does not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack. He must be approachable, standing his ground and showing confidence to meet overtures without himself making them. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous for their attention and very possessive.

Did You Know

The variety designation, Tervuren, owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervuren. The Tervuren was literally created after World War II, from the longhaired puppies in Malinois litters and the fawn-grey puppies in the Groenendael litters. The first Tervuren was registered with the AKC in 1918. Prior to 1959, the Belgian Tervurens were registered and shown as Belgian Sheepdogs. In that year the AKC granted the separate breed classification designating the Belgian Tervuren as a distinct breed. The honor of first herding champion was earned by Ch. Theriot’s Red Baron, UD, a Belgian Tervurenbred and owned by Mary Alice Theriot of Covington, Louisiana.

Oh! 1 more important tip!