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So you think you want a Tervuren?
I must admit, I think the Tervuren is one of the most beautiful breeds of dog anywhere. Even so, they are not for everyone. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself if you are thinking about getting one. Am I prepared for a very active dog? Belgian Tervurens were originally bred to be WORKING DOGS - they are herders. That means that they have a high energy level, a desire to protect, and a desire to work. Do you have cats that wouldn’t appreciate being sheep for the rest of their lives? Some tervs are great with cats - and some aren’t. It takes training, and maybe a few high, safe areas for your cat to jump to if these two live together. You also need to have time enough to give your dog something to do - or maybe he’ll start with your shoe rack and go on from there. Am I prepared to do some grooming? Tervs do not have coats like Collies, but they do have enough to coat to make a nice sweater from. You need to be prepared to do frequent brushing, vacuuming, and bathing (maybe once a month). If you like everything about the terv except the long coat, maybe you should consider the Malinois. Do I have a fenced yard? Tervs love to run. Do you have an area for them to really stretch out in? Do I want a protection dog? This is a hard one to answer. You see, tervs will make an excellent family guardian - if they are the family dog. If you want a dog that you can put in your yard on a chain the rest of its life, then maybe you should consider not getting a dog at all. DOGS DESERVE THEIR OWN FAMILIES. However, if you truly want a good protection dog, you need to carefully socialize your terv, so that they are friendly when you want them to be. Contrary to popular opinion, the best protection dog is not a mean dog, but a family dog - believe me, when it comes time that your dog needs to get down to business because you are threatened he will know it. In fact, sometimes the best protection he can provide for you is simply coming to the door with you - I have heard from more than one person who has had people come to their door trying to force their way in - but that big, scary dog made them think twice and they went away.
Here are some websites that might help you...
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