THE NECK:
| The Belgian Tervuren has a medium long, slightly arched neck that is
clean and without folds. The arch is somewhat more apparent on a dog in full coat,
particularly males with full collarette. The proud carriage of the head and neck is
important when evaluating good breed type. The neck should not be so short, or the
shoulder assembly placed forward or so straight, that the head appears to sit on the
shoulders or form a sharp angle with the backline. This would detract from the harmonious
lines and would adversely affect the usefulness of the dog. Proper neck lines are much
more evident when a Tervuren is allowed to gaze forward naturally rather than looking
directly up at its handler.
The judge should also observe proper carriage of the neck when the dog is trotting. The
neck should be carried forward as a smooth extension into the topline, rather than carried
(or held) high. |
BODY, LEGS AND FEET:
 |
Plate #70
The square body of the Tervuren definitely contributes to the picture of breed type. The
body should be square as measured horizontally from the front point of the shoulder to the
rear point of the rump, and vertically from the top of the wither to the ground. This is
not a dog of rectangular body proportions.At the same time, the dog is not cobby or
coarse. The equal leg length to body depth, moderate bone, ascendant
undercarriage and clean, chiseled head with alert expression on a nicely arched neck
gives the dog a most elegant stature. |
The Tervuren should have good depth of chest,
however the chest is notably not broad. The forechest should be apparent just to the
extent that it is not hidden inside the shoulders. The underbody should form a smooth,
ascendant curve. The withers are accentuated followed by a strong straight and short back.
The ribs have good spring, but are flat on the sides. They are neither barrel-shaped nor
slab-sided. The loin section is short, strong and somewhat broad, blending smoothly into
the back. The Tervuren is balanced in its height with the length of leg being equal to the
depth of body.Angulation, Shoulders and hindquarters:
The Tervuren has balanced moderate angulation throughout and is not a dog of extremes.
Angulation of the fore and hindquarters should be sufficient as necessary to cover ground
smoothly and efficiently, with neither too much power on one extreme, nor stiltiness on
the other. The shoulders should be long and slanting to form an angle with the preferably
long forearm to permit easy movement of the leg. The shoulder assembly should not be
placed forward. The thigh should be wide and well muscled with moderately angulated
hindquarters in balance with the shoulder. The hock should be set low to the ground for
balance and efficient movement, and should be moderately bent.
Feet and pasterns:
The Tervuren should have well padded feet with toes curved and tightly
closed together, and strong nails. The front feet are catfooted and the rear feet, while
also tightly closed, are slightly elongated. The pasterns are short and strong, but should
be slightly sloped to allow for flexibility in movement and to absorb the shock that
the shoulders would otherwise have to bear. Straight pasterns or knuckling over will cause
serious functional problems in a working environment. |
 
Plate #71
Plate #72
SIZE:
| The ideal size is anywhere between 24 and 26 inches for males; and
between 22 and 24 inches for females. Outside that range is less desirable, and there is a
disqualification for dogs under 23 inches or over 26.5 inches at the withers, and for
females under 21 inches or over 24.5 inches. Do not leave your best dog out of the winners
circle because you are uncertain whether the size is acceptable, always measure if in
doubt. It is your responsibility to disqualify if the dog measures out. |
CROUP AND TAIL:
| The croup is medium long and slopes gradually and smoothly into the base
of the tail. The tail is strong at the base with the last vertebra reaching the tip of the
hock. At rest the tail drops downward naturally, with a gentle bend to the tip as shown in
the illustration above. The tail should be used correctly when the dog is in motion, since
it controls the dog's balance as is used as an aid in his ability to make quick turns. The
tail is often lifted when the dog is in motion, but it should not be carried above the
backline. Neither should it be carried tucked between the legs. Both standing and in
motion, there should be no strong hook in the tail, nor should it be off center at any
point. |
Click on the pages listed immediately below to review additional body
pictures, then click on "back" to return here. Please
be patient with the download times of these pictures. You will see many Tervuren of
excellent type and construction.
Male Body Pictures and comments
Female Body
Pictures and comments
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Gait, Coat and Color
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