A REVIEW:
| Looking realistically at showing and breeding, the perfect
dog has probably yet to be born. A judge must learn to be forgiving in the sense that each
fault seen be put into perspective, taking the entire dog into consideration. While it is
of utmost importance that a Belgian Tervuren have the character and structure to enable
him to perform his function as a herding dog, it is also of great importance that the dog
possess the characteristics that make him unmistakably a Belgian Tervuren. The judge must
be able to answer the question, "how seriously do these faults affect the herding
ability of the dog or detract from the essence of the breed?"
In determining whether a fault is minor, serious, or major, these two
factors should be used as a guide:
1. The extent to which it deviates from the standard.
2. The extent to which such deviation would actually affect
the working ability of the dog.
It is our
fervent desire that a judge be able to recognize outstanding quality and breed
type when it is presented in the ring.
|
Appreciate the Positive Qualities |
Faults should be weighed
against the power of the dog's positive traits, with the winner being the one having the
most remaining virtues after assessing and and taking it's faults into consideration as
appropriate.
Certainly a dog with outstanding breed type should always
be in strong contention for the winners circle, unless its faults seriously affect the
ability of the dog to herd under all conditions, such as serious problems with its gait,
bite, coat or temperament. |
Comparing the AKC Standards of the Belgian Breeds:
Quick Facts about the Belgians
Ideal Size
| Belgian Malinois |
Belgian Sheepdog |
Belgian Tervuren |
| Males: 24 - 26
inches Females: 22 - 24 inches |
Males: 24 - 26
inches Females: 22 - 24 inches |
Males: 24 - 26
inches Females: 22 - 24 inches |
Disqualifications
| Belgian Malinois |
Belgian Sheepdog |
Belgian Tervuren |
| Males: under 23 over 27 in. Females: under 21 over 25 in. |
Males: under 22.5 over 27.5 in. Females: under
20.5 over 25.5 in. |
Males: under 23 over 26.5 in. Females:
under 21 over 24.5 in. |
Ears:
Hanging as a hound, or semi-prick ears |
Ears:
Hanging as a hound |
Ears:
Hanging as a hound |
Tail:
Cropped or stump |
Tail:
Cropped or stump |
Tail:
Cropped or stump |
Teeth:
Undershot in which 2 or more of the upper incisors lose contact with 2
or more of the lower incisors. |
Teeth:
None |
Teeth:
Undershot such that there is a complete loss of contact by
all of the incisors. |
Color:
None |
Color:
Any color other than black. (Reddening due to climactic conditions in an
otherwise correct coat, should not be grounds for disqualification) |
Color:
Solid black, solid liver, or any area of white except as specified on
the chest, tips of toes and muzzle. |
| Note that Viciousness whether in the breed standard as a
disqualification or not, is to be disqualified in all breeds according to the AKC Rules
and Regulations for Dog Shows. |
 NEXT: One Type
- Then and Now
 The AKC Breed Standard for the Belgian Tervuren
|
