Belgian Tervuren - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
Belgian Tervurens are afflicted with the most common dog health issues at rates similar to most dog breeds. Belgian Tervurens differ most notably from other breeds in the high incidence of seizures and/or epilepsy. Median longevity of Belgian Tervurens is around 12.5 years which is on the high side for purebred dogs and for breeds similar in size.
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Health Overview
There have been few health surveys of the individual Belgian Tervuren varieties. The UK Kennel Club conducted a 2004 health survey of all Belgian Shepherds varieties combined. The Belgian Shepherds Club of America Health Committee has a health registry questionnaire, but it is not clear when results will be reported. The American Belgian Tervuren Club conducted health surveys in 1998 and 2003, as well.
Lifespan
Median longevity of Belgian Shepherds (all varieties combined) in the 2004 UK survey, was 12.5 years, which is on the high side, for purebred dogs and for breeds similar in size.
Common Disorders
Belgian Shepherds are afflicted with the most common dog health issues (reproductive, musculoskeletal, and dermatological) at rates similar to most breeds. They differ most notably from other breeds in the high incidence of seizures and/or epilepsy. In the UK survey of Belgian Shepherds and both the 1998 and 2003 ABTC survey of Belgian Tervurens, about 9% of dogs had seizures or epilepsy. Other studies have reported rates of epilepsy in Belgian Tervurens as high as 17%, or about one in six dogs. For comparison, the incidence of epilepsy/seizures in the general dog population is estimated at between 0.5% and 5.7%. See Epilepsy in animals for more information on symptoms and treatments.
Potential Hereditary Defects and Disorders
- Epilepsy: Seizures; convulsions
- Lymphedema: Swelling and pitting of the legs, usually hind legs, caused by abnormally developed lymph vessels.