All dogs, purebred or mixed, are at risk for some inherited health problems. In the Tervuren, the following are the health issues most often seen:
- Epilepsy: Idiopathic Epilepsy occurs in all purebreds and mixed breeds. Idiopathic Epilepsy is defined as “repeated seizures of unknown cause”. Causes of epilepsy can include heat, poison, head trauma, infections, parasites, diabetes, and birth defects. The relative incidence of epilepsy/grand mal seizures is ~14%. It usually does not surface until between 2 and 5 years of age. Typically, epileptic seizures occur once every several months, and will last about 5 minutes, although some more frequent and severe cases have been reported. This is probably considered the Tervuren’s most troublesome health problem.
- Hip Dysplasia: The incidence of HD is low compared to many other breeds of this size and it isn’t considered a major problem for the Terv. The Greyhound is the only breed reported to have no known cases of hip dysplasia. Buyers should insist on seeing proof that both parents have certified normal hips by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Elbow Dysplasia: The incidence of elbow dysplasia appears to be higher than hip dysplasia although many numbers of dogs have not been evaluated. Buyers should request proof of certified normal elbows by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition that leads to eventual blindness. It’s been reported in only a few Tervuren and is not thought to be widespread. Buyers should insist on proof that both parents have received an eye examination within the last year that was certified by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
Tervuren are extremely versatile. They have the intelligence, agility and endurance to be well suited for many tasks. Obedience; agility; herding; tracking; schutzhund; canine freestyle; flyball; police and military working dogs; carting ; weight pulling; service dogs; search and rescue are a few of the activities that Tervuren have excelled in.