Have you ever thought about welcoming a Belgian Tervuren into your family? Picture this: A gorgeously-colored dog, full of energy, bounding through your back yard playing fetch. This is one type of dog that’s both beautiful and intelligent. But there’s one question that might be lingering in your mind: does a Belgian Tervuren shed a lot?
Belgian Tervurens, with their luxurious, double-layered coats, are majestic. But do these elegant fur coats mean that you’ll find yourself submerged in a sea of hair every day? Well, Yes and No.
Every dog breed, including the Belgian Tervuren, will shed some hair throughout their lives. After all, shedding is a natural process that helps dogs lose old or damaged hair. However, the amount and frequency of shedding can vary widely among different breeds and individual dogs.
For Belgian Tervurens, they are known for their medium to heavy shedding, depending on various factors such as their health, diet, and season. The process of shedding is often referred to as “blowing coat,” where they shed their undercoat in clumps, which is most noticeable during spring and fall. You might wonder if there’s a perpetual fur storm in your home during these times!
But don’t worry, shedding doesn’t mean that Belgian Tervurens are not suitable for your home. With proper care and regular grooming, managing their fur and maintaining a clean home is not as daunting as it may seem.
Let’s dive into detail.
The Genetics of Hair
Belgian Tervurens boast a thick double-layered coat. The undercoat is soft and dense, perfect for insulation, while the outer coat is long, straight, and protective. This double coat is notable in Tervs, making them magnificently beautiful, but also contributing to their significant shedding.
Grooming: The Magic Trick
If the shedding seems overwhelming, don’t fret. Your best bet against the oncoming surge of stray hairs is a consistent, effective grooming routine.
Brushing your Belgian Tervuren regularly not only helps to control the shed hair, but it’s also crucial for the dog’s health. The undercoat can mat and cause skin problems if not brushed out frequently. Plus, the action of brushing improves the distribution of natural oil in their skin, giving their coat a healthy glimmer.
However, grooming is not only about brushing. Belgian Tervuren need to have their nails trimmed regularly, ears checked and cleaned, and teeth brushed. Plus, bathing them occasionally can help to loosen and remove the dead hair during shedding seasons.
Sit down with your energetic Tervuren, grab a grooming brush, and enjoy this bonding time with your fluffy companion. You might find yourself enjoying the process just as much as your pet does!
Proper Nutrition
Just as the right diet can affect a human’s hair, it can also affect a dog’s fur. A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals can promote healthier and stronger fur. Omega fatty acids, in particular, are vital for a shinier coat.
Moreover, a dog with a balanced diet is generally healthier and, therefore, less likely to have excessive shedding due to health issues. So, investing time and resources into proper nutrition can save you many vacuuming sessions in the long run!
Keeping Them Healthy
Poor health can sometimes become a reason for excessive shedding. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to ensure that your Belgian Tervuren’s shedding is normal and not a symptom of a more significant health problem. Some health issues that might increase shedding include allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases, or hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion
If after all this information you’re second guessing whether or not the Belgian Tervuren is the right dog for you because of their shedding, consider this: Their intelligence, loyalty, and dynamism make them an excellent addition to any family. Yes, they do shed, sometimes a lot, but with proper care, good nutrition, and regular grooming, this shedding can be managed effectively.
Remember, taking care of a furry friend involves thoroughly understanding their needs and lifestyle, and for the Belgian Tervuren, those luscious coats come at the price of a bit of extra grooming. But believe me, the love and loyalty they bring to your family are more than worth it.
So, to answer your question, “Does a Belgian Tervuren shed a lot?” The answer is definitely a yes. But should that stop you from getting one? Absolutely not! After all, a little bit of fur never hurt anybody. Happy grooming!
