Appearance of the Tervoodle
|
The Tervoodle is a large dog. It stands around 61 centimeters high at the shoulder and can weigh up to 27 kilos when fully grown. They have a double coat, with a dense, woolly undercoat. The outer coat is long and straight. Exact coloring depends on the breed of the dominant parent. Generally, however, the Tervoodle will be fawn, mahogany, red or gray. This basic coat color will often be accompanied by a black overlay, almost like a saddle. The Tervoodle will often have erect ears, a medium muzzle and brown eyes. It may also have a black muzzle. He may look skinny, but he's very muscular under his long topcoat. His tail is long and slightly curved at the tip. His tail may also have this black overlay effect. Tail hair is of medium length. |
Temperament of the Tervoodle
|
The Tervoodle is a gentle dog, but can be a little aloof with strangers. He'll need to examine them for himself before befriending them. This trait makes him an excellent watchdog, however. He'll alert you to anything amiss on his territory, and his size, as well as his resemblance to some police dogs, can intimidate potential intruders. He's highly intelligent and easy to train. However, he has an independent streak, which can also hinder his training. Always use positive reinforcement, praise and treats, to reward good behavior. You'll need to be firm at all times; any relaxation of discipline will be perceived as weakness, and the Tervoodle can tend to become the Alpha of relationships if it thinks its master isn't worthy of being followed. On the whole, the Tervoodle is good with all family members. He will need early socialization to learn how to get along with other dogs. Obedience classes are also a good idea for the Tervoodle. He may not be the best dog for novice owners either. However, he enjoys being part of an active family of dog lovers. |
Needs and activities of the Tervoodle
|
The Tervoodle is a very active dog. Again, he's destined to live indoors with his family, but he needs to spend a lot of time outdoors to expend his high energy levels. He'll enjoy walks around the neighborhood with you, as well as hiking alongside you in the great outdoors. He'll also love accompanying you on bike rides. He'll appreciate a fenced-in area to play in, but don't forget that he can climb a shorter fence. A fence at least two meters high is necessary for the Tervoodle. He can also be prone to digging if bored, so make sure the fence posts are anchored deep enough in the ground so he can't dig. He'll also enjoy outings to the dog park, but only take him off his leash if you're sure he won't run off and refuse to come back. Provide him with toys that stimulate both physical and mental activity. |
Maintenance of the Tervoodle
|
The Tervoodle will need a moderate amount of maintenance. In fact, you'll need to make sure his woolly undercoat is properly brushed several times a week to prevent tangling. Give him a bath when necessary. Choose an all-natural shampoo that won't irritate his skin. Brush his teeth every two or three days if you want to avoid bad breath and tartar build-up. On the other hand, to prevent cavities, brush his teeth every day. Trim his nails every two weeks, unless he wears them down naturally. Although the Tervoodle is a large dog, it's meant to live indoors. In addition, as the parent breed Tervueren Belgian Shepherd is known to be sensitive to touch, it's a good idea to start a grooming regime when he's small, so that he gets used to the routine. |