What's next for Chien Noir? Preparing, planning, and dreaming of a new Belgian Tervuren puppy — and the adventure ahead.

🐾 What’s Next? The Puppy Journey Begins

We’ve begun the search for a new puppy — and I’d forgotten just how much there is to do before welcoming one home! The process is underway, and my excitement is growing.

Defining What I Want

I started by making a list of what matters most to me:

• Non-negotiables: a grey Belgian Tervuren female puppy, health checks for the parents (hips, eyes, etc.), structure in line with the breed standard, and a stable temperament.

• Hopes: a dog who enjoys working with me in agility, rally, herding, tricks, and obedience, and possibly one capable of service work (balance support) for either my husband or me in the future.

The Breeder Search

Finding breeders who occasionally produce greys has been harder than I expected. Since grey is considered a “fault” in Tervurens (though I find it gorgeous!), breeders don’t usually advertise for it or breed specifically for it.

I joined a Facebook group, combed through years of posts, and began building a list of breeders who have produced greys before. I even considered importing from Europe — until I learned that U.S. regulations changed in 2024. Puppies must now be at least six months old to import, which is older than I want to begin with.

Although that was disappointing, the group offered wonderful breeder recommendations. I started sending friend requests, created a spreadsheet to track information, and noted several litters expected soon.

Preparing for the Future

To introduce myself properly, I drafted a letter sharing my hopes for a puppy and a little about my background. I reached out to the breeders of my past Belgians, asking if they’d be references. I also confirmed that my trusted veterinarian is still in practice.

And — I’m revamping this website. I’d kept the kennel name alive even after losing my last Belgian, but now it feels right to bring Chien Noir back to life.

Looking Ahead

The to-do list is long, but the anticipation is even greater. Each step brings me closer to the day when a new Belgian Shepherd puppy joins my life.