Alpine (Savoyard) Sheepdog - dog, created to work. Perhaps, when the word "shepherd" in the majority of the association appears "German", but it is not. There are a great many varieties of sheepdogs, and even the beloved short-footed breed of corgi, so much loved by Queen Elizabeth II, also belongs to the family of sheep-dogs. The Alpine shepherd dog belongs to another “direction”.
She is an excellent guard, watchman, protector. However, an inexperienced dog breeder with such a strong and obstinate dog simply can not cope, and now we find out why.
Breed history
The breed appeared many centuries ago, its representatives were excellent shepherds, they could “lead” a large herd. Thanks to their enormous strength, they even managed to deal with cattle without the help of a shepherd. But with the penetration into the Alpine mountains of other breeds of dogs began to mix with them and almost disappeared completely. Cynologists believed that there was no clean alpine shepherd in the world, however, several representatives were found in a remote area.
In 1947, work began on the restoration of the breed, and now the alpine shepherd dogs again exist in sufficient quantities. The breed standard was made in the 1960s, but the FCI did not accept the breed. The dog has a medium size, powerful and strong bones. Color is acceptable any, but white is impossible, only stains. The most common color is two-tone or black with tan.
Ears should hang, standing ears at breed do not happen. Paws are very powerful, strong, strong. Height reaches 55 cm, weighing - from 20 to 30 kg. The tail is rather long, hangs down, does not lie on the back, does not curl into a little ball.
Character
This breed has an excellent character. It is easy for them to get along with every household, however, they obey only the one who was appointed the leader. They love children very much, even small ones, and take great care of them. They can even get along with the cat, but only with the one who lives with them in the house. Alpine shepherd dog It is not common to throw at people, however, she will meet suspiciously unfamiliar or unfamiliar people.
She is an excellent caretaker, but you need to educate and socialize her from the first months of life. This is only possible for experienced dog breeders.
Another distinctive feature of the animal is its lightning reaction. The Alpine Shepherd Dog is always vigilant, attentive, reacting to changes in the environment very quickly. Even in those moments when the dog is supposedly relaxed and does not pay attention to what is happening, she is on the lookout and ready to react at any moment.
How to bring up?
The Savoyard Shepherd Dog is capricious and a little stubborn. That is why, raising her, you can not show weakness. Only hardness and perseverance will help convince the dog that you are the main one. Neither shouting, nor even punishing her physically during upbringing is possible. This will lead to bitterness shepherd, resentment on the owner. And she will never obey.
To beat an alpine shepherd is to spoil it. A dog that was subjected to physical punishment will not protect either the owner or his family.
If the puppy or adult dog has done something, it is enough to raise the voice slightly and with the help of strict intonation and correctly chosen words scold him. It is necessary to do this kindly, but seriously, thoughtfully, otherwise in a short time the pet will repeat its trick. Show perseverance, do not lose your presence of mind and be patient.
Puppies and growing dogs love to fool around like any other kids. This does not mean that you should be reconciled with their antics, but unnecessarily severe punishment is not worth it.
How to care and where to keep?
Caring for dogs is quite simple. Despite the presence of long hair, they are enough to comb. Swimming is required about 2 times a year, not more often, except in cases where the dog gets very dirty.
In principle, the wool of the Savoyard shepherds is not heavily polluted, since the breed has lived in the fresh air since ancient times and learned to regulate the purity of the wool cover. Since the breed has retained its purity since ancient times, It is characterized by excellent health, no genetic diseases are unusual for it.
Clean ears and eyes should be checked as needed. Claws do not need to cut, the hair between the fingers - too. Generally, alpine shepherd dogs do not need a hairstyle of anything.
Keeping a dog in an apartment is difficult, as she begins to prank in loneliness and in a confined space. Best of all, she will be in a private house with a fenced courtyard, where she can run plenty. The Savoyard Sheepdog tolerates cold well, which is why it can live in a warm and wind-proof booth.
On the chain or in the aviary to keep it in any case impossible, it is contrary to its freedom-loving nature. (this applies, in fact, all dogs). Breed representatives need a lot of movement.
Therefore, if it is not possible to provide her with independent walks and runs through the territory, it is better to have another breed.
Alpine shepherd need not slow walks, and full load.
Where to buy a puppy?
Since there are very few kennels of this shepherd in Russia and Europe, finding the desired puppy will not be easy. It is best to contact the clubs of dog breeders, where you will assist in the search. Also a good option - visiting exhibitions. There are usually dogs with pedigree. Seeing the representative of the breed, you can go up to the owner and find out if he has puppies (or, maybe, are expected).
Searching for a puppy via the Internet is a lottery. Unfortunately, not all owners are bona fide, and buying from hands is a very dangerous business.
Before you buy a puppy (any breed), check the information about the kennel or breeder from whom you are going to make a purchase, how conscientious and honest he is, what pedigree his dogs possess.
The cost of a Savoyard Shepherd puppy is 200-400 dollars. It is necessary to understand that the breed has not yet received the recognition of the world community of dog handlers, therefore it is not necessary to speak about the compliance of the breed standard or excellent pedigree.
You can get closer and watch the work of the Alpine Shepherd in the next video.
