English Shepherd: breed characteristics and breeding

Despite the name of the breed, which causes associations with British roots, this species of shepherd was bred in the United States. Although the genes of imported English breeds are still present in it. Sheep-dogs quickly became widespread and popular due to excellent service qualities. A long and painstaking selection has shown the world a beautiful dog: smart, obedient, hardy, hardworking.

The English Shepherd Dog is also called shepherd, its progenitors were brought to England by the Romans in ancient times. The use of the breed was protected, they helped to monitor the herds of cattle. Gradually, the migrants brought the dogs to the American continent, where they liked the local farmers. The purpose of breeding the breed was specific - the protection of the herd and farms. Therefore, the quality of dogs were highly appreciated and used in the selection. The working qualities were improved by the Sheltie, Collie, and other herding breeds genes.

In the 1930s, an English Sheepdog breed was registered by international organizations of dog handlers. She was also noted as one of the most gifted herding varieties.

In fact, the British shepherd dog does not look too big, it is smaller than other sheep dogs. Differs harmonious proportional physique, her eyes are intelligent, penetrating.

The breed characteristics are as follows:

• cone-shaped lean head;
• powerful cheeks;
• eyes are medium in size, slightly elongated in shape, brown in color;
• auricles of triangular type, flexible, planted tall;
• jaw strong, very well developed;
• white teeth, which is rare, strong;
• solid body type;
• chest medial, assisted;
• the stomach smoothly passes into the chest, there is no sagging;
• limbs powerful, strong, with well developed muscles;
• tail not too long, not hanging.

As for the size, the height of the animal varies from 45 to 60 cm, regardless of gender, is a characteristic feature of the breed.

The color of the dog can be in several variations:

• white and red;
• coal black with red;
• black-red-white tricolor;
• black body with a white belly, neck and muzzle.

Wool, as a rule, is not too long, may be slightly curled or straight. In any case, under the hair there is a great thick undercoat. Dogs tolerate bad weather conditions.

By the nature of the "Englishwoman" is very friendly, sociable, willing to talk with even strangers. She does not throw, does not bite. The loyalty of this breed is amazing, the dog follows the owner not only dutifully, but also with pleasure. The Englishwoman’s children are treated with warmth and curiosity, they get on well.

Sheep-dogs very fond of trees, moreover, they are so adroit that they gladly climb them.This amazing dog can even climb the top of a tree, wanting to grab a bird or squirrel, for example. Despite the peace-loving disposition, the shepherd is a serious breed, it is a great guard who will protect the territory entrusted to her from any opponent. The breed is sensitive, so the mood of the host means a lot to it. This variety has both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the advantages can be noted:

• calm and poise;
• mobility, agility;
• sharp mind, excellent ingenuity, ability to make decisions;
• ideal guard qualities;
• dedication to the master;
• hard work;
• ability to protect against attack;
• they are excellent nannies, affectionate and patient;
• endurance, energy.

There are also disadvantages that must be considered before the acquisition. Generally, the owners do not find significant deficiencies in the breed, but the dog is hardly suitable for the lazy inhabitants of a city apartment. In the absence of proper upbringing and proper care, a dog can level all positive qualities.

The universality of the breed allows it to be used in various fields of activity:

• security guards;
• shepherds;
• rescuers;
• guides;
• police service;
• psychotherapist dogs.

If the most crucial decision is to get a dog, it is accepted that you should move on to another equally important step - choosing a puppy. You can not take it lightly, buy an animal with it, in the markets. It is best to purchase a puppy in the nursery or from a reputable breeder. First of all, important age - best if the dog will be at least 8 weeks and no more than 10. During this period, the animal grows up, is growing stronger, all vaccinations are being made, documents are being prepared.

A sick baby can be identified by the following features:

• rubbing and shaking paws;
• lack of response to a sharp sound;
• pale gums;
• unclean, dull hair, skin patches with redness.

Since the breed is very curious and friendly, the puppy must actively make contact. The future guard is already distinguished by courage.

Be sure to get the following information from the seller:

• certificates of analysis and vaccination documents not only for the puppy, but also for the parents;
• parental health, the presence of genetic diseases;
• what kind of childbirth;
• whether anti-parasitic prophylaxis was carried out and whether there is a mark about this in the passport.

English Shepherd dogs are not particularly capricious in content, their adaptive abilities are high, endurance is at a good level. Therefore, to care for them is quite simple. It is necessary to provide the dog with a place of comfortable living. They can be kept in urban apartments, provided regular walking, and in private homes. At home, a dog is given a mat or mattress with replaceable pillowcases; a street stay requires a spacious enclosure and a warmed booth. The main conditions for good health are proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Walking carried every day at least one hour, physical activity is required. Ideally walk the dog where there are few people where it can be pulled off the leash to freely run, play. If you do not comply with this condition, the shepherd will become lethargic, the positive qualities of the breed will be lost.In addition, a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of diseases in Englishwomen, shortens life expectancy. It is ideal to keep such a dog in a private house.

The health of the dog is first of all the care of the owner. Shepherd dogs have almost no genetic susceptibility to disease, the immune system is strong, they rarely get sick. With proper care, dogs live 15 years. It is imperative to be monitored regularly by a veterinarian, vaccinate an animal in a timely manner and carry out anti-parasitic prophylaxis.

There is a general schedule of vaccinations, which should be adhered to, if for some reason this is not possible, a new veterinarian registers the new regime.

Owners of the English Shepherd Dog may face the following problems:

• eye diseases;
• allergy;
• intolerance to anesthesia;
• diseases of the hip joints.

Inheritance can be transferred to intolerance to drugs, the use of which for Englishwomen will be fatal. Since this list includes the most innocuous drugs, it is imperative to clarify the presence of such problems with parents.

One of the most important events in the content of English Sheepdogs - mating. There are a number of rules that must be followed:

• It is necessary to knit no more than once a year (both bitches and males), as frequent mating leads to a deterioration in the quality of the litter;
• The first mating of the female and the male should be carried out at the age of one and a half years;
• two animals that do not possess such experience cannot be kept together;
• 14 days before mating, anti-parasitic prophylaxis is performed;
• processing from fleas, ticks is obligatory;
• Only animals that have no health problems mate.

One of the conditions for the healthy development of the animal and its well-being - the right diet. The menu is organized according to the age of the dog. Sheepdogs can be fed with ready-made dry food, in this case premium class food is selected for active type dogs. You can feed the dog and natural products, while maintaining a balanced diet. It must be present:

• meat of beef, veal, horse meat, lamb, meat products, offal;
• cottage cheese;
• a fish;
• multivitamin complexes.

From the diet should be excluded:

• pork;
• baking, baking, sweet;
• spices, salt;
• food from the common table.

Nutrition puppy is organized on a four-time type, you must ensure that the food was not too fat, as a large number of calories leads to a violation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Despite the fact that caring for an English dog is not too complicated, there is a basic set of necessary procedures that are performed regularly. Be sure to clean the dog's eyes, ears, teeth. Inspect the dog daily for inflammation, redness, ulcers. Washing your pet too often is harmful, washing off the natural protective layer. It is enough to wash it as it gets dirty, no more than once a month. Teeth are cleaned with a special agent; in addition, special bones with fluorine are bought for the animal.

English Shepherd dogs are not sheared to avoid tangles, tangles, but it is necessary to regularly brush the dog with a special brush of a hard type. Conduct this procedure at least once every 2 days. It is done during the molting period. daily, as the animal loses wool enough.

Shepherd dog training is a very important process, requiring consistency from the host. By itself, the breed is quite docile, soft-liking. She needs to walk a lot, play, develop a muscular system. If you regularly practice with your pet at special dog grounds, you can succeed at a sporting event.

Promotion is the best way to get what you want. It is necessary to begin trainings in a game form, constantly praising a dog for successful performance.

You can get closer to the English dog in the next video.