Longhair german shepherds

The official recognition of the breed of long-haired German shepherd was achieved 10 years ago with the participation of the International Association of cynologists. Due to the many advantages and useful characteristics of the genus, it is now a full community of animals participating in exhibition shows and selective breeding.

Information about the first long-haired German shepherds appear in the Germanic chronicles of the VII century, but then the color of these large and powerful dogs was bright. Much later, in the XVIII century, as a result of breeding, dark suits began to appear, but they differed markedly among themselves. Despite similar service qualities, some individuals had a more squat and massive type of addition, others had a rather elegant and elegant backbone.

Even then, it was possible to distinguish such valuable characteristics in shepherds as strength, endurance, moderate aggressiveness, due to a balanced character. However, for a long time such animals were not recognized as a full-fledged breed because of the thick and long hair, which is considered a disadvantage. They were given a place only on pastures for the protection of livestock, as well as for investigative, guard service.

There was an erroneous opinion that the skin of an animal with such shaggy hair quickly becomes wet, dries out for a long time, and thus makes it heavier and slows down the dynamics of the dog's movements compared to its short-haired congeners. Therefore, breed standards were not established for them, shepherd dogs did not participate in exhibitions, as well as in breeding.

But as time went on, thanks to the efforts of breeders, an average species of animals was bred, which fully corresponded to breed standards and was officially recognized in 2010 by experts of the International Association of Dog Handlers. It is currently proven that long-haired puppies are the most viable, are distinguished by strong immunity, strength, flawless anatomy, and moreover, have a beautiful appearance. A long coat not only prevents them from performing their duties, but also protects the dog's body from hypothermia in conditions of severe frost, as well as from hyperthermia in strong heat.

In accordance with the standard, the purebred representatives of German shepherd dogs with long hair should have a strong, muscular, slightly elongated body, a head of the correct proportions with erect ears. The appearance of the animal is similar to the type of short-haired German Shepherd. There are special requirements for wool:

• more pronounced hair should be on the neck and chest;
• strongly hairy and thick can be the thighs, the tail area, the lobes behind the front paws;
• on the legs, front of the legs, on the head, the hair should be short;
• on the back parting is desirable;
• the undercoat, including the lower back, is mild.

Based on the established rules, the dog's coat should be thick, long, have a shine, not too tight to the skin, not counting the muzzle. Pedigree shepherds differ in the type of hair - in one species the coat is hard and coarse, not adjacent to the body. The second type has a softer coat - light and fluffy. In a shaggy German shepherd almond-shaped eyes, as a rule, black shade. Visually, it seems that they mow a little, but at the same time the animal’s eyes are expressive, clean and lively. Also the dog is distinguished by:

• long, powerful croup;
• large, deep sternum;
• massive neck;
• correct bite (scissors);
• developed, long joints of the limbs;
• medium tail extending to the spinal line and more hairy in the lower part;
• the paws of the animal are always parallel to each other, but the hind legs are slightly laid back;
• black nose (animals with light and brown color of nasal skin are subject to rejection).

The height of males at withers is from 60 to 65 cm, the females of the animal are slightly lower - 55-60 cm. Their body weight, respectively, in males - up to 40 kg, and in girls - no more than 32 kg. The life span of an animal is 10-14 years. The main types of colors are black with gray, red, yellow, red or gray with a black mask on the face.

According to the standard dogs are allowed to be black-colored - with a red tint or a deep, bright chocolate color. The color is so called because of the dark tone zone on the sides and back of the shepherd dog, as if forming a saddle (saddle). It is this mantle that can have such excellent brown and reddish shades in the representatives of the breed.

By their nature, representatives of the breed may differ dramatically. There are dogs with a furious temperament, who can not sit still. The owner will have to spend a lot of time on walks and official work with such a choleric pet, because only significant physical exertion can bring it into a balanced state. The beast will have to literally exhaust the workout, so that he carried out the command and was obedient. Otherwise, the shepherd will daily pogroms in the house, gnawing furniture and commit other unseemly deeds from excess energy.

In relation to the host family, such dogs are the sweetest creatures belonging to the household with sincere affection. Interestingly, phlegmatic animals may not show any feelings at all and react indifferently to their surroundings, while the choleric loves to be stroked, tries to show his love, but in some situations may also show discontent with a growl.

Sheepdog can be trained but compared to an ordinary German shepherd, it is harder to do. In addition, the process of education and training can be complicated because of the fear of the animal. Fearless by nature, a dog may experience an overwhelming fear of what scared her at puppyhood, so a kid should be taken away from negative impressions.

Brilliant, long and magnificent hair of an animal is an undoubted advantage of its appearance, makes the dog elegant and even majestic, except for this, Shepherd dog has other advantages:

• the animal is distinguished by great intellectual abilities, it is well manageable in training and education;
• both males and females are unassuming in relation to the diet;
• maintenance and care of the pet does not present any particular difficulties;
• attachment and dedication to the owner is one of the best qualities of a purebred beast;
• Not less important quality - the ability of the dog to be useful in various types of performance activities.

A good reaction and a natural mind allow the animal to clearly distinguish between moments when rest, play ends, and work begins. This contributes to such a character trait as balance. The breed also has disadvantages.

Wool, of course, considered to be a pet's decoration, requires periodic combing, and during periods of molting it is necessary to do it every day. This minus must be considered when choosing a long-haired puppy. Also, the shortcomings include long walks that help the beast splash out its energy and emotions, relative aggressiveness, some genetic anomalies that provoke diseases. Sheepdog must begin to train and raise from an early age, otherwise the beast may become uncontrollable.

The owner’s desire to acquire a true friend is understandable, which is why many try to acquire dogs at a very early age. However, from the litter the breeder can take a puppy only a month after birth. It is undesirable to do this in principle, since in the future the animal may show indifference and even aggression towards other animals. The optimal age of purchase is 2.5 months.

Make sure the absence of malformations and pedigree baby can carefully examine it. A healthy two-month-old puppy has straight, flat legs, a large proportional muzzle, an even tail without bulges, and lowered ears (they will rise in 3-3.5 months). The presence of defects can speak:

• elongated, elongated body;
• excessive forehead with narrow muzzle;
• earlobes;
• small jaw;
• crooked paws.

The correct bite with two insignificant defects is allowed, further they will disappear. Weight puppies are also subject to study. A healthy boy in a month weighs about 3-4 kg, a girl - 2-3 kg. If you have to take a two-month puppy, you should know that the weight of the male will be already 7-8 kg, and the females - 6.5-7 kg.

You should not take young animals whose pedigree has at least one ancestor with hip dysplasia, especially when it comes to breeding. It also does not hurt to check your baby’s sight, the state of the nervous system.

Like any large dog, a long-haired sheepdog more suitable conditions of a private house, where she stands out a spacious room or aviarybecause in urban housing she feels like a captive of a small, enclosed space, which can result in depression or aggression. The case ends with the bites of furniture, household items, in a word, damage to property, and this is bad for everyone - the animal and the owner.

Caring for a shepherd dog is quite simple, but you need to take care of the animal constantly.

• Requires regular inspection of the nose, ears, eyes and teeth of the pet. If necessary, wipe the eyes and ears with a cotton swab with a disinfectant liquid, brush the teeth with pasta preparations intended for dogs, or let them bite toys that eliminate plaque and tartar.
• They bathe the shepherd dog once every 3-4 months or when heavily soiled using a special shampoo, taking into account the type of skin, including particularly sensitive.
• It is necessary to comb wool several times a week so that it does not loosen, forming mats. Daily dog ​​comb during moulting.

The owner has the right to decide whether to feed the shepherd - natural food or industrial food. But it is better to listen to the recommendations of the veterinarian on this issue - like in humans, animals have their own physiological features, including sensitivity of the gastric tract or a predisposition to allergic reactions. When choosing a natural meal, the main products of the menu should be:

• fresh lean beef, turkey or veal;
• cereal porridge - rice, buckwheat;
• raw and boiled vegetables - cabbage, pumpkin, carrots, and also greens;
• dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir, unsweetened, natural yogurt;
• some fruits and berries are cherries, strawberries, apples;
• as a treat - crackers from wheat bread.

Sheepdogs categorically it is impossible to give oatmeal, sweet dishes, smoked delicacies, sausage, but you will need fortified supplements, calcium, fish oil.

The long-haired German shepherd is a smart animal that only a person with strong will and character can raise. Begin education should be from the first days of the appearance in the house of the pet. With all the felt love to the baby and affection at his sight, the dog must be firmly put in place if it does not obey, is capricious or commits the wrong actions. So the shepherd can understand who is the head of this house, and for her the leader.

Every day with the dog are engaged in training, including in the program classes for mental development. Since the pet can quickly forget the acquired knowledge, it must be done constantly. Family members should be immediately warned about the bans imposed on the dog and to strictly monitor their implementation.

The dog should not growl at the owner, gnaw people's belongings, climb onto a bed or a sofa. If necessary, it will be necessary to eradicate and begging - pedigreed animals suffer as well. To a number of prohibited acts can be attributed to the attack on other animals, people, barking passing by pedestrians and cars. If you can’t manage your own animal, you can always teach him the rules of good behavior by using services of an experienced dog handler.

You can find out how to start training a German Shepherd puppy by watching the video below.