A dog is a man's friend. And people, as you know, more than seven billion. And everyone is unique, and everyone needs a friend. Therefore, it is not surprising that scientists have developed a wide variety of dog breeds, from miniature Chihuahuas to giant Tibetan mastiffs. Now everyone can choose a friend, guided by personal preferences.
A dog is one of the animals that live in close proximity to the person for whom he is responsible. Therefore, before you start a pet, it is advisable to examine the needs of a particular breed regarding feeding, housing conditions, behavior, upbringing, pet care, and so on. Our story today is about American Shepherds. You will learn what species of breed exist, how they differ and how to properly care for them.
American white shepherd
The countries of origin of the animal are Canada, USA and Switzerland. This breed is included in the group of herding dogs. Individuals have a strong muscular body of medium size. The growth of males at the withers reaches 70-75 centimeters. Females are somewhat smaller, their height usually does not exceed 60 cm. The average body weight of a male is about 40 kilograms, and the girls - 35. Of course, the weight of the dog depends on the lifestyle: the quality and quantity of food, the daily regimen, and activity.
But it is worth remembering that it is impossible to overfeed an animal - this can be a prerequisite for the development of diseases. The ears of the "Americans" stand upright, the tails are usually long and fluffy, shaped like an arc. The whole body is covered with a thick white coat with a well pronounced undercoat.
Males tend to a greater number of "decorations" of wool - the so-called mane, pants, tails.
The females have more modest hair, around the head and on the front paws a little shorter than the rest of the cover. Currently, dogs are bred with long and medium hair. American Shepherds devoted to their owner, devoid of aggression. These are strong and hardy animals. They remember and recognize "their" people, they can follow them everywhere "like a tail." Attentive dogs, it seems that they understand the slightest changes in mood and react to it.
They love to "sing" and talk with their masters. Therefore, it is important to relate this information to your character. If a person prefers silence, then it is hardly worth starting such a dog. “Americans” hunt for affection and encouragement, curious and inquisitive, learnable. Little strangers pay attention. They are not prone to aggressive actions, do not show fear, but do not tolerate rough handling.
Do well with work that is associated with protection, protection. These are excellent watchmen and shepherds. In principle, American dogs are better in a country house, where they can be allocated more free space for shelter and walking. However, you can keep in apartments and on the street.
For to take good care of the white American Shepherd, you need to monitor the state of the coat. Otherwise, it is not particularly capricious animals. Since they have a white coat, they should be bathed often (once a week), combed. It is recommended to use a hard brush with frequent teeth.
Please note that the coat of these dogs can cause allergies.
White Shepherd dogs are subject to such diseases as joint dysplasia (hip and elbow especially), degenerative changes of the spine (osteochondrosis), eye diseases, various allergic reactions. Previously, the problem of this breed were various systemic immune diseases, for example, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), however, now they are quite rare in the population of these animals.
In food, it is unpretentious creation, so everything depends on the owner. But it is desirable that the feed be balanced and contain all the necessary nutritional elements. The life span of American Shepherds is up to 15 years.
American Tundra Sheepdogs
The American tundra shepherd or wolf dog is another breed that was bred in the United States. It differs in that it has not yet been officially recognized by the national clubs. Such shepherds are quite rare, especially outside the line of historical homeland.
Tundra shepherds are direct descendants of wolves. Initially, the military structures of the dogs were engaged in breeding these dogs. However, the first instances turned out to be more like wolves than like dogs; they were distinguished by heightened aggressiveness and did not respond well to training. It was decided that they were unsuitable for military service and for living with people. The project is closed. However, then he was continued on a private basis.
Now these dogs are more socialized, calm, easier to learn. But their character is not simple.
Wolf dogs are recommended to socialize as early as possible. This means that even puppies need to be introduced into the family, to devote a lot of time, to communicate, to train. TThen, by eight months, the shepherd will be easier to adapt to humans. It is important to remember that at this moment it is necessary to raise a puppy, to accustom to the execution of commands, to show who is the owner. At the same time, it is necessary to clearly see the boundary between self-confidence, rigor and rudeness. A wolf dog does not like rude treatment and may grow even more aggressive.
With proper upbringing, hardy, strong and active individuals are made from tundra shepherd dogs. They can be used for hunting, protection, as guide dogs, rescuers, search dogs.
According to the conditions of detention it is unpretentious animal. However, he needs physical activity. Therefore, it is necessary to walk the dog well, giving it the opportunity to run around. It is also advisable to take into account the fact that the dog is not miniature in size (it can reach up to 80 cm at the withers), therefore it needs adequate space. In caring for a pet, it is important to pay attention to these points:
- good nutrition;
- combing, during the molting, the procedure should be carried out more often;
- claw clipping;
- ear cleaning and eye rinsing;
- timely vaccination.
American tundra sheepdogs are subject to the following diseases:
- joint dysplasia (hip, elbow);
- pericarditis;
- allergic reactions;
- diabetes and other problems with the pancreas;
- heart defects;
- eye diseases (cataracts, retinal or corneal dystrophy);
- various tumors;
- epilepsy.
Most of the disease is inherited from the German Shepherd, however, due to the strength of the wolf's organism, they rarely get sick with proper care. Life expectancy is up to 12 years.
American canadian shepherd
The American Canadian Sheepdog is another representative of the white breeds of sheepdogs. It was obtained by crossing German shepherd dogs with light wool color. These dogs are distinguished by devotion, loyalty, friendliness, calmness, attentiveness, vigilance. They love children, can play the role of "nanny". Show no signs of aggression towards people or other dogs. This breed is also large. Her height can reach 70 cm, and body weight - 40 kg.
American Canadians can live both in apartment conditions and in private homes. However, in any case, you need to give the animal adequate physical exertion - running, walking.The rest of the care for them is quite simple and does not differ from the content of dogs of other breeds: a balanced diet, swimming, combing. This breed can perfectly perform such tasks: guarding the premises and people, supervision, tracking, “nanny” (this is also a shepherd's dog). Maybe just a companion friend. The American Canadian Shepherd is suitable for an active sports person.
With proper and attentive care, she can live up to 14 years.
Australian Shepherd (Aussie)
In the 19th century, Basque Shepherd Dogs were brought from Australia to the United States of America. That is why this breed is called the Australian, contrary to its true origin. Among the shepherd dogs "Australians" - kids. Growing males at the withers does not exceed 58 cm, females - 53 cm. Body weight - 30-32 kg. The color of Aussies is often heterogeneous - tricolor, marble black, marble red. Eyes are blue, golden brown; heterochromia is not uncommon.
Australian Shepherd Dogs rank first in the world among all dog breeds in terms of intelligence. They are great shepherds, love children, are ready to obey the owner always and in everything. Teams seize literally "on the fly." In the care of these cute creatures unpretentious. However, like the other shepherds, they need physical exertion, long walks and competent training. Aussie life span is 10–13 years.
In the next video you will find the characteristics of the Australian Shepherd (Aussie).
