Sheepdogs: types, characteristics, choices and tips for care

The human need for the content of the most true and true four-fingered friend has existed throughout the entire history of its existence. And this is not surprising. Difficulties of living conditions, a large amount of field work and a high probability of attack by predators living nearby required special protection. And even after a long period of time, these factors did not lose their strength, but only strengthened in various industries, such as policing, assistance in rescue operations, delivery of goods in difficult terrain and much more. Strong and hardy breeds of dogs are ideal for all these works. Best of all with these responsibilities cope shepherd.

Sheepdog breed dogs are very popular not only among professional breeders. These four-footed creatures are considered the most intelligent and savvy dogs. After all, shepherd dogs are given preference in the military departments, security and rescue structures. They have repeatedly proved their love and devotion to a person, solved the most complex tasks, carried out the required commands and correctly assessed various situations.

In itself, the name Shepherd is a generalized concept. In the world there are a huge number of varieties of these dogs, each of which has exceptional qualities. But in general there is a significant similarity between them.

Regardless of the external data shepherd easily perform their tasks. Moreover, this quality is inherited. Even puppies of “noble” breeds that have a purebred sheepdog in their ancestors, can safely claim to be a smart and sharp-witted dog.

Shepherd dogs were initially bred as an additional labor force. Then people began to put some effort to improve the existing abilities of the animal and develop new qualities. And after all, all these efforts were not in vain.

Special attention should be paid to the appearance of shepherd dogs, which has multiple differences from other breeds. In the first place, shepherd dogs are characterized as large-sized dogs with majestic thick hair that protects the animal from cold in extreme cold. Her color depends entirely on the breed of the pet. In addition, each individual dog is considered unique and unusual.

Every member of the shepherd family requires constant care. Of course, not as scrupulous as for decorative miniature dogs, and yet there are certain nuances in this matter. A distinctive feature of shepherd dogs is good health. Their immunity is so strong that it easily copes with many diseases.

Sheepdogs loyalty to their owners has no boundaries. They will not abandon the owner if he is in a difficult situation, and even try to help. In order for an animal to manifest itself in a relationship with a person, it is necessary to pay special attention to the dog, from childhood begin to educate and train various teams.

According to its biological characteristics, a small puppy grows up to 3 years. It is at this age that the formation of joints, cartilage and bones to the state of an adult individual is finally completed. Just at this age, the dog owner can fully understand the qualities that his pet is endowed with.

For every modern person, the word Shepherd is associated with famous movies and TV shows, for example, “Ko Me, Mukhtar” or “Commissioner Rex”, where the brave dog of the German Shepherd Dog breed plays the role of the main character. But in fact, in addition to the German representatives of these dogs, there are other types of shepherd dogs, characterized by intelligence, kindness and sense of duty. Below are the most common types of shepherd dogs.

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by large size, hair with a thick undercoat, dense chest and a special stand, where a pronounced understated pelvis is pronounced. The maximum weight of adults is 40 kg, height at withers is 65 cm. In most cases, German Shepherd Dogs have a black coat, which is considered a classic. Although there are representatives of the described breed with sable coat color.

Cynologists, professionally engaged in the training of purebred dogs, argue that the character of the Germans is characterized by restraint and calm, they are easy to trainare not inclined to aggression with the exception of working moments - we are talking about the police service or protection.

Thanks to a special intellect, the German Shepherd dogs were among the three most intelligent dogs with ingenuity. And this is not surprising, since many German shepherds were able to save human life in the most extreme situations. This fact concerns not only wartime. Even in our days, when the world is flourishing in most of the land, the Germans still serve for the benefit of society or for their families.

Representatives of this breed have an unusual appearance. Their distinctive feature is a short wavy hair and a smooth face. The structure of the scalp is very flexible, so that does not create problems for the care of her. The length of the hairs does not allow the formation of mats, and some curliness gives the shepherd a special charm.

Professional breeders say that Croatian Shepherd Dogs are very gambling creatures. They are very hardy, so they can go with their master on a long journey. Representatives of the Croatian breed are unpretentious in domestic terms and easily adapt to changes in the situation.

Sociability of these dogs has no boundaries. They are ready to enjoy the company of people for hours, and even better to be in the center of their attention. Since ancient times, when Croatian Shepherd dogs were used only for guarding and gathering sheep strayed from the herd, these dogs were guided not only by human knowledge, but also listened to their own instinct, which directed them to independently resolve the situation.

Among dog handlers and breeders, the most common name for the dogs described is the name shilon. The International Cynological Association recognized this breed only in 1990, at the same time secured her description of the standard appearance.

The body of these dogs should be large, proportionate and powerful. Their head is medium in size with an elongated muzzle, typical of sheepdogs. Dark brown eyes are located close to each other. The ears are small but have a standing shape. Unlike the German Shepherd, the shilon's back is much wider and longer.

The wool of the described breed is of several types. In some representatives, it is smooth, has an average length, where the outer hairs are tough, and the undercoat has a pleasant softness. Other shilons have plush, silky, and, one can say, elegant wool.

The nature of these dogs is docile, balanced. Shilon Sheepdogs are the most real friends and companions, not only for their owner, but also for his family, especially for small children. In addition to protecting the child, they can become a real nurse for them.

Homeland of the Basque shepherd is the north of Spain. Since ancient times, these dogs have been used as an aid to shepherds. The dogs helped not only to gather a herd in a heap, but also guarded it from the attack of wild animals.

To date, there are two subspecies of the breed - iletsua and gorbeiakoa. Although in their external data, these two representatives of the Basque breed do not have big differences.

According to the standards of the Canine International Association, Basque Shepherd Dogs are considered the largest representatives of their relatives. Their wool is very coarse, has an average length, color differs multiple palette of red color. The muzzle is narrow, in front of the eyes there is a black mask. Fluffy tail, in appearance resembles a sword.

Sheep-dogs of the Basque breed are distinguished by good intellect, thanks to which they are ideally trained and amenable to learning new skills. The socialization of representatives of this breed must begin in early childhood. It is strictly forbidden to encourage aggression in a puppy in relation to other living creatures, otherwise the adult dog will become uncontrollable.

In general, this dog is very sociable and friendly. She is devoted to her master, good-naturedly refers to his family. But strangers perceived with some wariness, so that can become a good guard.

Representatives of this breed are large and strong dogs with a coarse physique. On the head there is a neat transition from the frontal part to the muzzle. The nose has a distinct contour. The small size of the dog's eyes indicates the purebred breed. Unlike other representatives of shepherd dogs, Bukovina dogs have small drooping ears with rounded tips.

The character of the representatives of this breed is courage. They are ready to rush into battle, protecting their master, his family and protected property. A distinctive feature of Bukovina dogs is a pronounced distrust of strangers. But they adore children more than anything else, they are ready to play with them for hours and enjoy their company.

For breeders who want to keep a Bukovina shepherd in their home, it is important to take into account the fact that the dog needs a large area for walking, where it will be able to waste accumulated energy.

The appearance of the West European Shepherd Dogs is very similar to those of the German breed. For this reason, most ordinary people often confuse animals. Although Western European representatives are larger in size. Their coat is quite thick, has an average length. In addition, they have different manner of movement.

The maximum height of western European shepherd dogs is 76 cm by standard, weight 60 kg. The head has proportional dimensions to the body, although visually it seems rather large. The size of the ears is average, they have a standing shape, their tips are directed upwards. If you do not go into the details of the canine description, then When you see a West European Shepherd, you can feel confident, serious, and somewhat threatened..

Once in the large family, the West European Shepherd Dog chooses one owner for itself, but it also has a warm and good-natured attitude to the rest of the family. If suddenly there is a situation that the dog will have to give, then this idea will be unsuccessful, since the animal will not be able to create the same warm and friendly relations with another person.

In the blood of Western European beauties suspicious attitude towards strangers. Without proper upbringing and training, they will aggressively treat all living things from which they smell an unfamiliar smell.

The second name of the breed sounds like an armant. Quite rare representatives of shepherd dogs, which can not be met on the street. But at international exhibitions Egyptian shepherds are going to a large company and become favorites of the event.

According to the breed standard, armants have impressive dimensions. Their height at withers is 60 cm, maximum weight is 30 kg. The muscular body is covered with thick hair, the color of which can be black or white and yellow. These traits in the distant past allowed the Egyptian shepherds to protect large herds of domestic animals. Thanks to their wool, they easily hid themselves against the background of nature, and in the event of danger they rushed to protect the sheep, scaring wild animals with their size.

But despite their formidable appearance, representatives of this breed do not even have notes of aggression. They are good-natured and gentle creatures. They love children very much, they easily find common language with them. The brave heart and courage of these dogs help to protect their owner and his family from detractors.

The genes of the German representatives of the breed are present in the roots of the Kunming Shepherd Dog, as evidenced by pronounced service qualities. In China, it is the Kunming Sheepdogs that are very popular in the police and military service, and help rescuers. For civilian people, representatives of this breed can become true friends and pets.

Despite the apparent similarity between the Kunming and German Shepherd Dogs, there are a number of significant differences between them. Kunming people have a light build and big stature. The breed standard torso is strong and dense. Hind legs slightly down, due to which the back has a certain slope. A distinctive feature of this breed are muscular limbs, thanks to which these dogs develop high speed.

By the nature of these dogs are very intelligent and loyal creatures. Service owner is perceived not for granted, but as a manifestation of love. Good attitude to the family of its owner, get along with children.

Representatives of this breed are large in size. The corresponding large skull is endowed with a long muzzle. The frontal part of the head is wide. The jaws are well developed, so that in just one bite these dogs are able to eat the thigh bone. The back of the Kyrgyz shepherd is straight and strong. The tail is down, the tip is slightly bent. In appearance, the build of the dog is harmoniously folded, all parts of the body are proportional to each other. If you look at the dog from the side, you’ll see the grace of the gait and the strength of the paws when moving.

By their temperament, the Kyrgyz shepherds are very loyal and fearless creatures with a lightning reaction. The owners of this breed do not even need to get additional guards, as his devoted four-legged friend will be able to cope with any danger. At the same time, the animal’s protective qualities are fully manifested only on the territory entrusted to it. Once outside, these dogs turn into peaceful and calm dogs. Despite her love for children, the role of a Kyrgyz shepherd nanny does not fit.

Surely few people can boast acquaintance with a dwarf shepherd, and most do not even know about the existence of such a breed. Scientifically, these dogs are considered a separate breed. And dog breeders and dog handlers claim that the representatives of this breed are mini-Germans, as they look identical to their fellows. The reason for this is a genetic disease that was inherited from ancestors. In the medical field, this disease is called pituitary dwarfism syndrome.

According to the breed standard, the maximum height of mini-dogs at the withers is 50 cm, and weight - 15 kg. These sizes correspond to the half year old puppies of German shepherds.

On the one hand, it may seem that such dogs do not require special care, but in fact they should be regularly shown to a veterinarian. These charming creatures are prone to various diseases.

These miniature creatures are very friendly, easily find a common language with children. They perfectly cope with the protection of the territory and can live on the street or in the house.

Selecting a four-legged friend for home maintenance is not an easy task. A dog brought home should not only protect movable and immovable property, but also become a full-fledged member of a family that will be trusted, respected and supported.

Dog lovers who want to acquire a shepherd should contact a specialized kennel. Of course, puppies there will be a little more expensive for the price than in the bird market, but it will turn out to be carefully acquainted with all the features of the animal you like. For example, to study the history of diseases of the family tree. In simple terms, the breeder is obliged to notify the future owners about all the features of the chosen pet, about genetic diseases that can be inherited, about deviations that may have been detected in the puppy's parents.

Before purchasing an animal, you must examine it. An inexperienced person in this case will be helped by a veterinarian who can check the animal for the presence of diseases., as well as examine the eyes, ears, undercoat, familiarize yourself with the dog's nutrition and understand the basic characteristics of the puppy's immunity.

It is also necessary to pay special attention to the four-pawed pet's temperament. For example, a walk with an animal near the cage will allow you to see how the puppy relates to the future owner, and to a stranger as a whole. In this case, it should be remembered that shepherd dogs of any age are sociable creatures and with great pleasure will spend time with people.

In addition to walking, you can create a dog some inconvenience, thereby checking how the puppy will behave in any given situation. For example, to lift him by the scruff above the ground or in a playful way to gently turn the baby on his back. A puppy in such situations should resist, but not too actively. If the animal shows fear or aggression, we can safely say that with age, these factors will negatively affect the education of the dog. With such a scrupulous approach, everyone can get a suitable animal for a family with an unusual lifestyle.

German Shepherd Dogs are large, active, intelligent and loyal dogs to their owner. For them to feel good, they need quality care. Sheepdogs require proper nutrition, special content and timely trips to the vet. Do not forget about the need for physical exertion. If the owner makes an effort to keep the animal properly, the dog will live a long and happy life, during which it will serve his family faithfully.

Since shepherd dogs are large-sized dogs, they often have problems with their joints. For this reason, it is very important to properly feed the animal throughout its life. If the dog's diet consists of dry food, it should not have empty ingredients. The main thing is to include animal protein in the composition, and not its corn substitutes.

Generally Shepherd can eat as wet food, so and dry. If desired, the owner can combine these two types of food in equal quantities. If the owner decides to feed the dog with natural food, he will need advice from an experienced veterinarian to know what products should be given to the animal. You can not feed the dog products from the table, even if the dog persistently begging.

Newborn puppies under the age of 1 month feed only on mother's milk, and after that they begin to show interest in adult food. With each stage of maturation, the shepherd's body needs to receive the appropriate nutrients. In simple terms, puppies need to be given food for puppies, and adult dogs are given food for adults. Elderly dogs should be fed dry food for older dogs. In addition, each subgroup of food is rich in vitamins and substances necessary for a particular organism - puppy food contributes to the development of the body, adult food strengthens bones and supports the proper functioning of organs, food for older dogs supports the general condition of the dog.

In order to choose the right food, it is best to contact a veterinarian who can suggest which food is suitable for a dog of a particular age. You can not dramatically change the feed, if the owner has a desire to change the diet of your pet. First you need to mix the usual type of food with a novelty, and then smoothly transfer the animal to another feeding option. The transition process is a few weeks.

The size of the portion should correspond to the weight and age of the animal. On dry food packages, the manufacturer indicates the approximate serving size for animals of one age or another. Breeders who do not trust the manufacturer’s information may consult a veterinarian for advice. He will immediately say that one of the rules of proper nutrition is the even distribution of food throughout the day.

You can feed a sheepdog twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, or you can divide your daily diet into 3-4 parts. Of course, with multiple feeds, the number of servings will be less, but this will help avoid bloating in the dog. If the animal is fed more than twice a day, it is required to be taken out after each meal, but not to allow the dog to be active.

It is important that during the day the dog has constant access to clean drinking water. Throughout the day, the owner must check the presence of liquid in the bowl and pour it. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, which is easily determined by the dog's heavy breathing, lack of appetite and dry nose.

Once a year, the shepherd dog must be taken for a routine examination to the veterinarian, so you can avoid the development of many diseases or determine their presence in a timely manner and prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, the vet will make annual vaccinations, information about which will be reflected in the animal's health passport.

Seeing that the shepherd began to limp and lose its appetite, it should be shown to the doctor. With age, these kind and charming dogs begin to suffer from diseases of the joints. An unusual gait of an animal can be the first sign of illness.

Many owners of shepherd dogs claim that it is very easy to follow these animals. This is especially true of bath procedures and combing wool. Bathing the dog is done as needed, although it is better to send the animal to the bathroom once a month. And the procedure of combing the shepherd's wool occurs much more often - twice a week.

In principle, the dog can be washed independently, but if there is no such possibility, it will be necessary to take it to the groomer. If the dog leads an active lifestyle, you will have to bathe her more often, the main thing is to use specialized shampoos and balms, thanks to which you will be able to protect her skin from drying out.

Caring for dogs involves cutting the claws, cleaning the ears, rubbing the eyes. In the case of a shepherd dog, it is not necessary to cut the claws, they independently grind them on the asphalt. Ears are checked every 10 days and when a little dirt appears, they are cleaned with a cotton pad. Shepherd's eyes are always in sight, so it’s easy to see deviations from the norm. Although as a daily procedure, you can wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in a warm tea brew.

Sheepdogs need a large space where they can run, jump and have fun. The best option would be the courtyard of a private house, but if we are talking about an apartment, the animal should be allocated a separate area for games, so that the dog can spend the accumulated energy. In the absence of physical activity accumulated energy of the animal will not be out. Accordingly, the muscles of the dog will not work normally, which will lead to their rapid deterioration.

Sheepdogs, like other dog breeds, it is important the attention of the owner and all family members. On joint games with animal owners will need to pay about 2 hours a day. In addition, you need to go for long walks, arrange runs or just play catch-up. Scientists have shown that the lack of necessary mobility in shepherd dogs can not only lead to diseases of the joints. They can become depressed, and then it will be extremely difficult to remove the animal from such a state.

The newly minted owner needs to remember that a puppy under the age of 1.5 years should not be taken for long walks and have too active games. At this age, their joints and skeleton are only formed, and any sudden movement can lead to disastrous consequences.

It is important to remember that Shepherd dogs love open space, so with great pleasure they will go to the park to run on the green lawns. But even here the pet owner must be vigilant. Sheepdogs can not be long in the open sun, otherwise they will have a heat stroke. Their long hair only in winter saves from severe frosts, so summer sorties are best carried out in the shade and not in the sun.But if suddenly the dog still overheated, the first sign of this will be difficulty breathing, tangled gait and redness of the gums.

From a young age, shepherd dogs need to be introduced to the environment, different places, people and animals. The study of the world will allow the dog to quickly get used to the society and adequately perceive the actions taking place around it. Lack of socialization can lead to inadequacy and aggression of the shepherd dog in adulthood.

Even if a puppy is waiting for a guard service in the future, he still needs to be socialized., and after that you can start training.

In order for the four-footed friend to become accustomed to people and other animals, at puppyhood, he should often be picked up, stroked regularly, thanks to which an already raised shepherd dog will allow the owner to trim his claws and conduct an inspection of the oral cavity.

Qualitatively passed socialization is the first step to the beginning of the training. Sheep-dogs are by nature very intelligent and devoted dogs that are easy to train. The main thing is not to use rudeness. The dog understands the evil mood of the owner and can lose confidence in him. Shepherd dogs must be dealt with since childhood. They require daily training. With age, the time of training can be increased.

Daily training will strengthen the relationship between the dog and its owner., thanks to which the shepherd will try to please the owner with his achievements, expecting instead tasty reward. Trained and trained dogs can become guides, guards, rescuers.

We must not forget that the dog requires human attention and friendly attitude of all family members. Sheepdogs subtly feel the negative attitude of their own people and can even try to cheer them up. It is strictly forbidden to raise a hand on an animal, shout, exaggerate for no reason, otherwise the dog will stop believing his friend.

Interesting facts about the German Shepherd you will learn in the next video.