German dog breeds

Breeds of dogs are distributed according to various criteria: size (large, medium, small), use (service, hunting, decorative), type of wool (long-haired and short-haired). There are separate groups by place of origin. It so happened historically that the birthplace of a significant part of the breeds is Germany.

Many owners prefer these dogs for their intelligence, dedication, endurance, and restraint. The characteristics of these breeds were formed under the influence of living conditions, mentality, culture and rich history. On the territory of the country there are various landscapes - mountains, valleys with agricultural land, pastures, gardens, vineyards, villages, as well as cities with industrial enterprises. In ancient times, the population was engaged in hunting for animals and birds.

Dog "German" from an early age accustomed to unquestioning obedience and obedience in one particular type of activity of its master. Puppies, looking at their elders, adopted skills, gradually learned. Some kind of special training system did not exist then; everyone taught the dog what was necessary for the work.

And to protect the garden and the vineyard from the birds is quite able to little nimble dog. Thus, separate varieties gradually formed. In them at the genetic level laid the desire for the activities for which they were originally created.

Dogs of small size were used during the hunting of birds, as well as animals burrowing burrows. May be served in some organizations.

Below is a description of several species.

• Spitz. Refers to an ancient variety. Intended to protect the vineyards and gardens, drove away the ringing barking of small birds. In the future, thanks to a very attractive appearance, he became a pet in the upper class. Currently, there are five varieties of this breed. The largest is Wolfspitz, the smallest is Pomeranian. Dog sizes: height from 17 to 56 centimeters, weight from five to sixteen kg. The hair is fluffy, thick, on the legs of the "pants", the neck is decorated with "jabot". Color - black, brown, beige, white. Spitz dogs are very intelligent, well trained, they have a friendly character. Strongly attached to the owner, do not like loneliness.

• Dachshund. The history of the breed is lost in the depths of millennia. On the fragments of wall paintings of ancient Egypt images of dogs with short legs and a long body were found. It becomes especially popular in the Middle Ages in Germany, where the first mention of it appears in the XVI century. During the XVII-XVIII centuries, the breed improved. The purpose of the dachshund is to hunt animals that dig holes, as well as fighting rats. Dimensions: height varies from 13 to 25 cm, weight can be 4-16 pounds. Coat color - black, brownish, reddish. Animals have high intelligence, cheerful disposition, are very active, love outdoor games in the company with the owner.

• Levkhen (small lion dog). Decorative. It resembles a lap-dog in body shape and parameters. Long fluffy wool was previously cut "under the lion." Beautiful, kind, sociable. Good companion.

• Miniature Schnauzer. The smallest of official breeds.The height at withers does not exceed 35 cm, weight is from 6 to 8 kg. The coat is short, thick, silky. The color is silver, black, white. Despite their small size, they are strong and brave animals that can protect their master. They are very smart, well-trained. They enjoy playing with children. They can feel the mood of a loved one, sympathize, cheer or rejoice together. To keep the dog in proper shape, you have to walk a lot with it.

The main scope of these dogs is hunting. They can also be good companions.

Here are some representatives of medium breeds.

• Drathaar, another name is a wild haired cop. Bred in the late XIX - early XX centuries for hunting and security functions. The height of the dog does not exceed 65 cm, body weight - within 40 kg. The coat is short, hard, with a brush-like texture, with a soft thick undercoat that does not get wet in the water. Color is black, brown, gray, with gray. Drathaars are distinguished by their acumen, they are able to make decisions independently in the process of hunting, they are easily trained. Non-aggressive, friendly, balanced, love children. Strongly attached to the owner, do not tolerate loneliness.

• Kurzhaar. Another hunting dog. The history of its creation begins in the second half of the XIX century. Shorthair, color dark and light brown, with white specks. Height is about 60 cm, weight is about 30 kg. Very smart, calm, unquestioningly execute commands. To the owner feel love and respect, but without excessive attachment. They play with children, they treat pets with loyalty.

• Schnauzer. It belongs to the ancient rocks, is the ancestor of two other species - the giant schnauzer and the miniature schnauzer. In the Middle Ages, they destroyed rats on farms, helped drive livestock. The height of the dog is in the range of 45-50 centimeters, body weight can be from 14 to 20 kilograms. Hard wool with a thick undercoat has a different color - gray, brownish, black. Lighter, white paws, ears, eyebrows, mustaches and beard are permissible. Calm, friendly, at the same time vigilant watchman and bodyguard. He has a high intellect, is easy to learn, loves owners, communicates well with children.

• Jagdterrier. The breed was bred at the beginning of the twentieth century especially for hunting foxes and other burrowing animals. Used in the hunt for waterfowl. Dogs are very hardy, not afraid of cold water. Ancestors are discarded fox terriers. Dimensions - height 28-42 cm, weight 8-13 kg, body muscular, strong. The coat color is black with reddish spots. The peculiarity and disadvantage of the jagdter is his tough, unsociable temper. The dog recognizes and obeys only one owner, does not contact with children, does not tolerate the presence of other pets. This dog is suitable only for an avid hunter, a man with a strong, strong-willed character.

• Poodle. In the ranking of the most intelligent dogs in the world takes the honorable third place. The breed was bred in the XV century, intended for the hunting of water birds. Wool fluffy, thick, very different colors, recommended haircut. Character cheerful, perky, energetic. A faithful friend, an excellent companion, feels and understands the mood of the host. Use in rescue service (on beaches) and for protection of property is possible.

• Pincher Initially, dogs were used as rodent hunters. Later they began to protect grain barns from the invasion of rats. Parameters - height from 40 to 50 cm, weight not more than 20 kg. Refers to shorthair, the color may be brownish or black with tan. Infinitely loyal to his master and family, will repel any adversary, even much larger than him. Intelligent, cheerful, agile, well-trained.

Among large dogs there are service, hunting, watchdog, shepherd dogs. For the content of this category is more suitable country house.

Large breeds include the following representatives.

• German Shepherd. The most famous and common of all the varieties that created the German selection. It was withdrawn at the end of the XIX century, was intended to help the shepherds and the security service. Sizes larger than average, height at withers up to 65 cm, weight up to 40 kg. The color is black-brown, the paws are of a lighter shade. Differs in high intelligence and excellent abilities to training, takes the second place in a rating of the most clever dogs. Character calm, balanced. In the circle of his family is affectionate and friendly, able to improve relations with children.

• Doberman. The name of the breed received on behalf of its creator Karl Friedrich Doberman. The dog has a graceful, sophisticated appearance and a strong muscular body. Height - up to 70-72 cm, weight up to 45 kg. Shorthair, color black, brown, with reddish-tan. The main traits of character are equanimity, calm, moderation. Easy to learn, listen to the owner, loyal and loyal friends. Representatives of the breed serve as bloodhounds, guide dogs, rescuers.

• Dog Officially, dogs are recognized in 1878, very large - growth from 80 cm, and weight can be 90 kg. Smooth-haired, different color - marble, black, fawn, brindle. The character is absolutely non-aggressive, calm. Noble and aristocratic. They love children and take care of them. In his family, friendly, affectionate and obedient. To strangers are treated with distrust. They can serve as bodyguards, watchmen, simply companions.

• Bavarian mountain hound. It was used for hunting in the Middle Ages. The dog is strongly attached to the owner and family members, it does not endure loneliness at all. Sizes larger than average, height at withers 50 cm. The hair is short, thick, reddish. Calm, non-aggressive, for protection is not used.

• Rottweiler. The breed is classified as ancient. Presumably, these dogs came to Germany along with the Roman legions. Then they protected livestock, property, helped to carry carts loaded with meat. Now they serve as rescuers, in the police, in the Armed Forces. They have high intelligence, they are easy to learn. The Rottweiler has a strong and tough character, he strives for leadership. Submits to only one person. In the process of education the owner must take this into account.

This is only a small part of the German breeds. They differ in appearance, character, skills. But there is something in common in them - this is the thoroughness inherent in the mentality and culture of Germany.

On the features of the German Shepherd look in the video below.