Sheepdogs: types, characteristics, selection and care tips

The human need for the content of the most real and faithful four-legged friend has existed throughout the history of its existence. And this is not surprising. Difficulties in 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, for example, law enforcement, assistance in rescue operations, delivery of goods in difficult terrain, and much more. Strong and resilient dog breeds are ideal for all these jobs. Best of all, the shepherd copes with these duties.

Shepherd dogs are very popular not only among professional breeders. These four-legged creatures are considered the smartest and most savvy dogs. After all, it is the shepherd dogs that are preferred in the military departments, security and rescue structures. They have repeatedly proved their love and devotion to man, solved the most difficult tasks, carried out the required commands and correctly assessed various situations.

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

Regardless of the external data, shepherd dogs easily perform the tasks assigned to them.Moreover, this quality is inherited. Even puppies of "noble" breeds, having a purebred shepherd dog in their ancestors, can safely claim the title of an intelligent and savvy dog.

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

Special attention should be paid to the appearance of shepherd dogs, which have multiple differences from other breeds. First of all, shepherd dogs are characterized as large-sized dogs with a majestic thick coat that protects the animal from the cold in severe frosts. Its color depends entirely on the breed of the pet. Moreover, each individual dog is considered unique and unusual.

Each 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.

The loyalty of the shepherd dogs to their owners has no boundaries. They will not leave the owner if he is in a difficult situation, and will even try to help. In order for the animal to show itself as much as possible in relations with a person, it is necessary to pay special attention to the dog, from childhood to begin to educate and teach various commands.

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

For every modern person, the word shepherd is associated with famous films and TV series, for example, "To me, Mukhtar" or "Commissar Rex", where a brave German shepherd dog acts as the main character. But in fact, in addition to the German representatives of these dogs, there are other varieties of shepherd dogs that are distinguished by intelligence, kindness and diligence. Below are the most common types of shepherd dogs.

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

Cynologists who professionally train purebred dogs claim that the character of the Germans is distinguished by restraint and calmness, they are easy to train, are not prone to aggression, with the exception of working moments - we are talking about police or security service.

Thanks to their special intelligence, German Shepherds are among the three smartest dogs with quick wits. And this is not surprising, because many German Shepherds were able to save human life in the most extreme situations. This fact applies not only to wartime. Even today, when peace is flourishing over much of the earth, Germans are still serving for the good of society or for their families.

Representatives of this breed have an unusual appearance. Their distinguishing feature is their short wavy coat and smooth muzzle. The structure of the hairline is very flexible, so there are no problems with caring for it. The length of the hairs does not allow mats to form, and some curliness gives the shepherd a special charm.

Professional breeders point out that Croatian Shepherd Dogs are very reckless creatures. They are very hardy, thanks to which they can go on a long journey with their owner. Representatives of the Croatian breed are unpretentious in everyday life and easily adapt to changes in the environment.

The sociability of these dogs has no boundaries. They are ready to enjoy the company of people for hours, or even better to be in the center of their attention. Since ancient times, when Croatian Shepherd Dogs were used only for guarding and collecting sheep that had strayed from the herd, these dogs were guided not only by the knowledge received from a person, 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 described dogs is the name Shilon. The International Cynological Association recognized this breed only in 1990, at the same time assigned her a description of the standard of appearance.

The physique of these dogs must be large, proportional and powerful. They have a medium-sized head with an elongated muzzle, characteristic of shepherd dogs. Dark brown eyes are close to each other. The ears are small, but erect. In contrast to the German Shepherd, the back of the Shillons 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 stiff, and the undercoat has a pleasant softness. Other chilons have plush, silky, and, one might say, elegant wool.

The character of these dogs is docile, balanced. Shilon Sheepdogs are real friends and companions not only for their ownerbut also for his family, especially for young children. In addition to protecting the child, they can become a real nanny for them.

The birthplace of the Basque Shepherd Dog is the north of Spain. Since ancient times, these dogs have been used to help shepherds. The dogs helped not only to gather the herd in a heap, but also protected it from the attacks of wild animals.

Today, there are two subspecies of the breed - Iletsua and Gorbeiacoa. Although, according to their external data, these two representatives of the Basque breed do not have much difference.

According to the International Kennel Association standards, Basque Shepherd Dogs are considered the largest representatives among their relatives... Their coat is very coarse, has an average length, the color is distinguished by a multiple palette of red. The muzzle is narrow, there is a black mask on the eyes. The tail is fluffy, resembling a saber in appearance.

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

In general, this dog is very sociable and friendly. She is devoted to her master, good-naturedly treats his family. But he perceives strangers with some caution, thanks to which he can become a good guard.

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

There is courage in the character of the representatives of this breed. They are ready to rush into battle, protecting their master, his family and protected property. A distinctive feature of Bukovinian 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 Dog in their home, it is important to take into account the fact that the dog needs a large walking area, where it can waste the accumulated energy.

West European Shepherd Dogs are very similar in appearance to the representatives of the German breed. For this reason, most people in the street often confuse animals. Although Western European representatives are larger in size. Their coat is rather thick and of medium length. In addition, they have a different manner of movement.

The maximum height of Western European Shepherd Dogs is 76 cm by the standard, weight is 60 kg. The head is proportional to the body, although visually it seems rather large. The ears are medium in size, they are erect, their tips are directed upwards. If you do not go into the details of the cynological description, then seeing a West European Shepherd Dog, you can feel confidence, seriousness and some threat.

Once in a large family, the West European Shepherd chooses one owner for itself, but at the same time it also treats the rest of the family with warmth and good nature. If suddenly a situation arises that the dog will have to be given, then this venture will be unsuccessful, since the animal will not be able to create the same warm and friendly relationship with another person.

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

The second name of the presented breed sounds like an armant. Quite rare representatives of shepherd dogs, which not everyone can meet on the street. But at international exhibitions, Egyptian shepherds gather in a large company and become favorites of the event.

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

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

The roots of the Kunming Shepherd Dog contain the genes of the German representatives of the breed, as evidenced by their pronounced service qualities.In China, it is the Kunming Shepherd Dogs that are very popular in the police and military service, as well as help rescuers. For civilians, representatives of this breed can become real friends and pets.

Despite the outward similarities between the Kunming and the German Shepherd, there are a number of significant differences between them. Kunming people are light in build and large in stature. The torso is strong and dense according to the breed standard. The hind legs are slightly lowered, 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 nature, these dogs are very intelligent and loyal creatures. Service to the owner is not taken for granted, but as a manifestation of love. They treat the family of their owner well, 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 on the head is wide. The jaws are well developed, due to which in just one bite these dogs are able to bite the thigh bone. The back of the Kyrgyz Shepherd Dogs is straight, strong. The tail is pulled down, the tip is slightly bent. In appearance, the complexion of the dog is harmoniously built, all parts of the body are proportional to each other. If you look at the dog from the side, you can see the grace of the gait and the strength of the paws when moving.

By their temperament, Kyrgyz Shepherds are very loyal and fearless creatures with a lightning-fast reaction. The owners of this breed do not even need to get additional guards, since his devoted four-legged friend will be able to cope with any danger. At the same time, the animal fully manifests its protective qualities 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 nanny does not suit a Kyrgyz shepherd dog.

Surely few people can boast of meeting a dwarf shepherd dog, 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 brethren. This is due to 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 the weight is 15 kg. These sizes correspond to the half-year-old age of German shepherd puppies.

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

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

Choosing a four-legged friend for home content is not an easy task. A dog brought home should not only guard movable and immovable property, but also become a full-fledged family member who will be trusted, respected and supported.

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

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

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

In addition to walking, you can create some inconvenience for the dog, thereby checking how the puppy will behave in a given situation. For example, lift him by the scruff of the ground or, in a playful way, gently tilt the baby onto his back. The 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 upbringing of the dog. With such a scrupulous approach, everyone will be able to purchase a suitable animal for a family with an unusual lifestyle.

German Shepherds are large, active, intelligent and loyal dogs. They need to be well cared for to feel good. Shepherd dogs need proper nutrition, special maintenance and timely visits to the veterinarian. Do not forget about the need for physical activity. If the owner makes an effort to properly maintain the animal, the dog will live a long and happy life, during which he will serve his family faithfully.

Since shepherd dogs are large dogs, they often have joint problems. For this reason, it is very important to feed the animal correctly throughout its life. If the dog's diet consists of dry food, it should not have empty ingredients. The main thing is that the composition contains animal protein, and not its corn substitutes.

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

Newborn puppies under the age of 1 month eat only 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 should be given puppy food and adult dogs should be given adult food... Elderly dogs should be fed dry senior dog food. At the same time, each subgroup of food is rich in vitamins and substances necessary for a particular organism - puppy food contributes to the development of the body, food for adults strengthens bones and supports the proper functioning of organs, food for older dogs supports the general condition of the dog.

To choose the right food, it is best to contact your veterinarian who can tell you what food is right for a dog of a particular age. You cannot change the food abruptly if the owner has a desire to change the diet of his pet. First, you need to mix the usual type of food with a novelty, and then smoothly transfer the animal to a different feeding option. The transition process takes several weeks.

Serving size should be appropriate for the weight and age of the animal. On the packaging of dry food, the manufacturer indicates the approximate serving size for animals of a particular age. Breeders who do not trust the manufacturer's information may seek advice from a veterinarian. He will immediately inform you that one of the rules of proper nutrition is the even distribution of food throughout the day.

You can feed the shepherd dog twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, or divide the daily diet into 3-4 parts. Of course, with multiple feeds, the serving size will be less, but this will avoid bloating in the dog. If the animal is fed more than twice a day, it should be taken outside after each meal, but the dog should not be allowed to be active.

It is important that the dog has constant access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Throughout the day, the owner needs to check for liquid in the bowl and add it. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, which is easily identified by the dog's panting, lack of appetite and dry nose.

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

Seeing that the Shepherd has begun to limp and loses its appetite, it should be shown to the doctor. With age, these kind and charming dogs begin to suffer from joint diseases. And the unusual gait of an animal can be the first sign of illness.

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

In principle, the dog can be washed on its own, but if this is not possible, you will need to take it to the groomer. If the dog leads an active lifestyle, you will have to bathe it more often, the main thing is to use specialized shampoos and balms, thanks to which it will be possible to protect its skin from drying out.

Grooming for dogs involves trimming the nails, cleaning the ears, and rubbing the eyes. In the case of a shepherd dog, you don't have to trim the claws, they grind them on the asphalt on their own. The ears are checked every 10 days and if a little dirt appears, they are cleaned with a cotton pad. The eyes of the shepherd are always in sight, so it will not be difficult to see deviations from the norm. Although, as a daily procedure, you can wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in warm tea leaves.

Sheepdogs need a lot of 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, you should allocate a separate area for the animal to play, so that the dog can spend the accumulated energy. In the absence of physical activity, the accumulated energy of the animal will not be able to escape. Accordingly, the muscles of the dog will not work normally, which will lead to their rapid wear.

Sheepdogs, like other dog breeds, need the attention of the owner and all family members. For joint games with animals, owners will need to devote about 2 hours a day. In addition, you need to go for long walks, go jogging, or just play catch-up. Scientists have shown that the lack of the necessary mobility in shepherd dogs can lead not only to joint diseases. They can become depressed, and then it will be extremely difficult to bring the animal out of this state.

The new owner needs to remember that a puppy under the age of 1.5 years should not be taken for long walks and overly active games. At this age, their joints and skeleton are just forming, and any sudden movement can lead to disastrous consequences.

It is important to remember that Shepherd dogs love open space, so they will go to the park with great pleasure to run on green lawns... But here, too, the owner of the animal needs to be vigilant. Shepherd dogs should not be in the open sun for a long time, otherwise they will have heatstroke. Their long coat only in winter saves from severe frosts, so summer outings are best done in the shade and not in the sun itself. But if suddenly the dog is overheated, the first sign of this will be shortness of breath, confused gait and reddening of the gums.

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

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

In order for a four-legged friend to get used to people and other animals, in puppyhood, he should be often picked up and stroked regularly, thanks to which the already grown shepherd will allow the owner to trim his claws and examine the oral cavity.

Well-passed socialization is the first step towards starting training. Sheepdogs are by nature very intelligent and loyal dogs, easy to train. The main thing is not to use rudeness. The dog understands the evil attitude of the owner and may lose confidence in him. Shepherd dogs must be dealt with from childhood. They require daily training. With age, training time 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 tasty encouragement in return. Trained and trained dogs can become guides, guards, rescuers.

We must not forget that the dog needs human attention and the friendliness of all family members. Sheepdogs subtly feel the negative attitude of their relatives and may even try to cheer them up. It is strictly forbidden to raise a hand to an animal, to shout, to scold for no reason, otherwise the dog will stop believing his friend.

You will learn interesting facts about the German Shepherd in the next video.