Shepherds are a group of dogs bred to guard sheep in pastures. Briefly, this breed is designed to be constantly at work. The purpose of these dogs is to protect family members and the territories entrusted to them.
Characteristics of this dog breed
Initially requirements for herding dogs were as follows:
- Since they have to work around the clock, shepherds must be very hardy.
- Thick fur warms and protects the body in harsh climates.
- First and foremost, they must be strong and fearless. While guarding the herd, they often have to deal with predators.
- When guarding a flock, shepherds should not be hindered by their hunting instinct.
These requirements were taken into account when breeding shepherds in different countries. Emphasis was also placed on the country's geographical features and climate. Therefore, the color of the breed depended.
But this doesn't stop dogs bred in one country from living and working on a completely different continent. We all know the Scottish Shepherd, German Shepherd, Caucasian Shepherd, Afghan Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, American Shepherd, and many others.
Collie
A little history and characteristics of the breed
One of the most popular working dogs has another name: the Collie. Although it's called Scottish, it was brought from Iceland. The breed was influenced by Irish Setters and sighthounds. The name comes from the sheep it guarded. This type of shepherd is distinguished by a peaceful and kind characterShe is devoted to only one owner, either ignoring or disliking others. The breed doesn't require much exercise. Grooming is simple, requiring only regular brushing. It's hard not to notice her magnificent long coat in the photo.
The breed is easy to train, quick-witted, and an attentive listener. Collies are medium-sized. The elongated muzzle can be seen in the photo. The coat can be long or short. Each variety of the breed has its own unique coloring.
For normal life animals require a large amount of spaceThey are very active and ideal as pets or sheep herders. With proper training, this breed will easily win first place in various competitions and excel at shows.
Care, advantages and disadvantages
The average adult dog weighs between 22 and 32 kg. Collies thrive in both urban and rural environments. Because they are so active, they are used as livestock guardians. They are still used to develop new breeds for herding.
The breed has only one drawback: a predisposition to various diseases. Scottish Shepherds are very sensitive to medications of any kind. Therefore, they require especially careful and cautious treatment.
Their fur is very long, so they need daily brushingIf you don't brush a Shepherd, its coat will quickly turn into felt. Additionally, the undercoat needs to be brushed twice a year. It's very warm and dense, protecting it from water and cold.
If you need a reliable friend, companion or nanny for your child, the Scottish Shepherd is the best choice.
American Shepherd
American Shepherds are a distinct line of German dogs. This breed was first registered in the 1970s on the North American continent. Since then, its active breeding has begun.
Characteristics of the American breed
From the very beginning, it was bred for fast walking. Because of this, it lacks the usual working standards. In the photo, you can see that the hip height also deviates from the standard. Dogs of this breed are practically unsuited for running and performing various jumps. Their body is disproportionately long and angular. Their frame is very soft and changes sharply.
The breed is not without its shortcomings:
- subtle psyche;
- poor health.
Dogs require careful monitoring of their health, as they are susceptible to various illnesses. Despite their delicate nature, they thrive in family settings.
Today, breeders are making a lot of efforts to improve the American breed.
American "German Shepherds" are virtually indistinguishable in color from the classic American Shepherd. They are distinguished only by their body shape.
Afghan Shepherd
A little history and characteristics of the breed
The Afghan Shepherd is better known as the Afghan houndThe breed originated from Afghanistan. Its original name is Tazi. In ancient times, it was used for hunting deer, antelope, and rabbits.
This breed is distinguished by its enormous size and incredible strength. The photo shows that the head is proportionate to the body. The skull is long, but not noticeably narrow. The head is covered with long strands of hair. The nose, which can be black or brown, is located on the long, conical muzzle. The almond-shaped eyes are dark. The ears are downturned and also covered with long hair. They have a long, powerful neck. Strong, long legs are covered with thick hair. The tail is curled at the end. Representatives of this breed can be of any color, but most often in the photo you can see these:
- ginger;
- black;
- white;
- blue;
- pale yellow.
It's clear from the photo that this breed requires careful grooming. So, if you have the time and money to keep your pet looking beautiful, why not give it a try? The Afghan Hound is unique and deserves it.
A neighbor's rabbit or cat can awaken her natural hunting instinct to pursue prey. Her independent nature can create some challenges during training. Therefore, training takes a lot of time, patience, and effort. If home training isn't producing the desired results, you can always seek professional help. Professional trainers work with a variety of breeds.
Afghan Shepherd gets along well with children, but it is still better if the puppy and the child grow up together.
A German Shepherd will thrive outdoors. It's important to remember that German Shepherds have a stubborn and independent nature. Perhaps that's why only brave and experienced people willing to spend time with them dare to work with them. German Shepherds never refuse a long walk. They enjoy running in open spaces and become a loyal companion for cyclists. German Shepherds are best avoided by people who lack the time and experience to care for their coat. German Shepherds require constant socialization and training.
Benefits of the breed
The Afghan Shepherd is primarily a hunting dog. It is used to hunt both small and large game. In areas with many farms, owners often use the dog as a guard dog for their flocks. one of the best guard breeds.
If you love dogs and want a pet, why not consider a German Shepherd? You're sure to fall in love with their intelligence, practicality, and helpfulness.
