To date, sheepdogs are among thethe most devoted, clever and easily trained dogs. However, one should not think that representatives of this species are limited only to such well-known breeds as the German and Caucasian. In fact, there are a lot of them.
Long ago these dogs were used for guard duty,shepherd or search service. According to the exterior and origin, many types of sheep-dogs are similar to each other. Most often, they are different in height, fur coat or addition.
Not all dog lovers know which kinds of sheep dogsthere are. At the moment, more than 40 breeds can be identified. It is noteworthy that many of them have nothing to do with the traditional idea of sheep dogs. The most famous species are: German, Central Asian, Caucasian, Belgian, Scottish, commander, collie.
The original breed name is Deutscher Schaferhund. In some countries it is also known as the Alsatian Shepherd.
The most popular and famous breed isClassical, whose representatives belong to the high line. These kinds of German shepherds are distinguished by devotion and responsiveness. They are often used as guides and search dogs. The working lines of German shepherds are widely used in military service, as they are very amenable to training. Their disadvantage is an overly aggressive nature.
The eastern line was removed from the dogs, whichwere not distinguished by their speed and obedience. But the representatives of this species have an excellent physique and calm. A similar situation with the Czech line. These are purely working kinds of sheep-dogs, which can endure constant heavy loads.
The homeland of dogs of this breed is considered to be England.In the 8th century, British breeders crossed a dirhound with a mastiff, hence such an extraordinary coloring. The breed was registered in Brussels in the late 19th century, so the corresponding name is the Belgian Shepherd. At that time, the main admirer of the new brood was local professor Reil. It was he who identified the types of Belgian sheepdogs, which are limited to 4 lines: Grunnendal, Malinois, Lakenen and Tervenur. Each of these types is similar to each other.
Many hereditary breeders areThe dogs of this breed originated from Tibetan danes, the first mention of which appeared about 3 thousand years ago. Currently, all kinds of Caucasian shepherds can be combined in one line.
Representatives of this breed in growth can reachup to 75 cm. The adult male weighs about 70 kg. Caucasian Shepherds are considered one of the largest dogs on the planet. Their wool is about 7 cm long, dense. Thanks to her, "Caucasians" can easily endure severe frosts. Color can be different: white, brown, gray and even red.
Representatives of this breed are still called Alabai. Central Asian Shepherds are widespread in Siberia. Ancestor of the Alabai is the Tibetan mastiff.
The dogs are large and well-built.Wide head, strong large jaws. In height, adults reach 71 cm (at a weight of 50 kg). On the neck is a characteristic fold of fat, sticking out like a collar. Like the representatives of the Caucasian breed, the Alabai need a cupping of the ears and tail. The eyes and nose of such sheepdogs are dark. Wool - relatively short, but thick, so dogs are able to withstand up to 40 degrees below zero. Color in Central Asian sheep dogs can be anything.
The main tool for impact on shepherdsis the voice of the master. From the first days of life in the new house, the puppy begins to discern a reproachful and caressing tone. To stimulate dogs to perform certain actions, you should use various goodies. For obedience puppy can get a piece of cheese, meat or biscuits, depending on his preferences.
All kinds of shepherds from an early age react instantly to their nicknames, so it is recommended to use them before each team. Example: "Jack! To me!"
From the first days of upbringing one should accustom the pupil to cleanliness and decency. To explain what can not be done, it is necessary with the addition of the command "Fu".
All kinds of sheep-dogs prefer meat to the most. However, it is important to regularly change the diet of the pet, so that his body receives all the necessary trace elements.
So, the daily norm for an adult dogmust include: 80 grams of meat, 120 g of oatmeal or wheat cereals, 50 g of potatoes or other vegetables, 20 g of animal fat, 10 g of table salt and 5 g of fishmeal. In addition, broths and vitamin supplements are allowed.