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The German shepherd - the favorite of many dog breeders - has long earned
the fame of "the smartest dog." There are several theories about the origin
of this breed. For example, it is suggested that it appeared as a result of
crossbreeding of shepherds of various German breeds or occurred
spontaneously from the hybridization of shepherds and wolves.
Today it is a universal working dog with a rational anatomical build and a
penchant for a wide variety of training.
German shepherds have proven themselves in any dog profession. An easily
recognizable silhouette of a German shepherd flaunts on the coat of arms of
the International Kennel Federation. Representatives of this wonderful
breed bravely fought alongside a man on the fronts of two world wars.
Thanks to their excellent instincts, the “Germans” are able to trace a person
even after several days, which makes them excellent bloodhounds and
police dogs. German shepherds serve in the army as miners and signalmen,
work in the Red Cross, they are used to search for people during
earthquakes and mountain collapses, they are used as lifeguards on water
and in fires. These dogs are unrivaled bodyguards due to their excellent
guard instinct, physical strength, and lightning attacks. Being sensitive,
attentive, and quick-witted, German shepherd is unusually loyal to the
owner's family, friendly with children, easy to learn. Her physical
endurance is great, and her craving for work is unusual, which explains the
nickname of this shepherd among dog handlers - “servant”.
However, this particular feature can have its negative side if the “German”
is not given due attention from the owner. This breed requires an active
lifestyle, movement, compulsory training, and even better - targeted use. If
you cannot provide your pet with the serious profession of security guard or
bodyguard, train your dog in traceability, take part in agility tests
(overcoming obstacles), and go for walks in the forest and the sea. Let the
dog accompany you on daily trips to the grocery store, to the kindergarten
for the child, to visit friends. Remember: a German shepherd on a chain is
an unacceptable sight and a sad fate. When planted for a long time in an
aviary, it becomes neurotic and, in order to attract attention, can plague
neighbors with many hours of piercing barking.
Before acquiring a German shepherd puppy, make sure that his parents have
a health certificate and, in particular, are free from hip dysplasia. This
anomaly of the musculoskeletal system, in which the femoral head loosely
enters the hip joint, is very common among German shepherds. The
disease, which has a genetic nature, first appears at the age of 4–5 months
and can in severe cases make a young dog crippled, and in a milder course
it can be a source of lameness and arthritis. Many German shepherds suffer
from diseases of the digestive system (chronic gastritis, colitis, hepatitis)
and skin.
Before buying, be sure to check the balance of mental reactions and the
strength of the puppy’s temperament, as the pursuit of a beautiful exterior
have recently caused genetically transmitted psychological problems.
Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Groenendael, Malinois, Lakinua,
Tervuren)
Belgian Shepherd Dogs are still quite rare in the countries of the former
CIS.
There are four varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs: Groenendael (long-
haired black shepherd), Tervuren (long-haired shepherd or mahogany with
black shabrake and black mask), Malinois (short-haired shepherd-shepherd)
and Lakenua (red-haired or brown-haired shepherd dog)) Decorating hair is
most developed in males, and undercoat - in aviary dogs living in the cold.
All Belgian Shepherds are descended from hardy and gifted working dogs.
Tervuren has the strongest physique among Belgian shepherds, so he is
crossed with other varieties of this breed to obtain bony and healthy
offspring. Tervuren is considered the closest relative of Groenendael, and
there are cases when a pair of black shepherd dogs gives birth to tervuren.
Doberman
Doberman is a relatively young breed. It was obtained in the 80s of the XIX
century and carries the blood of several breeds.
Bred for guard service and personal guard, this breed of dogs today
continues to fulfill its functions perfectly. Due to the tremendous
performance and excellent instinct of Dobermans, they are used by police
and military. During World War II, these dogs served in the US Army as
miners and to detect enemy snipers. To this day, Americans are in love with
this breed, considering its representatives the best watchmen and
bodyguards to cope with any enemy.
In domestic dog breeders, on the contrary, the attitude towards this breed is
far from uniform. The idea of a Doberman as a service dog has its negative
side due to the indomitable choleric nature, uncontrollability, hot-tempered
and evil temper. Such facts are explained by a significant lack of the
Doberman psyche - a low stress threshold, which leads to aggressiveness
and unprovoked bites.
Often, males and females differ greatly in temperament. Bitches are more
accommodating, emotional, loyal to the family in which they live, but are
distrustful of strangers. Males are physically strong, impulsive, often
rebellious and aggressive, so they need a strict energetic owner.
All dogs of this breed need long active walks, allowing them to give out a
storm of energy. The doberman, who is not paid attention to, will bark from
boredom, whine, jump, nibble all around, dig earth, scratch doors.
Therefore, if you are not friends with sports, do not like to move and do not
have time, I advise you to admire the lacquered-black Dobermans
exclusively in photographs. Owners of Dobermans are strongly advised to
attend training courses under the guidance of experienced instructors, where
dogs can learn endurance and self-control.
Of the most common diseases, the following diseases can be noted:
congenital heart defects, von Willebrand disease, thyroid dysfunction,
cataracts, oncological problems. A specific disease of the nervous system,
known as "Dancing Doberman disease," is also known in the breed.
Saint Bernard
This breed got its name, obviously, from the Chinese hunting dog Chu. As a
representative of the Spitz family, these dogs more than two millennia ago
became famous for their impressive appearance of a maned lion and an
unusual black tongue. Some experts believe that Chow Chow is the
legendary mastiff of Tibetan lamas.
Amateur breeders give birth to dogs of this breed for the most part solely
due to their appearance. Indeed, the unusually amusing red, black, blue and
cream two-month-old “bears” can leave few people indifferent. It is also
known that Chow Chow does not fade with traditional hair loss and, in
addition, does not smell at all. But as the dog grows older, owners
understand more and more that a stubborn and wayward dog hides behind
the appearance of a funny plush toy.
Chow Chow tends to become attached to only one owner, who has a good
heart, but a stiff hand. Chow is unlikely to deign to execute commands if
you fail to establish friendly contact with him. Dogs that do not like
children and strangers have a special tendency. Usually the chows
themselves do not start fights, but aggressively respond to attempts by other
dogs to show their dominance. Remember, this is a serious dog, with a
wide, powerful mouth and a strong grip. She is not inclined to give herself
to work, as a German shepherd does, and will not sensitively guard you at
night, like a rottweiler.
Among the common diseases, one can note the most diverse problems with
skin and hair, diseases of the joints of the hind limbs, as well as inversion of
the eyelids. Chow do not tolerate heat due to its luxurious "coat" that
requires careful care. If this dog is not combed with a massage wire brush
daily for 10 minutes, then the thick wool falls into tangles.
Mastiffs
Mastiffs are known as the impressive giants of the canine world. The name
“mastiff” itself comes from the Latin word “massivus”, which means
“large, massive”. The weight of the English mastiff dogs reaches 120 kg,
and the Neapolitan mastiffs (mastino-napoletano) - the owners of the most
significant and most sanded head. French mastiff (dogue de Bordeaux) and
bullmastiff are somewhat smaller in size. In addition to smooth-haired,
there are woolly mastiffs - Spanish and Tibetan.
Currently, mastiffs are unusually large, heavy and strong dogs, reminiscent
of their appearance and the step of a lion. Experts say that a special
respectful approach is needed for mastiffs, which makes it possible to make
a loyal friend out of this huge dog. Keep in mind that all mastiffs grow for a
long time and grow up late, so a dog that has reached the age of three is
considered to be finally formed.
By nature, mastiffs are stubborn, restive phlegmatic people who slowly, as
if reluctantly, carry out the commands of the main training course.
However, this slowness is deceptive - if desired, a huge dog can react with
lightning speed. In the absence of fair, but strict treatment, a frightening
appearance can turn into a real threat and uncontrollable aggression.
Well-trained mastiffs are successfully used both as bodyguards and for
guarding property. Each breed has its own way of detaining the enemy. For
example, bullmastiffs quickly notice that it is easiest to knock a person
down by hitting him with his head or chest under his knees, and
subsequently constantly use this technique. The dogs of Bordeaux catch up
with the running man with a characteristic squat gait and jump on him,
striking his lower back or stomach with his big head, after which they
triumphantly rise above the defeated enemy. Neapolitan mastiffs grab a man
in a low jump by the hand and with a sharp jerk down and a little to the side
toppled to the ground. These dogs attack silently, barking unusual for them
in any situation. Modern Molossians, like their distant ancestors, are
distinguished by great courage and the ability to endure physical pain.
Unfortunately, these giants are not distinguished by longevity. These dogs
should not be subjected to excessive physical exertion, especially at the age
of the puppy and "grandfather". Mastiffs often die in a dream from cardiac
arrest at the age of 7–8 years, poorly tolerate heat, and have problems with
digestion and skeletal system. In the summer, these giants should be
provided with plenty of water, if possible bathe in clean water, or even
better get air conditioning.
Often, representatives of this breed have torsion of the stomach - a
pathological condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. Older dogs
have joint arthritis and bone cancer.
Having a loose constitution and many folds, Neapolitan mastiffs require
careful skin care that is prone to fungal and allergic diseases. This breed has
frequent pathology of the structure of the eyelids.
In short, these giants are not for beginners in cynology. The maintenance of
mastiff requires a lot of money, a special balanced diet at a young age and
considerable care in old age.
Rottweiler
In the CIS, Rottweilers suffered a fashion boom at the end of the twentieth
century. A lot has been written about this breed, it was admired, and it was
hated. At that time, the Rottweiler was the star of the shows and the dog of
the "New Russians." Now he was recognized by the police, Special Forces
and the military.
Through centuries of history, this wonderful breed carried its creed:
unbending stamina and devotion to the owner. The whole essence of this
dog (from a solid anatomical design to the mechanism of psychomotor
reactions) is directed towards the realization of its main purpose - to
accompany and protect a person. The Rottweiler is not wound up as a
Doberman, and not alert as a Giant Schnauzer. He never falls into bestial
fury, like a Caucasian shepherd and will not kill his own kind, like amstaff.
This is a courageous working dog, a devoted friend and protector. For the
correct education of this dog you need a fair, but firm hand. And also love
and respect. Connoisseurs know that Rottweilers are monogamous. Having
become attached to one person, they do not want to leave the object of their
love for a minute and often follow him from room to room. They like to
sleep near the owner’s bed or at his feet. Bitches are rather kind to children.
The popularity of the Rottweiler as a guard dog is also explained by the fact
that these dogs bark a little and are not too active. It is not recommended to
use heavy, large dogs at work requiring a lot of stamina, especially in the
heat.
At a considerable age, rottweilers are often prone to obesity, especially for
bitches. Living in a city apartment promotes physical inactivity, which, in
combination with high-calorie nutrition, literally kills dogs. Unfortunately,
Rottweilers are prone to cancer and cataracts, and hip dysplasia, thyroid
disease, and von Willibrand's disease (blood clotting disorder) are common
in the list of hereditary diseases.
Rottweilers are very prolific, in females of this breed there are very large
litters - 12 and even 16 puppies.
Terriers
So first thing first, buy a crate for your puppy. Keep in the mind the breed
of your puppy and how fast do they grow in size while buying a crate. It
should not be too small or too big. There should be just about enough space
for your puppy to lay and roll around.
The whole idea is to compel the puppy to empty his bladder only outside.
Puppies like to keep their area of sleep and rest clean. When the crate is
huge, they would keep two different spots, one to rest and one to eliminate.
When there isn’t room for them to choose two spots, they will get into a
habit of eliminating outside in order to keep their den clean.
Do not leave any absorbent material inside the crate. Always keep a close
watch, especially when the puppies are too young.
For youngest puppies, the crate time shouldn’t exceed more than 2 hours
from the last elimination. Some experts limit that to 1.5 hours.
Pick up on hints and their body language, like, their facial expression, if
they are circling inside the cage or trying to get your attention. It most
probably means they need to relieve themselves and are asking you to let
them out.
Remember how tough it was to get up at the crack of dawn but eventually
now it has become a habit? That schedule change is similar for your puppy.
Allowing your puppy to eat at any time will only add to your scheduling
problems and reduce the acceptance that you are the pack leader.
Keep to the schedule when you will feed your puppy, take him out, play, put
him in a crate, and let him out again at the exact same time every day. He
will begin to accept the schedule and quickly become accustomed to its
consistency.
In order to discipline your puppy, you will need to become part of the
disciplined schedule.
On an average, it takes about 5-6 days for a puppy to adjust to the schedule.
Don't change the plan of action haphazardly because you will end up
confusing your puppy.
A puppy feels the need to clear his bladder after 15-30 minutes from eating
a meal. Create an elimination plan with that timing in mind. And not just
after every meal, but take him out to clear his bladder after every nap, first
thing every morning after waking up and last thing before going to bed.