German dog breeds

Dog breeds are distributed according to various characteristics: size (large, medium, small), use (service, hunting, decorative), type of coat (long-haired and short-haired). Separate groups can be distinguished by place of origin. It happened historically that the birthplace of a significant part of the breeds is Germany.

Many owners prefer these dogs for their intelligence, dedication, endurance, restraint. Features 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, orchards, 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 kind of activity of his master. Puppies, looking at elders, adopted skills, gradually studied. Some kind of special training system did not exist then, everyone taught the dog what was necessary for work.

And to protect the garden and the vineyard from birds, a small nimble dog can very well. Thus, separate varieties gradually formed. In them, at the genetic level, is the desire for the activity for which they were originally created.

Small dogs were used during hunting for birds, as well as animals digging holes.May serve in some organizations.

The following is a description of several species.

• Spitz. Refers to an ancient variety. Intended for the protection of vineyards and orchards, drove away small birds with a clear barking. In the future, thanks to a very attractive appearance, he became a pet at the upper class. Currently, five varieties of this breed are distinguished. The largest is the Wolf Spitz, the smallest is the Orange Spitz. Dog sizes: height from 17 to 56 centimeters, weight from five to sixteen kg. The coat is lush, thick, on the legs of a panties, and a frill adorns the neck. Color - black, brown, beige, white. Spitz are very smart, well trained, their character is benevolent. Strongly attached to the owner, do not like loneliness.

• Dachshund. The history of the breed is lost in the depths of millennia. On fragments of murals 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 hunting for animals that dig holes, as well as the fight against rats. Sizes: height varies from 13 to 25 cm, weight can be 4-16 kilograms. The coat color is black, brownish, reddish. Animals have high intelligence, cheerful disposition, are very active, like outdoor games in company with the owner.

• Levchen (small lion dog). Decorative. It resembles a lap-dog in body shape and parameters. Long fluffy hair was previously sheared “under the lion”. Beautiful, kind, sociable. Good companion.

• Miniature Schnauzer. The smallest of service breeds. Height at the withers does not exceed 35 cm, weight from 6 to 8 kg. The coat is short, dense, silky. Coloring 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 play with children with pleasure. They can feel the mood of a loved one, sympathize, cheer or rejoice together. To keep the dog in good shape, you need to walk a lot with it.

The main area of ​​application for these dogs is hunting. They can also be good companions.

Here are some representatives of medium breeds.

• Drathaar, another name - Wire-haired Pointing Dog. 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, stiff, resembling a brush in texture, with a soft thick undercoat that does not get wet in the water. Color is black, brown, gray, with gray hair. Drathaars are quick-witted, able to make decisions independently in the process of hunting, and are easy to learn. Non-aggressive, friendly, balanced, love children. Strongly attached to the owner, do not tolerate loneliness.

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

• Schnauzer. Belongs to ancient breeds, is the ancestor of two other varieties - Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer. In the Middle Ages, they destroyed rats on farms, helped drive cattle. The height of the dog is in the range of 45-50 centimeters, body weight can be from 14 to 20 kilograms. Stiff wool with a thick undercoat has a different color - gray, brownish, black. Lighter, white paws, ears, eyebrows, mustaches and a beard are acceptable. Calm, friendly, at the same time vigilant watchman and bodyguard.It has high intelligence, is easy to learn, loves hosts, communicates well with children.

• Yagd terrier. The breed was bred at the beginning of the twentieth century especially for hunting foxes and other burrowing animals. They are also used in hunting for waterfowl. Dogs are very hardy, not afraid of cold water. The ancestors are rejected fox terriers. Dimensions - height 28-42 cm, weight 8-13 kg, muscular, strong body. The color of the coat is black with reddish spots. The peculiarity and disadvantage of the yagd terrier is its tough, lifeless disposition. The dog recognizes and obeys only one owner, does not contact with children, does not tolerate the presence of other pets. Such a dog is suitable only for an avid hunter, a person with a strong, strong-willed character.

• Poodle. In the ranking of the most intelligent dogs in the world, takes an honorable third place. The breed was bred in the XV century, was intended for hunting water birds. The coat is lush, thick, of various colors, a haircut is recommended. The character is cheerful, fervent, energetic. A loyal friend, an excellent companion, feels and understands the mood of the owner. It can be used in the rescue service (on the beaches) and for the protection of property.

• Pincher Initially, dogs were used as rodent hunters. Later they began to protect the grain barns from the invasion of rats. Parameters - growth from 40 to 50 cm, weight not more than 20 kg. Refers to shorthair, the color may be brownish or black with tan. He is infinitely devoted to his master and family, he will repulse any enemy, even significantly exceeding him in size. Smart, cheerful, agile, well amenable to training.

Among large dogs there are service, hunting, guard, and shepherd dogs. To maintain this category, a country house is more suitable.

Large breeds include the following representatives.

• German Shepherd. The most famous and most widespread of all the varieties created by German breeding. It was bred at the end of the XIX century, was intended to help shepherds and security guards. The sizes are larger than average, the height at the withers is up to 65 cm, the weight is up to 40 kg. Coloring is black-brown, paws are of a lighter shade. It is distinguished by high intelligence and excellent learning abilities, ranks second in the ranking of the most intelligent dogs. The character is calm, balanced. He is affectionate and friendly with his family, knows how to establish relations with children.

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

• Great dane. Officially, dogs are recognized in 1878, very large - growth from 80 cm, and weight can be 90 kg. Smooth-haired, various color - marble, black, fawn, brindle. The character is absolutely non-aggressive, calm. They are distinguished by nobility and aristocracy. They love and take care of children. They are friendly, affectionate and obedient in their family. Strangers are mistrusted. They can serve as bodyguards, watchmen, just companions.

• Bavarian mountain hound. It was used for hunting back in the Middle Ages.The dog is strongly attached to the owner and family members, absolutely can not stand loneliness. The sizes are larger than average, the height at the withers is from 50 cm. The coat is short, dense, reddish. Calm, non-aggressive, not used for protection.

• Rottweiler. The breed is attributed to the ancients. Presumably, these dogs came to the territory of Germany along with the Roman legions. Then they guarded cattle and property, and carts loaded with meat helped to carry them. Now they serve as rescuers, in the police, in the Armed forces. Possess high intelligence, 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, and skills. But there is something in common in them - this is the solidity inherent in the mentality and culture of Germany.

About the features of the German Shepherd, see the video below.