Cattle dogs: origin, description and selection tips

For thousands of years, dogs have helped people drive cattle, herd herds, and guard pets. They can be excellent watchmen, capable of dragging heavy loads and saving a person in trouble. It is obvious that shepherd dogs are very important, these days they often perform the functions of a guard and companion, who serve their master faithfully.

Shepherd dogs are active animals that need daily exercise. Representatives of these breeds are characterized by strength, responsibility, friendliness and the ability to make quick independent decisions without human participation. These dogs have a sociable character, and in addition, they are very hardy and well developed physically.

Historians believe that the very first representatives of cattle dogs appeared among the nomadic tribes of Asia several millennia ago.

Over time, these dogs spread throughout the world, as a result, ended up in Europe, where breeders began to further improve them. It was there that it was decided to make this dog not only strong and strong, but also beautiful - so that the animal stands out sharply against the background of livestock.

A special contribution to the formation of watchdog dogs was made by the ancient Romans - they trained animals not only to guard, but also to engage in battle with wild predators, and in order to make the breed stronger, Asians were crossed with the largest European dogs. In the twentieth century, dog breeding continued, this is how the German shepherds were bred, and already in the Soviet Union appeared East European shepherds adapted to the cold climate.

The main advantages of shepherd dogs include:

• medium-sized body in combination with a proportional and beautiful physique;
• developed muscles, due to which dogs can withstand even the most elevated loads and a long period of activity;
• thick and shiny coat with undercoat that warms the animal in the northern and alpine regions;
• underdeveloped hunting instincts - this feature allows dogs to more effectively fulfill their duties;
• the complete absence of any confidence in strangers, the ability to long pursue a stranger;
• sociability;
• devotion to its owner.

Cattle dogs have an exceptional set of positive characteristics, but they also have disadvantages. In particular, they require special conditions of detention - space and the possibility of constant walking are important for dogs. In urban apartments, they are crowded, and from a lack of activity, animals begin to hurt and wither.

Given that these are quite large animals, they should not be left alone with small children - they do not show conscious aggression towards the babies, but, after playing too much, they can accidentally cause harm.

Let us dwell in more detail on the description of the most popular breeds of shepherd dogs.

This dog is better known as the Scottish Shepherd, it has a very beautiful, truly luxurious thick coat and at the same time has a fairly high intelligence. Initially, the collie was bred in order to graze flocks of sheep and protect the owner's children, but over time its beauty attracted the attention of royalty, after which it turned from a working dog into a luxury pet. Today, an animal of this breed easily performs any of these roles, and besides, it often serves in the police.

This cowgirl is considered one of the best in the whole world. We can safely say that a border is the dream of every dog ​​breeder, as she can literally remember up to 25-30 teams on the fly. Used as a shepherd since ancient times, and can do all the necessary work independently, without human involvement.

Outwardly, the boarders are not very beautiful, they are more like ordinary black and white mutts that run in packs in every village, Nevertheless, these are expensive dogs, the cost of which in the kennels is 20-50 thousand rubles.

This four-legged shepherd is better known as an Australian shepherd dog. The breed was bred after prolonged breeding of dogs of various breeds, including the wild dingo dog. As a result, a rather intelligent, but at the same time stubborn dog was born that copes with even the most complex tasks without problems. In critical situations, this animal can take quick independent decisions, however, the herd instinct is not very pronounced in the dog.

Central Asian Shepherd, which is a strong, powerful and very large animal. These are very serious dogs with a steep, awkward character.For centuries, they grazed flocks of sheep in the mountains and guarded the homes of local residents from uninvited guests and wild animals. Alabai often became participants in dog fights, because of military qualities and the desire to win in these animals in the blood. Nowadays, Alabai are most often purchased to protect suburban cottages and villas.

This breed is also called the "Bryansk Shepherd Dog." The animal comes from Switzerland, it is distinguished by an unusual appearance - it is no accident that the dog of this breed received the title of the most beautiful in the world.

Farmers actively bred for the protection of ungulates and grazing. Bernese people are distinguished by physical strength, endurance and excellent obedience. Show class puppies in our country can be bought for 50-70 thousand rubles.

In terms of the appearance of this dog, one can rather assume that this is a companion animal, and not a serious shepherd and shepherd. The dog has a very cute playful look, and the smallest sizes in this category of dogs. At the same time, pets are silent, smart, hardy and extremely efficient. Due to their small stature, they easily pass under the sheep, bite them by their limbs, thereby driving them into a circle.

A dog of Hungarian origin, which can be recognized by its incredible “hairstyle”. The fact is that this animal has a very long and thick coat, which, as it grows, twists into dense bundles. Dogs are even jokingly called a “mop” for its funny and disheveled appearance.

These dogs do an excellent job with the tasks of a shepherd, and in addition, they can guard at home and even play with babies. The Hungarian cowgirl is very smart, but also very stubborn, she has almost perfect sharp eyesight, although the eyes themselves are not visible from behind the bangs.

This is a real giant among dogs with a good-natured character. White dogs became ideal shepherds, wise and determined guards, and in addition, they can carry out guard duty. From the outside it may seem that this is a real furry bumpkin, but in fact the animal is very smart, smart and affectionate. Due to the color and appearance of the wool during grazing, the dog merges with the sheep flock, so it is quite difficult to isolate them. The cost of one puppy of this breed ranges from 15 to 30 thousand rubles.

Caucasian shepherd dogs are descendants of wild wolves, these animals do an excellent job with the work of a shepherd. Nowadays, shepherd dogs are widely used to protect departmental facilities, as well as at customs. These animals often serve in the police force; they are intelligent, determined and exceptionally hardy.

In previous years, Caucasian shepherd dogs often participated in dog fights, so many people consider these dogs dangerous and aggressive, but with the right training and good training, quite friendly and obedient pets grow from them, who will faithfully and truly protect their home and owners.

The English bobtail is a beautiful shaggy dog, which is a true friend for sheep and a real thunderstorm for wolves, and these animals often come out victorious from fights with predators.Animals do not show aggression, they love children and are ready to act as a nanny all day.

Nowadays, the shepherd’s service of these animals has long been a thing of the past, but the instincts in dogs remain unchanged, because the pet will take care of its owners and members of his family for days on end.

In fact, there are much more shepherd dogs in the world. They are found in almost any corner of the globe where there is a need to graze livestock. Each country has its own breed: Turkish, Azores, Scottish, Swiss, French, English, Italian, Czech, German, Irish, as well as Mongolian, Alpine, Old German, Languedoc, Portuguese and Swedish cattle dogs are known.

In Australia and Scotland alone, more than 5 species of these animals have been bred. They can have the most diverse appearance, but each breed has one common quality in common - they are completely loyal to their masters.

Before choosing the best breed for a shepherd dog, First of all, some nuances should be taken into account.

• The purpose of the institution. If you need a dog only to protect the herd, then it is quite possible to do with pet-class animals. But if you intend to take part in exhibitions and competitions with your pet, then you should give preference to show categories of animals.
• Free space. The dog of the shepherd breed is extremely important physical activity and constant activity. Optimal for her would be keeping in a large house with a spacious garden, where the pet can run around unhindered for days. In a city apartment, the animal will be cramped, in conditions of lack of physical exertion, the muscles will lose their tone, which will lead to a weakening of the body.
• Free time. If you are a homebody or a workaholic who spends all day at work, give up the idea of ​​buying a shepherd dog. If you live in a city apartment, you will have to walk the dog at least 2 times a day and for at least 2 hours. Optimally, if the walk will take place in a forest belt or on a dog site, so that the animal can stretch.

Before proceeding with the selection of such shepherds, be sure to answer yourself the question of whether you are ready to change your daily routine, devote a lot of time to your dog, get up early in the morning and give up your usual activities in the evenings. Not every breeder can do this.

Experts recommend adhering to the following rules.

• When choosing shepherd puppies, preference should be given to reliable nurseries with a proven reputation. Preliminarily inquire about the seller and, if possible, communicate personally with buyers of past litters.
• Make sure that the animal you are offering has a veterinary passport confirming its health and the absence of hereditary diseases.
• Carry out a small test for the mental state of the puppy. To do this, go to the animal and clap above his head in the palm of your hand or throw some noisy object nearby. If the animal did not show interest, but did not begin to bark, run away and take submission poses, then most likely you have a dog with a strong psyche.

A few years ago in Moscow there was such a case: a resident of the capital acquired an Alabai for the protection of a summer residence in summer. All warm month the puppy ran around the site and felt great. However, with the onset of cold weather, the owner moved the dog to a city apartment, but soon realized that keeping such a large animal there was not possible. Then he built a small aviary near the garages and put his dog there.In this prison, the animal lasted several months until representatives of animal protection organizations paid attention to it - they took the dog and forced the breeder to sell it to more responsible people.

Cattle dogs need space, and also the so-called observation post must be present in the house. It is extremely important for this pet to keep everything under control, they are able to lie low and just watch for several hours. It is for this ability that animals are often called phlegmatic people. However, in case of danger, shepherd dogs can show miracles of reaction, quick wit and dexterity.

As we have already said, shepherd dogs should often walk, but at the same time, genetic memory makes animals especially vigilant in the dark. Therefore, if you are walking in the evening or in the city there was a strong smog or fog, take a leash with you - in such conditions the animal can react to any situation that it considers to be potentially dangerous, even if it is not really so. At other times, shepherds calmly walk without muzzles and leashes.

It is very important to pet your pet, it will be useful to take it with you to crowded places and to encourage good behavior as a treat - in this way you will educate in him a reliable faithful companion. True, keep in mind that he still will not stop barking - The peculiarities of cattle dogs are such that it is their nature to inform the district that there is protection near the herd, and it is extremely undesirable to come close.

This loud and loud barking makes keeping animals in an apartment building quite problematic and serves as further evidence that these dogs need to be kept in private homes. Please note that it is in the houses, and not in the enclosures built in the corner of the yard - for such a dog, any exclusion from the family circle will become a great stress. By the way, such an educational measure as ignoring with these dogs is also not welcome.

Dogs of these breeds need a full and balanced diet, enriched with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and probiotics.

If you are a proponent of natural, then keep in mind that meat and offal should make up at least 70% of the animal’s diet. The remaining 30% are cereals, vegetables, lactic acid products and chopped greens. Additionally, mineral and vitamin supplements should be included in the diet.

These dogs do not require special care, however, they need to be combed periodically and, if necessary, bathed with special shampoos. Once a week, the ears should be treated with a cotton pad dipped in boric acid, and the eyes of the pet should be wiped with chamomile infusion.

It is advisable to accustom the animal to daily brushing, and it should also be occasionally included in the diet of cartilage and mosl, which help strengthen the jaw muscles and remove tartar.

About the features of caring for cattle dogs, see below.