Lop-eared dogs are one of the most popular and beloved by many pets. The article will discuss what features such animals have, what species of breeds belong to this group, and how to choose and maintain a puppy.
Features
Dogs with drooping ears are animals that were originally bred for a very specific purpose. Their job functions are primarily associated with hunting. However, today not all dog owners are professional hunters or engage in similar activities at their leisure. Lop-eared dogs from hunters turned into pets.
A distinctive feature of animals (as the name implies) is the presence of elongated auricles. Thanks to such a non-standard anatomical structure, dogs were popular among hunters. The thing is that at those moments when the dog runs or moves quickly, long earlobes sweep microparticles off the ground, thereby enhancing the smell of prey.
It is important to note that lop-eared tetrapods need a lot of activity. They can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house, but it is imperative to ensure that the animal has a sufficient level of physical activity (long walks, training, games and other activities of a moving nature).
In addition, if you decide to have such a dog, then it is worth considering that animals are prone to a variety of ear infections and diseases. In this regard, special attention should be paid to care and medical procedures.
Variety of breeds
Lop-eared dogs are quite diverse. Let's talk about the most popular varieties.
Basset hound
This breed of dog is a classic representative of fold animals. First of all, the character of the dog is distinguished by good nature and goodwill towards a person. In addition, the owners of basset hounds in the behavior of the animal distinguish such a trait as pronounced instinct for following the prey. In this regard, representatives of this breed quite often become not only best friends, but also working companions of hunters.
Besides the basset hound excellent in contact with people, he also treats other animals just as well. Therefore, if pets are already living in your house, but you want to have a lop-eared dog, then without any fear you can give preference to this variety of animals.
In terms of care and maintenance, the dog is quite unpretentious. In addition, the hairline of the basset hounds is quite short and does not require special attention or specific care measures.
Beagle
Another popular fold dog that belongs to the category of hounds. It is important to note that animals belonging to this breed quite sociable, and therefore need early socialization. Besides, negative character traits such as independence and stubbornness may appear in the beagle’s character. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the processes of upbringing, training and animal training.
Dogs of this breed interact well with people, including young children. There are no conflicts and aggressive quarrels between beagles and other animals.
Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel
These two species of lop-eared dogs are often combined into one large group, since previously these 2 species of animals constituted one breed. This fact can be seen today, because in appearance the animals are very similar. However, despite this, the breeds were separated by dog handlers.
You can distinguish a cocker from a springer in appearance: the second will be much larger. As for the physiological features, character traits and rules of care, there are many similarities. For example, both breeds experience sincere love and devotion towards their owner. In addition, both the springer and the cocker have a rather thick and long hairline, and therefore both breeds need careful and thorough care, regular combing with special combs and brushes.
The traditional color of animals is white-brown. However, today there are many additional variations.
Dachshund
Dachshund is one of the most popular, common and beloved by many breed of lop-eared dogs. The birthplace of this animal is Germany. And in this country dachshunds are called badger dogs. In general, the dachshund breed includes several varieties of animals.
Among them stand out standard, miniature and rabbit look. In addition to the above, in relation to dachshunds, there is another classification, which mainly relates to the length of the hairline of the animal. Based on this characteristic, the breed is divided into smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired varieties.
As for the coloring of the wool, it can be very diverse. You can find black, brown, tan, marble and even fawn.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have not only ears, but also cheeks. In addition, this breed is widely known, and it is popularly called the “dog with sad eyes”. Compared to all the breeds that have been described above, this variety has impressive dimensions. Her character is calm and poised.
It is important to take into account the fact that representatives of this breed need careful care. The thing is that dogs emit an intense unpleasant aroma.To avoid it, you should regularly carry out a large complex of hygiene procedures, which includes not only bathing, but also wet cleaning.
Poodle
A poodle is an animal that is very popular all over the world. An important characteristic of this breed is that even those people who are allergic to dog hair can contain its representatives in their home. The thing is that the animal does not fade.
The breed has several subgroups that differ in size. So, large, small and dwarf dogs are isolated.
In addition, this species of animals is characterized by developed intellectual abilities and devotion to the owner.
Irish setter
This is a breed of lop-eared dogs that likes to spend a lot of time outdoors. Therefore, if you decide to get a similar animal, then you should prepare for regular, long and active walks with your pet.
The animal quickly and easily makes contact with people, and it shows friendliness not only in relation to one owner, but also to all members of the family with whom it lives.
Of course, this list is not closed, and in nature there are many more breeds that can be classified as lop-eared.
How to choose?
The choice of a fold dog is an important and important task, because you choose for yourself not just a pet, but a friend and companion for life. The famous phrase says that we are responsible for those we tamed.
In order to choose a healthy thoroughbred puppy, several factors must be considered.
So, first of all Make sure the seller’s integrity. Ask him to show you all his documents: animal passports, certificates, licenses and other documents. If the seller refuses such a request or informs you that he does not have any papers, then it is better not to deal with him. It is possible that they are trying to deceive you.
And also before you get a puppy, it is important to “get to know” his parents. Make sure that the parent couple is healthy, has no diseases. After that, carefully examine the appearance of the acquired animal - the puppy should be neat and well-groomed. Watch him a little - behavior must be active. Any defects in appearance, as well as lethargic behavior, are signs that they are trying to sell you a sick or unclean animal.
In the process of choosing a pet, check with the seller all the small details that relate to the breed. So, first of all size is important. Evaluate the area of your apartment and the size of the dog, make sure that you and she will be comfortable. In addition, it is important to familiarize yourself with the behavioral characteristics of the animal. For example, some breeds do not tolerate prolonged loneliness.
If your work involves frequent departures and business trips, then you should refuse to purchase such a puppy. Another important factor is the rules of keeping and the principles of caring for the animal.
Make sure that you can follow all the recommendations of specialists and follow the instructions provided to you.
Basic content rules
In general, the rules of keeping and the principles of caring for fold dogs do not differ from the generally accepted. Nevertheless, there are certain differences.
So, as for lop-eared breeds of dogs, then in the process of their maintenance, special attention should be paid to the animal's health. In addition to traditional preventive medical measures (for example, vaccination, treatment against fleas, worms and others), it is important to carry out regular auricle examinations. Lop-eared animals are prone to various diseases of the ears, so in this sense, owners should be especially careful.
The same goes for hygiene procedures - Do not forget to inspect and, if necessary, clean your ears. This can be done using conventional cotton swabs. If particularly intense contaminants are found, a cotton swab can be moistened with water or vegetable oil. If suddenly you notice that your pet is not feeling well, then immediately go to the veterinarian. Any delay and indecision can lead to the dog losing his hearing, and the most difficult cases can also be fatal.
In no case should you self-medicate, as this can lead to negative consequences.
As mentioned above, lop-eared dogs are very active. That is why they should spend a lot of time in the fresh air. Dogs have high intelligence, so they can safely be recorded on different training group courses or individual lessons. If desired training can be carried out independently.
If you seriously approach this issue, then your four-legged favorite will be able to participate in various sports competitions and even win in them.
In addition to ear cleaning, Do not forget to take care of other hygiene procedures.. These include bathing, which should be done if necessary. Moreover, in the process of carrying out water procedures, it is important that the water itself is quite warm, and only specially designed cleaning products for dogs are allowed to wash the animal. It is also important to examine the condition of the oral cavity and periodically brush your teeth. Nail clippings and eye examinations are also necessary care measures.
Regardless of whether the dog lives in an apartment or in a private house, you need to equip your own place for it. The dog should have a bed (it can be made from an old blanket or pillows), a bowl for food and water. Animal nutrition can be both natural and consist of finished feed. Anyway It must be complete and balanced.
About the Beagle fold breed, see the next video.