Wolfhounds: description of breeds, history, features of content and education

Dogs are one of the first animals that were tamed by humans. To date, approximately 400 different species of these pets are known. Wolfhound dogs occupy a special place in providing watchdog and guard assistance to people.

Wolfhound - the common name for large, bold and hardy dog ​​breeds. Determining the exact period of their origin is difficult. In ancient times, going with large herds of cattle to meadows remote from human settlements, shepherds took with them four-legged friends of impressive size, which could repel predators.

Having appreciated their skills and significance, people began to take animals for hunting, use them as watchmen and sled dogs. The need for such assistants arose everywhere in people, and during breeding in different parts of the world a variety of breeds that met these requirements were bred.

Wolfhounds are characterized by a peculiar beauty and grace, each of their movements is filled with strength and energy, but they look menacing and frightening. All representatives have similarities in appearance. They are characterized by:

• large size, muscular physique;
• developed physical qualities;
• massive elongated limbs;
• medium sized head;
• long back;
• coarse thick shaggy coat.

Dogs grow up slowly, they are considered puppies up to 2 years old. Hunting breeds until this time are not advised to go hunting.Animals are adapted to live in various conditions, they tolerate heat, cold and rain. It is recommended to keep in the courtyard of a private house.

Wolfhounds are divided into different species, the nature of individuals to a large extent depends on their belonging, but nevertheless, certain features common to all types can be noted:

• devotion and affection for the owners;
• fearlessness, quick wit and intelligence;
• patience and endurance;
• desire for leadership;
• self-esteem;
• the need for a large personal space;
• they are relatively easy to train and train;
• they do not like violations of their borders, they warn with barking and growling;
• need strict upbringing.

Despite the external severity, dogs are very fond of members of the family in which they live, and show them manifestations of their love. Strangers are wary, because the main task of animals is ensuring the safety and security of households, which they perform efficiently.

People who want to have a wolfhound for personal purposes should understand that each species has its own characteristics.

The breed was bred centuries ago in Ireland. It belongs to the type of hunting greyhound dogs. They reach growth up to 79 cm, gain weight up to 55 kg. Colors are different: black, brindle, wheat, fawn. They have a calm, balanced character. Very loving towards the owners, adore children. Feel the joy of walking with the whole family.

They are smart, obedient, easy to train and educate, and therefore suitable for inexperienced owners. The first aggression is not shown, but the attackers will always give a bold rebuff. Well, without anger and jealousy, they relate to other pets. Irish dogs are not recommended as a guard dog, since they friendly to others.

The breed first appeared more than 2000 years ago in the Caucasus, its ancestors are the Tibetan Great Dane. It has good qualities of a shepherd, guard and guard dog. Shepherd dogs grow up to 75 cm, weigh an average of 70 kg, the largest representatives weigh 110 kg. Wool is usually gray, fawn, colorful, red and brown.

Behind the impressive size lies a complex character, a loving heart and a devoted soul. They are distinguished by courage and perseverance. Attached to the owners. Families show sympathy for children, love to play with them. But you can’t leave children with them without the presence of adults, since in games they may not calculate their strength and power and accidentally drop a child. To strangers are extremely incredulous. Get along with other pets, although they tend to dominate.

It has an ancient origin, but is not widespread. Most often, dogs of this breed can be found in Buryatia, Mongolia and the Siberian region. Other names are known: hotosho, Mongolian shepherd, banhar, dog of the Huns. "Hotosho" in the Buryat language means "dog of the yard", and "banhar" in translation from Mongolian - "big, fat."

Growth ranges from 62 to 78 cm, weight 50–72 kg. Basic colors: brown, gray, black and tan, red. The coat is heterogeneous in color; spots on the chest and paws are usually white or beige.

Dogs are devoted to home and family. Smart, quick-witted, quickly learn teams. The territory entrusted to them is guarded responsibly. The first to attack is not typical for them, but when threatened, the hosts always defend themselves.

Get along with other pets. They have a cheerful disposition, they like to spend time with children. They do not have aesthetic features, and therefore they are not suitable for people who want to participate in exhibitions. But the dogs are reliable watchmen, good friends and companions.

Other names are also common: the Turkmen wolfhound and the Central Asian shepherd. The breed appeared as a result of natural selection and selection in Central Asia. Its ancestors are the great Asian and Tibetan mastiffs.

Growth at the withers varies between 62–65 cm, weight - 40–75 kg. The color of the coat can be white, gray, brown, black, red, tiger, fawn, piebald or speckled. Alabai are very strong and courageous, they can attack and defeat any predatory animal.

They are distinguished by independence, unpretentiousness, calm disposition and ability to adapt to various situations. Friendly with the owners and especially with their children. Get along with other pets but if you get another dog in the house, then they show aggression, thereby indicating their main role. Behavior must be controlled during walks in order to prevent possible aggressive attacks in time when other fellow tribesmen enter the field of view of the pet.

They need early education, it is advisable to carry out the first training under the guidance of an experienced trainer. Dogs need frequent physical activity and long walks. They have watchdog skills, suitable for security functions.

The pedigree of the breed originates in 1121 BC. e. Dogs were widespread from Eastern Europe to the Far East. The main purpose is the protection of the home and the protection of pastures. It has another name: Kazakh shepherd. Tobet in translation means "a dog sitting on a mountain." Today, this type of wolfhound is considered rare. In 2014, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a coin in denomination of 500 tenge with an image of tobet.

Outwardly similar to Alabai. Height is 66–76 cm, weight - 55 kg. According to the standard, they are piebald or spotty in color, often with large spots on the body. Behind a formidable view, a calm, smart and noble nature hides.

These dogs are born and fearless leaders; since childhood, they need training with the assistance of a professional trainer. With properly organized education and training, problems with animals do not arise. They recognize the authority of the owner and do not show aggression without reason.

In 2011, the International Cynological Union assigned this type the status of the national breed of Armenia. Today, as in ancient times, these dogs are in the service of people: they guard housing and other facilities, guard herds, accompany them on the hunt. They reach growth up to 67 cm, and weight can be about 60 kg.

Character combines independence and gentleness. Dogs are calm, feel unity with the family in which they live and faithfully protect. Gampres need confirmation of their significance, often in the family they feel great attachment to women, who are more often more open emotionally, and show affection and care for them. They love children, make friends with other animals living in the house. Family guests are met calmly, without barking and growling.

Dogs of this breed are recognized as a national treasure of Turkey. They are forbidden to be taken out of the country in order to avoid mixing with other breeds. But still, in some ways in the 80s of the last century, representatives were able to leave the homeland and began to spread throughout the world, appeared in America and Europe.

They grow to 65–78 cm, weigh 40–70 kg. Coat of brown, beige, gray-yellow, gray-brown tones. For the breed, white is considered unacceptable. On the face most often there is a kind of black mask.

The dogs have excellent watchdog skills, they diligently guard the territories entrusted to them. Kangals love their owner and at every opportunity try to be near. When a stranger appears in the presence of the owner, he carefully monitors his reaction. If they see goodwill, they behave calmly and are allowed to stroke. They are indulgent towards children, can withstand their grip and other pranks. Aexhibit aggression only in cases of danger.

The breed was bred in the 19th century in Russia. Growth of adults - 75–85 cm, weight - 37–47 kg. The colors are different: white, gray, forelock, mug, genital, burmate, golden, black. Dogs have a refined aristocratic appearance. A narrow physique, long wavy hair, an elongated face and a good look give a special charm.

Well developed hunting skills. The character is calm, but in hunting conditions at the sight of prey they become aggressive. Thanks to graceful long legs, they are capable of very fast running, they reach speeds of up to 90 km / h. Hunting from an ambush can perform a 3-meter jump from a place.

Attention to the owner is noted, they are somewhat jealous of children, they see them as competitors for receiving attention, but they will never offend them. They can hardly stand loneliness. New people are treated neutrally, without aggression. Russian greyhounds are smart and easy to learn. Unlike other wolfhounds This breed is suitable for maintenance not only in a private house, but also in an apartment.

The breed belongs to the class of Central Asian greyhounds. Place of Origin - Kyrgyzstan. Growth at the withers - 60–75 cm, weight - 25–33 kg. The coat is elongated, soft. There are colors gray, white, reddish, genital, black with white marks, forelock.

The main feature is the ability to hunt in mountain conditions. They are attracted to hunt foxes, badgers. With a group form of hunting in a team of 2-3 dogs, they are able to fill up a wolf, argali (mountain sheep) and mountain goat.

Dogs are characterized by courage, vigilance, dexterity and speed. In addition to hunting skills, watchdog skills are also well developed. Loyal to the owners, love children. Very independent and balanced, easily tolerate separation, dogs can be safely left at home. They love long joint walks with the owner.

For the full development and manifestation of their best qualities, wolfhounds need space. The apartment living conditions (except for the Russian greyhound) are not suitable for them. It is necessary to contain in private households, preferably in enclosures, and not on a chain. Freedom of movement is necessary, without it they can become destructive and bark for no reason.

But even with a large enclosure, you need walks to manifest physical activity. Dogs love to run fast, but they can only be allowed in a safe and free zone.

Coarse wool does not require care. It is enough to comb 1-2 times a week. You need to accustom to this procedure from childhood, so that in an adult state wolfhounds do not resist her. It’s enough to bathe once every 2 months, but if the dog gets very dirty, you can more often. The claws of dogs living in private houses with a yard or a site most often grind themselves, but their length must be monitored and, if necessary, shortened.

Among owners, there is often a misconception that wolfhounds have strong immunity, and they do not need vaccinations. But during the period of active growth of puppies and tooth changes, it decreases significantly, and the risk of catching an infection increases. Therefore, it is better to protect pets and carry out routine vaccinations from 4-8 weeks of age and further in accordance with the vaccination schedule.

Food should be balanced. It is necessary to ensure that the calorie intake corresponds to their consumption. Overfeeding is undesirable, as this does not affect the health of animals in the best way. Puppies are given food 4 times a day, and adult dogs should only have 2 meals. The daily diet should include meat, preferably beef or veal.

With natural nutrition the use of special vitamins is mandatory, since the lack of trace elements negatively affects the condition of the coat and the work of internal organs. Due to the large size, wolfhounds experience stress on the joints, therefore special attention should be paid to the adequate intake of calcium in their body.

Growing up of wolfhounds drags on for 2 years, during which time they develop a character and relationships with family members. During this period, efforts must be made to educate and socialize them.

Puppies must be required to obey, so that they realize that it is impossible to disobey the owner. The execution of commands should be brought to automaticity, although this may require a lot of time. The appeal at the first trainings to professional trainers will not be superfluous. With the severity of the owners, puppies learn quickly. But if you allow disobedience several times, smart animals will realize that the requirement can not be fulfilled, and you will have to make every effort to restore obedience.

When walking, you should socialize puppies with other breeds. In the absence of aggression from other dogs, small wolfhounds need to be given the opportunity to communicate with them. The manifestation of causeless aggression, especially in relation to small dogs, must be suppressed with a loud, powerful voice. Young wolfhounds must learn that you can’t attack brothers. With proper education, wolfhounds become disciplined by the end of the first year of life, and communication with them will give owners pleasure.

About the features of wolfhounds, see below.