Немецкая длинношерстная овчарка пользуется very popular among dog owners. And indeed, this is a dog with excellent service characteristics, and the long hair adds to it some decorativeness, impressiveness, and makes it visually massive. This is on the one hand. Some owners adhere to a diametrically opposite point of view, saying that caring for a working dog should be minimal, and if you want to comb out wool, you can buy a Pekingese.
German Shepherd Color
Most often it is black and fawn.Cream, black, zonary individuals are accepted for breeding (preferably with black markings). It is unacceptable too light and the more white shades, this indicates a genetic pathology. The color of the German Shepherd does not depend on the length of the coat. This is one breed with uniform characteristics. The chest and paws of shepherd dogs are more often of a red color, although the shade can vary from straw to fiery red, red and dark brown. The back is much darker. Depending on the degree of darkness, they distinguish zone-gray, black, tan and black colors. Cheprachny is most common.
History, or How did the German Longhair Sheepdog
Initially, there was one breed of sheepdogs.Among them were animals both with long hair, and with a shorter, more rigid one. At the same time, the founders of the breed believed that long-haired dogs would not be able to work in adverse weather conditions, therefore they were considered to be a tribal marriage. There is some truth in this: a luxurious, combed-out mane in field conditions quickly turns into a koltun, from which branches and weeds stick. But the "Fuzzies" appeared their fans.
Back in 1984 the first club was organized,dedicated to this particular thread. Breeding them as a separate breed is quite complicated, since a couple of long-haired parents can have offspring with a normal, short-haired coat. Just like when breeding ordinary representatives of the breed, in the litter one baby can have a long coat. It should be noted that only in Russia this type of dog is recognized as a separate breed. There are specialized clubs, exhibitions are organized. Abroad, the same long-haired puppies are considered marriage. These dogs are purchased by large Russian clubs for breeding.
Breed description
The German Longhair Sheepdog is elegant,fit, athletic dog. You can not forget her profile, once seen. At exhibitions, its swiftness and flexibility are additionally emphasized by the special stand, as if the animal is preparing for a quick run. This is a large, strong dog, a real protector and guard. The weight of the German Shepherd Dog is 34-43 kg, height - 56-66 cm at the withers.
The coat is of medium length, consists of two layers,which are constantly updated. If the animal lives in an apartment, it is necessary to comb it several times a week, otherwise the entire floor will be covered with falling hair. At the same time, in spring and autumn, the molting process is enhanced. The undercoat is grayish in color, but it is not visible through the outer layer, more rigid and darker. The coat is longer on the hips, sides and neck, due to which the dog has a unique appearance. At the same time, the size of the German Shepherd Dog is visually increasing. Even long-haired puppies seem to be real cubs compared to regular peers.
Features of behavior
German Longhair Sheepdog is differentunique intelligence and ingenuity. Her consistency, balance and fast learner are used in all industries where the help of a four-legged friend is needed. First of all, these are security services, army border units, police. At the same time, the “German” is a true friend of the family: soft, loyal, loves children and gets along well with all pets. But he does not like idleness, therefore, if your work schedule implies a long absence, then it is better to find another owner's sheep-dog.
Special recommendations
Caring for a German Shepherd Dog includes providingdaily exercise. That is why it is recommended to keep these animals in country houses. Of course, no one forbids bringing up a dog in a residential environment, just keep in mind that it also needs personal space. Therefore, if you have a one-room apartment in which 4 people live, it is better to refuse to purchase such a pet. In addition, you must be sure that you will be able to provide the sheepdog with normal feeding, regular walking (3-4 times a day for a puppy, 2 times for an adult animal), timely veterinary assistance.
Luxurious wool
Caring for a German Shepherd (especiallylong-haired) includes constant combing. Pick a comb that will be comfortable for you and not traumatic for the dog. Otherwise, the undercoat will go awry, and the shepherd will lose its luxurious look. During the molting period, this should be done daily. They often do not need to be bathed: the natural smell of the dog still does not go anywhere, and more frequent water procedures can damage the natural protective film. When the animal dries, with a piece of suede and a comb, you need to give the wool a beautiful look.
Possible health problems
Most often it is an impaired thigh growth.This has little effect on the lifestyle and health of the dog, but at the exhibition it leaves immediately and is not allowed to breed. This is a genetic problem, therefore, breeding only such individuals, you can reduce this line to nothing. As a rule, sick pets have problems with digestion, sometimes chronic eczema occurs.
"As you call a boat, so it will float"
How to name a pet? Rex? Ray? Alpha?Or maybe Shine? This is an important question to think about. Nicknames for the German Shepherd should be bright and certainly short, match the floor and appearance. This is the first word that a puppy should relate to itself. In essence, it means for the dog: “Attention, the command will now follow.” You can agree with the nickname, which is indicated in the map, or invent something of your own.
Fundamental rules
German shepherd nicknames must be selectedbased on the characteristics of the breed. They should be easily perceived, moreover, if you quietly call your pet on the street, he should hear and pay attention to your voice at a distance of 30 meters. After all, this is a service dog, and you never know what conditions you have to be in. Well, if in the nickname there are voiced, solid sounds: b, d, z, p. For a dog are well suited sonorous names: Agate, Baron, Wolf, Grant, Zeus, Colt, Lord, Mitch, Oscar, Perseus, Ralph, Mist, Fred. Souk is often called: Adele, Berta, Greta, Jessie, Zara, Krista, Laurie, Margot, Oda, Rhonda, Taiga, Frida.
It is very important to teach your puppy a name beforefor the first time bring him into the yard or start teaching the teams. It is often necessary to pronounce the nickname, playing with your pet, caring for him, giving food and treat. When the baby remembers his name well, it will be easy to move on to the first teams. Walking on the street, it is enough to call a puppy, and when he draws attention to you, say “to me” and praise.
Let's sum up the results
Longhair German Shepherd is lovelyfriend and reliable protector. The average life expectancy of such a dog is 11 years. If you are not afraid of unnecessary care and cleaning, or you have a territory adjacent to the house, where the animal will spend a lot of time - feel free to stop the choice on these handsome men. You are provided with a round-the-clock convoy and infinite love of a pet, and on the streets you will always be accompanied by admiring glances of passersby.
