Description of the top 11 best dog breeds that graze sheep and how to choose a puppy
Sheep dogs have existed since ancient times, when people began to engage in sheep breeding. Brave pets guarded and guided the herds, protected livestock from attack by wolves, guarded the owner's property, and even transported small luggage. All breeds of dogs that graze sheep are called shepherds. Today, wonderful animals are still involved in grazing sheep, becoming loyal companions and guards.
Content
- 1 Benefits of Herding Dog Breeds
- 2 History of appearance
- 3 Most popular breeds
- 3.1 Scottish shepherd (collie)
- 3.2 Australian Shepherds - Healer
- 3.3 Central Asia Shepherd Dog - Alabai
- 3.4 Bernese Shepherd Dog - Mountain Dog
- 3.5 Welsh corgi
- 3.6 Komondor - Hungarian representative
- 3.7 South Russian Shepherd Dog (YURO)
- 3.8 Moody - Hungarian Shepherd
- 3.9 German Shepherd
- 3.10 Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- 3.11 Bobtail
- 4 Puppy selection rules
Benefits of Herding Dog Breeds
Sheepdogs are valued all over the world, as they have many advantages:
- beautiful appearance, harmonious physique;
- physical strength, developed muscles;
- the ability to cope with high physical activity;
- luxurious wool with a dense undercoat that helps to survive in the highlands and harsh climatic conditions;
- discipline due to lack of hunting instinct;
- developed guard skills, distrust of strangers, readiness to attack an ill-wisher;
- endless devotion to the owner.
History of appearance
The first sheep herding dogs appeared several thousand years ago in the Asian highlands. The first shepherd dogs were so strong and harsh that they easily drove away not only a wolf pack, but also bears from the sheep. When dogs came to Europe, breeders decided that shepherd dogs should not only be brave and strong, but also beautiful, noticeable among the grazing sheep.
The peak of selection of herding dogs in European countries fell on the 20th century. The Germans bred a shepherd dog, which became in demand not as a four-legged shepherd, but as a pet for work in the police and the army. Russian breeders take pride in the imposing and tough East European and South Russian Shepherd Dogs.
Most popular breeds
In each country, breeders selected shepherd dogs according to the desired character traits and appearance, so breeds with specific characteristics, adapted to living in certain climatic conditions, arose. Below is a list of the world's most popular sheep guard dogs.
Scottish shepherd (collie)
The British and Scots, with their characteristic aristocracy, decided that a sheep grazing dog should be a real beauty. So the collie appeared - a breed with a silky, flowing coat, a harmonious physique. The original purpose of the collie was to guard the sheep, to monitor the safety of the owner's children. But soon the beautiful dogs attracted the attention of the aristocrats and became elite pets.
During the 1950s and 1970s the series "Lassie" was on, the Scottish Shepherd became incredibly popular around the world. Collie still grazes sheep in farming areas in England and Scotland today. But more often the dog is brought in as a companion.
Australian Shepherds - Healer
The Australians bred sheep grazing dogs separately from the Europeans. The progenitor of the Australian shepherd was the wild dog dingo. The Healer Sheepdog is strong, sinewy, with well-developed muscles and a large skeleton. The highlight of the breed is the original color: blue, speckled blue, speckled red.
The four-legged shepherd subtly feels the master's mood, understands what to do with the sheep, even without commands, but only by the owner's facial expressions.
Healers prefer a gregarious lifestyle, love to be in the spotlight, do not show aggression without need and good reason.
Central Asia Shepherd Dog - Alabai
Alabai are the most massive, hardy, severe representatives of the shepherd group. Males weigh up to 90 kg, females weigh about 70 kg. An ancient aboriginal breed only for an experienced breeder, a beginner cannot cope with the dog's tough and rebellious nature. Because of the large size, it is not worth starting an alabay in a city apartment, but because of the severity and willfulness - in a family with small children.
While grazing sheep, Alabai single-handedly rushes at a seasoned wolf. Representatives of the breed are used not only as shepherds, but also as fighting dogs.
Bernese Shepherd Dog - Mountain Dog
The Swiss Shepherd Dog is a dog not only for grazing sheep, but also for protection and service purposes. Breeders have tried to maximize positive character traits. The Sennenhund is a wonderful companion for a large family, he willingly takes part in children's games, is suitable for keeping both in a country house and in a modest city apartment.
Welsh corgi
Few people know that funny short-legged dogs are shepherds. Their initial purpose was to control the movement of the herd. The dogs grabbed the sheep by the legs, urging them on, correcting the direction of movement. Today the corgi is not a sheep, but a decorative doggie for indoor keeping.
Komondor - Hungarian representative
The ancient Hungarian Shepherd Dog looks large and imposing, but a significant percentage of its body weight is accounted for by long, coiled hair in tight dreadlocks. The original "fur coat" makes the dog look like a sheep, making it almost impossible to see a four-legged shepherd in a moving herd.
Wool builds up dirt, smells bad, is difficult to clean, and the slightest scratches on the skin can cause severe inflammation.
South Russian Shepherd Dog (YURO)
A massive, stout dog with voluminous hair, originally intended to help in herding sheep, but today it is used for guarding purposes. Representatives of the breed help border guards to guard the borders of our country, attacking the enemy, show amazing dexterity and swiftness.
The appearance of the dog is sweet, cute, not combined with a serious character. It is hard to believe that this is a born guard, and not a wiggly lapdog.
Moody - Hungarian Shepherd
The Hungarian Sheepdog is so nimble that it alone is enough to keep track of a large flock of sheep. Can be used as a hunting dog, helps to track down big game.
The irrepressible energy of the mudi should regularly find a way out. Daily training in the fresh air, agility, and jogging help in this. A small shepherd dog feels great in indoor conditions.
German Shepherd
It is deservedly considered the best breed created by German breeders. In fact, this dog is a national treasure of Germany. Representatives of the breed do an excellent job with grazing not only sheep, but also cattle. About 100 years ago, the German Shepherd began to be used to help carry out military and police tasks.
The German Shepherd is capable of performing a variety of tasks, that is, like a Labrador, in terms of its skills, it is a universal breed.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Large dogs with a noble appearance are also called Caucasian wolfhounds. The history of the breed lasts more than 2 thousand years. The purpose of the pet is to guard sheep, to engage in battle with wild animals that have encroached on the herd. The character of the representatives of the breed is appropriate: brave, uncompromising, decisive, stern.
From the 18th century to the present day, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has been used for guard duty.
Bobtail
The shepherd dog bred in England has long lost the skills of protecting sheep, has turned into a friend and companion. Bobtail can be used as a guide for blind people.
Puppy selection rules
Sheepdogs are one of the most convenient to care for and keep dogs, they are not capricious, hardy, smart. But when choosing a puppy, some nuances should be taken into account so that there are no problems later:
- If the farmer needs a pet to guard the sheep, a cheap pet (companion) puppy can be purchased. If you want your dog to take part in exhibitions, you will have to pay a considerable amount for a puppy in the show category.
- Herding dogs need freedom, regular physical activity. You should not buy a shepherd dog for a stay-at-home or careerist. Sheepdog is not a couch dog, it needs to be walked twice a day for 2 hours.
- You should choose a puppy in a reputable kennel, not from your hands.
- The seller must provide the buyer with a veterinary passport with marks of health and vaccination, as well as a document confirming the pedigree.
- When buying, you need to carefully observe the offered puppies. The chosen animal should not be intimidated or aggressive. You can clap your hands over the puppy's head, if he gets scared, starts barking angrily, tries to hide, then there is a disorder with his mental state.
If it is not possible to provide the shepherd dog with walking according to the regime and proper conditions of detention, then it is better to pay attention to other breeds that are less in need of attention and physical activity.
