Decorative, hunting, service. The list is incomplete without shepherd dogs. Nameclasses is associated with the destination of dogs. They are guards of cattle, guiding it to pastures and from them, beating off predators.
The last task was relevant a century ago. Therefore, the first shepherd Dog Breedsdiffered in power, large size, ferocity. Such brought forth the nomadic peoples of Asia. Once in Europe, the dogs began to transform into smaller, brighter, more accommodating and quick-witted. What are the associated metamorphoses? Let's understand.
History and features of shepherd dogs
Shepherd Dog crushed because of the change of profile. Since the 17th century in Europe, the wolves have been so actively shooting back that they almost exterminated them. Protect herds was simply not from anyone.
But, the need to protect the vegetable gardens of the sprawling cities from the grass has escalated. This is the name of the trampling of plots of livestock. From the dogs, it was required to manage the herd safely during its distillation and pasture.
There was no need for fury and huge size. Not with a bear to fight. However, although rarely, attacks on herds continued. Therefore, fearlessness shepherd's dogspreserved.
In order to preserve the dogs themselves, Europeans focused on the selection of dogs with colors different from the colors of predator skins and visible in the dark. People also defended their livestock and, at times, accidentally shot four-legged assistants. After the sad stories, buy a shepherd's dogbegan to try a light color.
In accordance with its mission, the shepherd dogs are proportionally built up, physically developed and enduring. Running miles for herds across rough terrain is exhausting. Hairy all the dogs are shepherds for good reason.
Dense and long coat protects from rain, heat. The fur coat keeps the body temperature even when it's 40 degrees hot on the street. In addition, the wool is hammered into the mouths of attacking predators.
The struggle with attacking predators in shepherd dogs is connected with a guard, and not a hunting instinct. If the last one is developed, the dog will start to distract from its basic duties, because not only wolves run around in the fields, but also hares.
On them representatives of the breeds of the group should not pay attention. The beast is interested in dogs only when it threatens cattle.
On the photo the shepherd collie-dog
From the shepherds dogs were rejected individuals expressing aggression towards a person, disobedience. Therefore, the heroes of the article are self-sacrificed to people, complaisant in communicating with their masters.
However, shepherd dogs are alert to strangers. Can damage the herd can not only beasts, but people. Dogs instinctively know this, announcing the arrival of strangers with loud barking.
According to the nature of the shepherds' breeds, they are reserved-observant. These are not upstarts, breaching about or without. But, if there is an excuse, the dog can be aggressive. Grassland stockpiles are usually divided between people.
The dog knows its territory and takes it to the apartment life. Planting a shepherd in the role of a companion dog, one must understand that the pet will guard his house, the plot with him, the path along which he walks, the car of the owners. However, we'll talk about the nuances of the contents of the article's heroes in a separate chapter.
Care of the shepherd dogs and their contents
A shepherd dog in the house needs an observation post. The pet instinctively strives to keep the situation under control, to hide and watch. Because of this, shepherd dogs are perceived by many as phlegmatic. However, at moments of danger and threat, dogs show miracles of speed of reaction, dexterity and ingenuity.
At home, shepherds are often considered aggressive. Meanwhile, until 3-4 years old dogs behave atypically. This is due to the late maturation of shepherds.
Growling at the guests in the corridor is an animal - only uncertain puppy. Shepherd Dog asks the owner for help. He must show that he owns the situation and there is nothing to worry about.
On the photo, an Australian shepherd dog
Remembering the natural obstacles to the protection of herds, shepherd dogs show special vigilance in the dark, fog, in a smoke-filled space. If a strong in the city, evening, it is better to take a pet on a leash.
In the rest of the time, the shepherd's dogs walk perfectly without a leash, muzzles. However, you need to observe the distance from the four-legged. The approaching of outsiders to themselves and their attacks in their direction perceive as an attack. In a crowd with a shepherd, they walk on a leash, controlling the behavior of the dog.
Alertness of shepherd dogs requires systematic socialization during puppyhood. Strokes from the owners give positive emotions and fix the touch in the mind, as something pleasant.
Try to take the puppy to the crowded places, playing there with him and encouraging the goodies. Educate a calm and loyal friend. True, he will not stop barking. The need is related to the notification of the surrounding open spaces that there is protection near the "herd" and should not be approached.
Zychny bark makes it difficult to keep the shepherd dogs in a block of flats. Heroes of the article are more suitable for private homes. It is for dwellings, not enclosures in the yard. The exception of the family circle of shepherds is hard. The measure of ignoring in educational purposes is also unacceptable.
In the photo, a Hungarian shepherd dog
The owner of the shepherd dog is important to prove his independence. Otherwise, the pet will perceive the owner as a weak unit that needs protection. From this point on, even a relative can not shake hands.
The dog will begin to defend the ward. They may be a child. The attitude of shepherd dogs to children, by the way, depends on upbringing and socialization. Working dogs are not always patient with children.
The physical data of shepherds require long walks with their pets. The heroes of the article are not for busy people. The pet is required to devote a minimum of several hours a day. However, the nuances of leaving depend on the chosen breed. Consider a few popular.
Breeds of shepherd dogs
The list will open australian shepherd dog. It is ideal for distilling cattle for long distances, but is problematic in the house. Representatives of the breed crave constant work, action.
Every day the dog must lie down and fall asleep "without hind legs." Lack of fatigue leads to problems with behavior. Energy begins to splash into aggression, eccentricity, wilfulness.
In the photo the Hungarian shepherd dog Moody
On photo the shepherd dogAustralia with medium-length wool, erect ears, elongated muzzle. An animal of medium height, lean and muscular. Genetically, the breed is a mixture brought by the colonizers, and a wild dog. Later, they mixed up the blood. The first option was too kusach and aggressive.
Attention deserves and hungarian shepherd dog. It is also called mudi. Unlike the Australian shepherds, the representatives of Hungary are universal. Mudi becomes not only shepherds, but also hunters, companions, and searchers.
Especially good dogs breed detect drugs. Hungarian dogs perfectly get on with active people, whether they are hunters, fishermen or sportsmen. The owner recognizes only one person. To the family members of the owner of the mudi are calm.
Externally, the Hungarian shepherd dog recalls. The same wedge-shaped head with a pointed muzzle and standing ears. Dimensions are average. Wool in dogs of the breed is moderately long, silky. On the head and paws hair curls.
French Shepherd Doglarger than its predecessors. At the withers the dogs of the breed reach 70 centimeters. Weigh about 50 kilograms. The appearance of the shepherd is typical for shepherds, because the breed belongs to them.
In the photo the French shepherd dog
In the photo the French shepherd dog Briard
At the withers the Azores reach 60 centimeters, and weigh more than 50 kilos. This indicates a dense, broad-boned and muscular body of the representatives of the breed. There is something in them from the terriers.
Like the last, Azores shepherds odnolyuby, with difficulty are experiencing a change of owners. To foreign people, the breeds are excessively aggressive, but they are intellectually different. This fact allows you to train pets.
In the hands of professional dog handlers, the shepherd dogs from the Azores become calm and complaisant to everyone. Only now, the breed is listed in the top "20 of the world's rarest dogs". The price of the dog is corresponding. An animal with a pedigree is asked for at least 800-US dollars.
On the photo the Azores shepherd dog
Finish the list bernese shepherd dog. Known, also, under the name. There were representatives of the breed from the Roman Molossians. Outwardly, the mountain dog reminds, just as powerful, with a broad muzzle and slightly loose lips.
The power of a dog is associated with historical application. In olden times, Bernese dogs were used not only as shepherds, but also as draft power.
The character of the Bernese Mountain Dog is agreeable to a shepherd dog. But, we need space. Bernese dogs perfectly coexist in the courtyards of private houses. Do not put on a chain.
In the photo, a Bernese shepherd dog, also called the Bernese Mountain Dog
In the house sennenhundu closely, and the owners are uncomfortable, because shepherd year-round sheds. The dog has a lot of wool, it's long. In general, you can get rid of sofas, clothes and floors.
A constant companion in the pastures was a dog. This four-legged friend not only helped to feed the herds, but also guarded them from the attack of predatory animals. First all shepherd dogs were called sheep dogs, and only after many centuries breeds of shepherd dogs were identified.
And all this time from the first primitive rocks carefully deduced those who possess the necessary set of qualities:
- Average body size with a proportional physique.
- Stamina and developed musculature - for large and long loads.
- Thick coat with undercoat - for protection from bad weather or heat.
- Poorly developed hunting instinct (so that the dog is not distracted from its direct duties).
- Excellent security qualities, distrust of strangers. If necessary, the dog can pursue the beast.
- Selfless devotion to the owner.
- Courage and courage.
Geography of the breeding of shepherd dogs
The geography of countries where shepherds' breeds were bred is quite extensive. And the more the livestock is developed in the state, the more it is the homeland for more breeds of dogs of this category.
For example, Hungary has become the birthplace of five common breeds of shepherd dogs - the commander, bullets, pumi, mudi and Hungarian kuvas. The first two are long-haired, capable of superbly carrying even the harshest weather. Pumi is a relatively young breed, derived by crossing a bullet and Pomeranian Spitz. It is used not only as a guard of the herd, but also as a guard dog, as well as a rodent fighter. A Hungarian shepherd dog (mudi) is an even younger breed, obtained by crossing several breeds, including bullets and pumas.
Slovakia, in which there is no mountainous terrain, and, accordingly, livestock breeding is developed to a lesser extent, in its history brought out only one breed of shepherd dogs - the Slovak chuvash, which is closely related to the Hungarian kuvas.
Great popularity with English shepherd dogs. This is the well-known collie (Scottish shepherd), as well as sheltie, bobtail. You can often see little handsome welsh corgi. It was this breed of dogs that the royal family preferred. And the dog of this breed was presented by the king as a gift to his daughter Elizabeth II. And all because their representatives are very intelligent, are able to perfectly overcome difficulties and fulfill their functions.
Swiss breeds of shepherd dogs are one of the few remaining, thanks to the skillful actions of breeders, in their pure form until today. Four kinds of Swiss shepherds with a unique color in the form of a tricolor - this is Switzerland's weighty contribution to the science of cynology. A large mountain dog (or a large mountain dog has 72 cm at the withers and has a smooth wool.) The Bernese shepherd dog (Bernese Mountain Dog) is already long-haired, with a withers of 65 cm. Well, the appenzeller sennenhund and entlebucher sennenhund are short-haired, 58 and 35 cm respectively. photo depicts the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Contributed to the breeding of shepherd dogs and Belgium. And very weighty. In Belgium, there were breeds of dogs, the herds of which are of high quality and are appreciated all over the world. Versatility, excellent security capabilities, similar physique, height of 62 cm at the withers - such are the Belgian shepherd dogs. They differ only in the color and appearance of the coat. So, they have a long black coat, and the representatives of the Tervuren breed differ from the first with a bronze color with a black shade. Another shepherd dog, malinois, has the same color, but it has a shorter and more closely fitting coat. But lakenua is a breed of Belgian shepherd dogs.
Australian Shepherd Dog
It is a cattle breed, and its second name, the healer, it got thanks to the manner of grazing the cattle for the lower part of the hind legs (from the English heel - heel) with the fit of the herd.
Australian shepherd dog has a body length of 44-51 cm, its color can vary from red to dark gray. This is an extremely unpretentious and hardy animal, always active and ready for decisive action. Ideal conditions for the dog - staying in the fresh air most of the time. It gets along well with other animals. Possessing vigilance and strong grip, the dog also shows good results in the work of detention.
The history of the breed originates in the middle of the XIX century, when the development of the Australian state of New South Wales took place. Together with the cattle herdsmen brought here also shepherd dogs - the Smithfields (black bobtails), which were not adapted to the heat, were too large and noisy, which frightened the animals.
The first attempt by farmers to cross smithfield with dingoes (in 1830) was unsuccessful: red short-tailed dogs worked quietly but strongly bitten. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to cross a long-haired collie with a bull terrier. And in 1840, the landowner Thomas Holle ordered from Scotland two collies (black and blue and gray-black-marble), which were then crossed with dingoes. So the Australian shepherd dog with a blue color was received. It should be noted that the same was done by the farmer J. Elliott of Queensland, and some still call this breed Queensland. A little later Sydney farmers mixed the healers with Dalmatian blood, due to which the breed inherited the speckled-and-white pattern of the "shirt".
The breed received its recognition in 1903 thanks to Robert Kaleski, who initiated its first standard. In 1963 he came out in a modern interpretation, and in 1987 his last version of FCI was released. In 1979 the standard was approved by the ACS. Also the breed's recognition is confirmed by SCS, UKC, KCGB and ANKC.
Australian Kelpie
The breed received its name from the water mentioned in Louis Stevenson's work kelpie.
The Australian Kelpie is a very active dog, with an excellent combination of muscular strength and great flexibility of the limbs. He has a high intellect, differs loyalty to a person and devotion to work. Despite its average size (43-58 cm at the withers), the dog copes well with grazing even cattle. Has a short coat of black, black and tan, red, rusty with tan, fawn, chocolate or smoky blue.
The history of the occurrence of the breed has not been fully studied. The first mention of it dates back to 1870. It was widely spread that the emergence of the breed was the result of crossing with the wild. The Australian kelpie does possess the habits of a wild dog. For example, when grazing, he bends his head to the ground, as if he creeps up to the victim. In general, dogs of this breed can single-leggedly graze a thousand sheep. In their work, they apply techniques such as biting insubordinate animals by their feet, as well as jumping over their backs to quickly reach the other end of the herd.
The breed was recognized by the FCI standard.
Azorean dog
Dogs of this breed are extremely rare. Only directly in the Azores, and occasionally at competitions and exhibitions, one can meet its representatives. Although at home Azores shepherd dog invariably enjoys well-deserved popularity - excellent working qualities, as well as boundless devotion to the owners make these animals the true favorites of the family.
Azores dogs belong to the cattle breeding category, they have a fairly lively temperament, they perfectly cope with the function of grazing cows and other large cattle, they are a great watchdog. The breed is characterized by its height at the withers, corresponding to 48-60 cm, and has a short tiger-colored coat.
This breed of dogs has another name - Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel (Cau fila de San Miguel) - identical to the name of the largest of the Azores. The fact is that during the period of active expansion of their possessions by Portugal, in 1427, the Azores were discovered by Henry the Seafarer. The presence of lush vegetation and the absence of mammals on them have become an obstacle to the settling of islands by people. Then Henry was given the order to bring to the island of San Miguel cattle, and already in 1439 there were abundant herds of animals, gradually bereaved without human presence. That's when there was a need for a shepherd's dog. Dogs brought by immigrants died out, but their interbreeding with other Molossians gave life to a different breed, named after the island.
Thanks to almost complete isolation over the centuries, the Azores shepherd dogs have kept the breed clean. And only the development of external relations has created the danger of losing its thoroughbredness. Therefore, in 1995, the breed standard recognized by the FCI was described.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian shepherd breed is one of the oldest (she is more than 2,000 years old).
It is also one of the largest breeds (up to 75 cm at the withers, 45-70 kg). According to the type of hair, dogs of this breed are short-haired, with an intermediate length, and also long-haired. But they all have a thick undercoat. Color can be wolf-gray, brown, fawn, red and variegated.
There are two versions of the history of the occurrence of the breed. According to one of them, the breed originated from the Tibetan Great Danes and dates back to 1211 BC. E., when the Chinese Emperor Zhou gave one of these dogs. However, there are images of similar animals on the remains of the Caucasian state of Urartu (VII century BC).
But whatever version they adhere to, one thing is clear - the ancient breeders-cynologists labored for glory. The dog is intelligent, hardy, perfectly copes with the shepherd and guard duty, possesses determination and courage.
Collie
The bright appearance and impeccable of this dog bribes even those who are neutral to our four-legged friends. Of course, we are talking about the Scottish Shepherd Dog, the Collie. The price of a puppy with a pedigree is not in vain starts from 15,000 rubles - after all, its representatives are the standard of canine beauty, devotion and intelligence.
There are several versions of the origin of the name of the breed. According to one of them, it is associated with a species of Scottish sheep colley. On the other - with the word coaly, which in translation means "coal." Well, the third assumes the title is related to the English word collar, which translates as "collar" and points to the chic mane and jabot inherent in this breed. The royal appearance, the proud posture of its representatives, muscular physique, graceful movements, and also magnificent thick and long hair, were appreciated by Queen Victoria, who travels through the Scottish lands. And since 1860 the collies began to take part in exhibitions. Since that time, breeding work with the breed has been directed solely at the exterior and has not concerned the performance of the dog.
Today, the collie is the personification of mind and beauty in the canine world. The sharp mind of the dog allows her to master not only the standard set of commands, but also learn the meanings of many words. Dogs are obedient, smart, become excellent friends and helpers for children. In short, if you decide to get a collie puppy, the price you pay for a thoroughbred breed, though it will be rather big, will fully justify your expectations from the acquisition.
Sheepdog from Portugal
The Portuguese Shepherd has long been valued by its shepherd qualities. The manner of her behavior is in the adjustment of cattle to barking, and also by the silent walk around the flocks or herds when they graze.
This is a medium sized dog (42-55 cm, 12-18 kg) with a thick long and slightly harsh hair. Undercoat is not available. Modern representatives of the breed are mostly black, but there are individuals of gray, reddish, yellow and brown color.
As you can guess from the name, the native breed is Portugal, to be exact - its regions Alentejo and Ribatero. Specialists admit a close relationship with such breeds as Briard, Pyrenean and Catalan Shepherd.
Excellent watchful qualities, tolerance to various weather conditions and unpretentiousness in food, as well as vigor, vigilance, and at the same time calmness and poise - all these qualities are inherent in Portuguese sheep dogs.
Romanian Shepherd Dog
The Romanian shepherd breed originated, probably, as a result of crossing the shepherd dogs of various breeds, possibly Slavic and Turkish.
For the dog of this breed is characterized by white color (or with a brown crab), which is very convenient - such a dog is not afraid of a sheep, it can not be confused with wolves. The coat is straight, thick, and of medium length. The dog has a height at the withers of about 58-66 cm, weight in the range of 32-45 kg, strong bones, short and strong neck, developed musculature.
Romanian Shepherds are very reliable shepherds, perfectly adapted to harsh local conditions. These are very hardy dogs with lightning reaction and innate aggression. The breed is fairly rare and little known beyond the boundary line of its homeland.
Czech dog
The Czech shepherd dog is one of the oldest breeds and, perhaps, the predecessor of the famous German shepherd.
These sheep dogs are 50-55 cm tall and weigh 15-25 kilograms. They have a proportional head and an elongated muzzle. The ears are pointed, of medium size, located at a distance close to each other and high set. The muscular body of the body also has a strong bones. Completes the perfect exterior of the saber-shaped tail. The coat is straight, elongated (up to 12 cm), with a thick, well-developed undercoat, which makes the dog remarkably resistant to severe frosts and summer heat. The coat has black color and tan markings of red-red color on the cheekbones, around the eyes, on the chest, front part of the neck and on the limbs.
Having a height and weight lower than that of other working dogs, the Czech shepherd dog is more comfortable in content, more manoeuvrable, very active and quickly included in the work.
It should be noted that, along with the official, the breed has other names, one of which is a horseshoe dog (from the Czech ethnic group "passages", long guarding the way to Germany in the mountains of the Czech Republic). The history of the breed begins with the XIII century, and in the XVI century its breeding had already a professional level.
Then in 1984 the restoration of the breed began thanks to the work of Willem Kurz and Jan Findeis. In one cynological edition, a photo of the go-go Shepherd was published and an appeal to readers to report the presence of such dogs. So, in the period from 1985 to 1992, 35 litters of dogs of this breed were registered. In 1997, Findeis introduced the official standard of the Czech shepherd dog.
South Russian
A distinctive feature and pride of the breed is its wool. Firstly, it is soft, silky and very long. On the head, the wool covers the muzzle and reaches the tip of the nose, on the legs it forms a kind of felt boots. The color of the coat can vary from white to yellowish and smoky. But this harmless, as it seems at first glance, appearance hides under itself a rather aggressive nature, called to carry a shepherd and guard duty.
How did the South Russian Shepherd appear? The history of the breed dates back to 1797, when the Asturian shepherds and shepherds were brought to Tavria, along with the first pairs of fine-wooled Spanish sheep. Being excellent shepherds, these dogs had a significant flaw. The small growth and light build made them very vulnerable to local steppe wolves. Therefore, the sheep breeders had to turn the brought dogs into stronger ones without losing their existing shepherd skills. Inflating the Asturian four-footed shepherds with the blood of Tatar shepherds, local greyhounds, Russian dog greyhounds, brought out a breed of dogs with such qualities as endurance, speed in running and viciousness towards predators. At the same time the dog is unpretentious in its content, smart, affectionate with its own and has a lightning reaction. Breeding work was conducted in the famous estate Askania Nova, so the breed was called the South Russian Shepherd. Sometimes this shepherd is also called Ukrainian.
But unfortunately, the popular breed has not become so far. The fact is that during the First and Second World Wars, in connection with the reduction in the number of sheep, the development of the breed ceased. As a result, by 1945, rare specimens of the breed remained only among its true connoisseurs, as well as local shepherds. Of course, since then the number of dogs has increased, but the breed has not gained popularity. There are several reasons for this. First, the activity of the animal is such that it takes a lot of space, which is impossible in an apartment setting. Modern sheep breeding no longer needs so many serving dogs. And other skills, to which breeds of shepherd dogs have abilities, have not been mastered by the South Russian sheepdog.
Shepherd Dog Breeds
With the beginning of development of cattle breeding, the dog served as an invariable helper for a man. A constant companion, she not only helped to herd herds, but also guarded them from the attack of wild predators. Initially, all shepherd dogs were called sheep dogs. And only after many centuries have been identified shepherds breeds of dogs.
As a rule, these are medium-sized dogs, hardy, muscular with the right physique. They are well developed physically and are capable of withstanding heavy loads. Dogs are covered with thick hair protecting from bad weather and heat. Their working qualities, such as endurance, fearlessness, selfless devotion to the master and distrust of outsiders, are preserved from generation to generation.
Shepherd dogs are endowed with a magnificent hunting instinct. By guarding the flocks and in case of emergency, a shepherd dog is able to pursue a predatory beast, and also to resist it. Being in remote places of grazing, the guard dog successfully participated in the game hunting in order to satisfy the hunger of its owner. The gift of persecution is preserved in this category of dogs until now.
Shepherd dogs have well developed guarding instincts. Using this quality in breeding, a number of new breeds were obtained, which are currently used to perform several other but equally important tasks.
The brightest representative of such dogs is the German Shepherd - a universal breed that performs many functions at the present stage. They are in the service of customs officers, border troops and police.
Particularly diverse are herding breeds of dogs in developed cattle-breeding countries.
Hungary. The homeland of the three shepherd breeds: bullets and commander - long-haired guard of the herd, not afraid of bad weather. And relatively young breed - pumi. It is a descendant of a bullet and a Pomeranian Pomeranian. Pumi is used not only to protect cattle, but also as a guard dog, and also as a rodent fighter.
Spain. The birthplace of a Pyrenean dog. The dog is strong and powerful, with great physical development. Has a thick white coat, which protects from bad weather.
Switzerland. Homeland of four species of unsurpassed Swiss shepherds, having identical color - tricolor. These are purebred shepherd dogs, whose qualities are preserved unchanged from distant ancestors to the modern period, thanks to the skillful work of breeders.
As soon as people managed to domesticate different animals requiring constant grazing, their irreplaceable companions became dogs. They not only helped to feed the herds, but also guarded them from the attack of predators. At first most of the shepherds 'dogs were classified into a group to working breeds and only after many centuries the shepherds' breeds of dogs were identified. This group was established in 1983.
Although now most shepherd breeds have never even seen sheep and now are simple domestic pets, they continue to preserve all the qualities of the character and behavior of their distant relatives of shepherds' dogs. Shepherds breed dogs are excellent companions and get along well with children, they are always happy to show their innate instincts.
Border Collie
Sheepdogs of the breeds of dogs are represented by a large group, but it also distinguishes the best and most popular. Very often among them are called the breed border Collie, United Kingdom. This is a real workaholic in the canine world, which is valued for its extraordinary intellect, natural instincts, dedication and strong working abilities. It should be stressed that the dog of this breed is extremely energetic and athletic, which requires constant active walking and playing.
Australian Shepherd Dog
The popular breed is australian shepherd dog,which was derived in Australia for the purpose of pasturing cattle over rough terrain over long distances. Like other shepherd dogs this breed has a high level of energy, devotion and intelligence. She will protect her owner and property very violently. Today, the Australian shepherd dog is used in sporting events and is often described as bold, loyal and hardworking.
Collie
It is necessary to note the remarkable dogs of the breed collie, Scotland. Active, flexible, strong dog, which combines strength, speed and grace. Her gait remains very light and elegant even when running. Also, the collie can instantly change speed and direction, as required in the shepherd dogs. Collie - friendly, highly intelligent, proud and beautiful dogs. They are strong in understanding the mood of a person, very fond of children, which makes them ideal pets for a large family. Also, we should not forget that collies require daily exercise and human attention.
Portuguese Shepherd
Portuguese Shepherdanother beautiful breed among the shepherd dogs. This is a very watchful and hardy dog that can look after even obstinate horses. This is one of the most devoted and intelligent breeds among sheep dogs. It requires very consistent and well-balanced training, but it passes quickly and easily. The Portuguese Shepherd has a lively, above average intelligence. The owner of such a breed should be a strong and dominant example for his pet and then he will get the most reliable dog in the world.
Briard
An excellent representative from France among the shepherds' breeds of dogs - briard.He is always noted for his romantic and elegant appearance, as he has a beautiful wavy coat, a luxurious beard and eyebrows. Briar can have a gray, yellowish brown and black color. This is a wonderful shepherd and watchman that has an exceptional hearing and a strong protective instinct. Training briar must be consistent with patience and a firm hand. With children and other animals it is better to introduce at an early age.
All shepherd breeds of dogs are very intelligent, hardy, vigilant, faithful and able to quickly adapt to different conditions. They require constant long and intensive walks, games and physical exercises. Their owner should always be an example and authority, constantly maintain strict discipline and order. But in return he will receive a very loyal, fearless guard and companion.
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Since the man started breeding and keeping livestock, there were reliable, dexterous and strong animals close to him. They are special breeds of dogs - shepherds.
Their function included the protection of goats, cattle, sheep, horses from raids of predators. In addition, the four-legged assistants were vigilant to ensure that the animals did not fend off the herd. In many countries active selection work was conducted, as a result of which primitive animals were first introduced into the unique breeds of dogs.
General characteristics of shepherd dogs
The shepherds' assistants are of medium size, strong physique, physical endurance, which allows to guard the herd around the clock, dense and thick wool.
Certain requirements for character and temperament are imposed on representatives of these breeds: fearlessness, sensitivity, distrust of strangers, unlimited devotion to the owner. An animal should not have much developed the instinct of a hunter, who can tear it from the protection of a herd or flocks and entice them to explore animal tracks or pursue game.
Development of rocks
Over the course of our centuries-old history, the breeds of dogs (shepherds) that we have studied have undergone many changes: some species have completely lost their ability to protect pastures, turning into excellent house guards, watchmen or just pets. Others, on the contrary, have developed their natural qualities and today still remain the best assistants of pastoralists. That's about them, we'll talk in this article. We will present you only the best and most common of them.
Australian Kelpie
From the name of the breed it becomes clear that this dog was bred in Australia. Genetically, these animals possess qualities that distinguish them from other dogs. First of all, this is a very wide viewing angle, which allows a four-legged shepherd to control the object of observation as much as possible and concentrate attention on it for a long time. This allows us to successfully use these animals on modern livestock farms. 
Today the Australian kelpie is not just a shepherd. The animal possesses excellent sports qualities, which allow it to participate and win in various sports competitions on dog-frisbee, agility.
For the first time kelpis are mentioned in sources dating back to the end of the 19th century. The exact version regarding the origin of this breed does not exist to this day. Some researchers believe that the ancestors of the dog were collies, who were brought to Australia by the first settlers, others are sure that the blood of the ancient English collies of the line of Rutherford (Northern county) flows in them. There is a version and that wild Australian dingos took part in the formation of the breed.
Nevertheless, whatever the origin of this animal, Australian breeders have done a lot to improve the breed. Especially in this work the specialists of the leading Australian breeding farm Kelpy Enfinvale succeeded. Work on improving the breed began here in 1956.
Kelpy - the dog is active and very mobile. It has a strong muscular body and surprisingly flexible limbs. The owners note that the dogs of this breed are very attentive and intelligent, endowed with an excellent compliant character, endlessly devoted. Animals possess the instinct and ability to protect herds not only in the field, but also in pens.
Australian kelpies successfully cope not only with large animals: they can cope with poultry (for example, with ducks and geese, which they can even drive out of ponds if necessary).
Border Collie
This shepherd dog was bred in the UK. According to the results of studies conducted by British scientists, the border collie is recognized the cleverest dog from existing breeds. For the first time the system for assessing the performance of these animals was developed and presented in 1881. The first dogs, known as the Border Collie, were officially registered in 1915. 
It is proportionally folded, graceful and at the same time strong and hardy dog. It can have two types of wool: short and medium length. In this case, in any case, there is a developed dense undercoat, which perfectly protects the animal from cold and winds. Color is also allowed a different, but it should not be dominated by white. This is a very active and energetic animal. In addition, such an assistant is smart and penetrating.
If you want to purchase a representative of this breed as a pet, you need to consider that it requires serious physical and mental stress.
Shepherd Portuguese
The dog appeared in Ribatero and Alentejo regions of Portugal. Researchers believe that the animal originated from the Briard and the Pyrenean Shepherd, probably mixed with the blood of the Catalan Shepherd.
Shepherds have long valued this breed for their excellent watchful qualities, unpretentiousness to the whims of weather and food. The Portuguese Shepherd successfully copes with its duties to protect not only sheep, but also horses, cows and goats. This dog drives cattle with loud barking during the movement, and when the herd stops at the pasture, it completely silently bypasses its "patrimony" and carefully watches that the animals do not disperse. 
This dog is very inquisitive, with strangers in the beginning behaves cautiously and does not lose vigilance. With other dogs is pretty good-natured, fighting does not initiate. Many cattle breeders seek to acquire a representative of this breed. Dogs of shepherds breed a lot, and almost all of them, as a rule, differ devotion to the owner. Shepherd Portuguese - a vivid confirmation of this.
Australian Shepherd Dog
The Australian Shepherd has several more names: it is called a healer, cattle dog. These animals are characterized by strong muscles, a powerful musculoskeletal system. This allows them to actively move for a long time.
Having received the assignment from the owner, the Australian Shepherd does not take his eyes off his wards. Another important quality of this shepherd dog is unpretentiousness. This is especially important for living in remote mountain pastures. Dogs eat almost everything, so there are no problems with food. It is easy to get used to new conditions. 
Animals of this breed are known for well-coordinated and precise teamwork. They perfectly interact with each other, distributing the tasks assigned to them. This, in the opinion of the shepherds, is the best option for long distance distillation of cattle.
Terrier Tibetan
Do not be confused by the word "terrier" in the name of this breed. This shaggy dog has no blood relationship with the terriers, rather it can be attributed to the Old English Shepherd in miniature. Tibetan Terrier today is more often found as a companion, has a pretty exterior and a sociable character.
This is a medium sized dog that can easily get along in any house. The breed developed as a shepherd and watchman in the difficult climatic conditions of Tibet, where it is still very much appreciated. In the West, this dog was recognized after 1926. At first she was in the shadow of her closest relative, Apso of Lhasa, but today the Tibetan Terrier is well known as an independent breed. 
Hyper Lancashire
Since ancient times, many breeds of dogs (shepherds) faithfully serve a man. But the next dog represents a relatively new breed. The Lancashire Healer appeared in the 1970s as a result of the crossing of two British breeds - the Manchester Terrier and the Welsh Corgi Cardigan. True, there is a version that this is quite an ancient breed, because in the UK were discovered ancient drawings, which depicts dogs very similar to the Lancashire healers. Their main function was to help a person on pastures. 
The existing standard was adopted in 1981, and a year later the Lancashire Healer was introduced in Blackpool at the International Exhibition. The dog has a strong physique with developed muscles. The head is proportional to the trunk, the paws are short.
The coat can be different: smooth and short or long and fluffy. The growth of the animal does not exceed 31 cm, weight - about 6 kg. Color can be of two types - black or chocolate with tan marks. The animal is distinguished by endurance, high pedigree instincts, strength. These qualities help the dog not only help the shepherds, but also successfully participate in mini-agility competitions.
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