Types of shepherd dogs: classic breeds and causes of dwarfism

Today, the most common breed of dog is the shepherd dog. These dogs are the most loyal, intelligent and easily trainable. It is not without reason that earlier it was shepherds who were assistants to shepherds. Today, this breed is considered service and search. However, do not think that such dogs are limited to only a few species. Today there are a huge variety of types of shepherd dogs, which we will talk about in this article.

Sheepdogs: types and description

Despite the great variety of species of this breed, most dogs are still similar to each other. As a rule, their height, coat and body composition are of the same type.

Experienced dog breeders know that this breed has a wide variety of species. Today, more than 45 types of shepherd dogs are distinguished, however, the most common of them are still German and Caucasian.

German Shepherd

The most famous types of breed:

• Caucasian;
• German;
• Central Asian;
• Scottish;
• Belgian.

The most popular are German Shepherds. They most often play the role of search dogs and serve in law enforcement, because have a highly developed sense of smell and intuitionhelping them in such activities.

Representatives of the breed have a massive head, powerful paws, a strong body and long hair. Due to these qualities, they are often presented as hounds in some parts of our country. The breed has more than twenty subspecies, although the main one still remains classic.

Classic German Shepherds are representatives of tall dogs. Great for training. Due to their devotion and responsiveness, these dogs are used as guides. Classic “German” can be a good guard at home, and a devoted work colleague. However, it should be borne in mind that German Shepherds have an aggressive disposition – this is perhaps their only drawback. German Shepherds are divided into the following lines (subspecies):

• eastern – differs from the classical one in less obedience, although they have a strong physique and a calm disposition;
• Czech – representatives of the subspecies are similar to the eastern line, often used as working dogs, endure high loads;
• American – they have a docile nature and a good appetite, they are distinguished by their angularity and a slightly elongated muzzle;
• English – characterized by a massive physique and long body, have a mild disposition, however, are a service breed; the British often get an English Shepherd as a guide;
• Swiss – have a white color, are similar in character and physique to the “English”; purebred representatives of this subspecies have black pigmentation of the nose, eyes, lips and even skin;
• shiloh – a cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a Sharplanin line, they have a strong physique, especially in the shoulders, due to which they can withstand a colossal load;
• panda – a cross between American representatives, they have an interesting color with black spots, which is why they have such a name;
• other types.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

“Caucasians” have a fairly massive physique and high growth. The average height of adult dogs is 60-75 cm, and in weight they reach 70 kg. They are among the largest dogs in the world. Such dogs have long thick hair, which allows them to easily endure the strongest cold.

They can have a variety of colors: white, brown, gray, red and so on. As a rule, the ears of “Caucasians” are stopped from birth. They have a persistent and decisive character.

Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai)

Representatives of this breed are widely distributed in Siberia. The Tibetan mastiff is considered the ancestor of the “Central Asians”.

They have a strong physique, rather high growth. Grow up to 70-72 cm, reach a weight of 50 kg. They have a wide large head, large and powerful jaws. Just like the “Caucasians” Alabai cropped ears and tail at birth. They have dark eyes and nose, and on the neck – a characteristic fat fold, resembling a collar.

Despite the rather short, but thick coat, Alabai withstand severe frosts. They have endurance, courage and unpretentiousness. Very devoted to their owners. Puppies from the “Central Asians” are quite restrained and quick-witted.

The color of such dogs is usually light, although it can be anything.

Dwarf Shepherds

One of the varieties of dwarf dog breeds is the dwarf German Shepherd. Looks like a dog looks like a classic german shepherd, however, has a reduced size. Dwarf specimens are not miniature copies. This type is obtained in the case of a genetic defect (mucous stunting), which can cause various health problems.

Such a defect occurs not only in shepherd dogs, but also in other breeds. From puppyhood Pets need to be checked out regularly. to the veterinary clinic, carefully monitor the health of the dog and its coat. A dwarf puppy can be recognized already at birth. However, it should not be assumed that the genetic defect occurred due to any disease in the dog. A dwarf dog can be born quite healthy.

Diseases found in dwarf breeds:

• allergy;
• hair loss;
• thyroiditis;
• pannus and others.

Despite their short stature, German Shepherds have a disposition and stamina similar to the classic breed. With proper care and careful observation, such a dog can live a fairly long and happy life.

Types of shepherd dogs