One of the best guard breeds of dogs in the world is now considered an English shepherd. Looking at such a four-legged friend, the first thing each of us can see is the incredible resemblance to a collie. In fact, the dogs of these two breeds really are related and, moreover, have a very unusual and very long history. Well, consider it in more detail.
A little background
According to the official version, the English shepherd was introduced to the British Isles in ancient times. Then these territories were occupied by the Romans, and it was with dogs of this breed that they settled here. Animals were considered excellent watchmen and most often guarded grazing sheep, and also belonged to many wealthy warriors and peasants. Gradually, cattle in the fields of Great Britain became smaller and smaller, because all the animals imported from the Roman Empire began to live simply with people. Centuries passed, and during the development of American lands a large number of dogs of the English Shepherd breed migrated to Novaya Zemlya. There, these four-legged settlers crossed with collies and other shepherd dogs, as a result of which a new shepherd was born, which has not changed its appearance for more than five hundred years.
Character and features
Next, we will consider what behavior, and also what skills the English Shepherd can boast. The characteristic of a dog immediately reveals to us the fact that it is universal. In addition to the fact that the breed was bred specifically for protective purposes, it can also be noted that these are also very smart animals. They take part in various sports competitions in frisbee, flyball and agility. Also, all representatives of the English Shepherd genus climb trees perfectly and can get anything from any height. The character can be described in just a few words, and everything will become clear at once. The dog is quick-witted, quickly responds to any commands, and at the same time remains kind and flexible. We also note that representatives of this breed are often left as nannies with children.
External data of the animal
Medium size, tight muscular physique, small, but not too small head and fluffy tail - this is such a brief characteristic of the English Shepherd breed. The photo makes it possible to visually see and remember all the features of dogs. Growth at the withers, as a rule, ranges from 45-55 centimeters. The weight category starts with a mark of 18 kilograms and ends with 30. There are three types of color: either a combination of white with black, or red with white, or it is a combination of these three colors at once. Another characteristic feature of the breed is a black or red mask over the eyes, although this factor is not necessary at all. The length of the coat in the English woman is average, near the ears and on the front of the legs is shorter and softer, and on the stomach is the toughest.
Breed Care
In appearance, the dog does not look somehow particularly exotic, because many people think that it does not require special care. In fact, the “Achilles heel” in this case is wool. The English Shepherd is considered to be the owner of a long coat of wool, so you need to take care of it carefully and regularly. Buy preferably two brushes - with long teeth and short. The first should be used once a week, so to speak, for global cleaning. The second one can comb the dog in a day. The second rule - to use shampoo too often is not worth it, otherwise the pet will shed much. But on hot days, simple bathing will benefit. And one more thing - it is advisable not to cut the Englishwoman her claws, since it is the representatives of this breed who are extremely nervous about this procedure.
Some moments of training
We note right away that obedience in this breed of dog can be said to be in blood. But this does not mean that you do not have to engage in education. To get started, identify one place for the dog in the house where she will sleep, where all her toys will be stacked. Also keep your bowls clean and tidy - this will positively affect discipline. In the first six months of life, English shepherds are encouraged to buy as many toys as possible. It is also advisable to introduce them to other puppies, to teach them how to communicate with children. After 6 months, start training, training teams and physical activity. An adult Englishwoman must run a lot to keep her muscles toned. And keep in mind that education should be strict, but not rigid. Beating an English shepherd is by no means worthwhile, as it will never be treated with respect to the person who raised his hand to it.
Buy a puppy
Pet shops, markets, shops, and even kennels are places where the English Shepherd is sold. The price of puppies or adults depends on where exactly you buy the animal. In some kennels, English women are given free of charge; in others, dogs are sold at a nominal price. If you take a puppy with a pedigree, then the price will fluctuate between 25-30 thousand rubles.