As you know, dogs were tamed by humans back in the era of the primitive communal system. Then they were used for hunting. But in the Bronze Age, when people began to engage in agriculture and cattle breeding, the requirements for four-legged companions changed somewhat. At a new stage, they were required, first of all, to protect livestock from predators. In different corners of the earth, independently of each other, attempts have been made to develop precisely the watchdog qualities in pets. Thus, a shepherd dog was bred.
The appearance, size and color of these rocks are very different from each other. Collie, Sheltie and German Shepherd, Australian Kelpie, Moody, Welsh Corgi, Bernese Mountain Dog - this is only a small part of the long list of cattle dog breeds. They are united by one. At the genetic level, the animal patronizes the herds entrusted to it, is devoted to the owner, distrustful of strangers and is furiously ready to protect the flocks. The shepherd dog is an invaluable assistant to the herder. Without it, it would be simply impossible to discern all the animals, correctly direct them, adjust the laggards.
Based on the natural conditions, topography, climate of the area where the herds graze, the requirements for an assistant also depend. For example, Kelpie, or the Australian Shepherd Dog, was bred specifically for the plains and prairies. The eyes of this dog are arranged in such a way that they allow you to cover as much space as possible, without even turning your head. A cattle dog, or a healer, was called in to customize the lagging sheep. This breed was also bred on the southern continent. Portuguese Shepherd Dogs and Pyrenees Patos were created for distillation cattle breeding in mountain conditions.
But the Old English bobtail were bred to protect cow herds and protect them from especially large predators. These fighting qualities led to the fact that the breed soon ceased to be a shepherd, and began to be used to protect the home. Approximately the same disturbances occurred with other dog races that once grazed cattle. The Scottish shepherd collie and its miniature copy of sheltie for the mind and unusually good natured became full-fledged residents of the cities. The miniature entlebucher mountain dog has also become a companion dog.
To its original purpose, it has remained faithful to the lap, or Pyrenean shepherd dog. The breed is fully adapted to the harsh climate of the mountainous terrain. It is hardy when driving sheep, it is able to make independent decisions, strong enough to repel the attack of large predators - wolves and bears. Huge, snow-white, with thick fur, which, incidentally, has the ability to clean itself, smart and inventive, she became the ancestor of today's landiers and Newfoundlands.
The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog has so thick fur that it is completely invulnerable in all weather conditions. Small ears hang from a large triangular head. The standard requires an impeccably white suit, beige, gray, and also spots are not allowed. Also, an intensive edge of the collar, paws, tail. The latter should be with a "suspension", long, saber, slightly hanging. A shepherd dog may show distrust of outsiders, but by no means aggression or cowardice.