The Diverse Types of Herding Dogs
Herding dogs, a group of remarkable mammals in the order Carnivora, family Canidae, and genus Canis, are specifically bred for herding. Each type has its unique characteristics.
- The Scottish Shepherd has a deep and moderately wide chest, sloping shoulders, and bent hocks.
- The Border Collie boasts a solid body, well – developed muscles, and a smooth silhouette.
- The German Shepherd is of moderate size, with a shiny black face, thick fur, erect ears, almond – shaped eyes, strong muscles, sharp claws, a straight back, and mostly black – grey fur. It has a shiny coat, robust physique, is intelligent and highly alert.
- The Shetland Sheepdog is known for its gentle and human – friendly nature, being one of the most docile and understanding breeds.
These herding dogs have their own distinct features that make them stand out, and they have played significant roles in history. Their development is closely related to the rise of the textile industry and agricultural intensification. Popular media, like the American TV series “Lassie”, has inspired both children and parents to embrace the charm of herding dogs. They are gentle, strong, sensitive, active, easy to train, brave, responsible, and possess an air of nobility, combining “the wisdom of men” and “the charm of women”.
The Care and Health of Herding Dogs
Feeding Your Herding Dog
Proper nutrition is crucial for the well – being of herding dogs. Different food components have varying effects on their bodies. The quantity of food intake should be based on the dog’s age and physical condition, whether it’s an adult, a puppy, a working dog, a sporting dog, or a pet. Protein, containing essential amino acids, is vital for their survival and growth. Fat is also necessary to meet energy requirements and the body’s need for essential fatty acids. Inorganic minerals are responsible for component transformation. Currently, research shows that dogs need to absorb 22 elements from food daily. The requirement for vitamins depends on the dog’s weight and work type. Achieving a balanced diet structure that meets the needs for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins requires careful consideration of many aspects. Many pet food manufacturers now provide dog food suitable for puppies as young as 3 months old to adult dogs. Of course, you can also prepare homemade dog food, but it can be a challenging task.
Health Concerns of Herding Dogs
- Cold: A common acute systemic disease in dogs, mainly affecting the upper respiratory mucosa. It often occurs in early spring and late autumn when the climate is changeable. Caused by bacteria or viruses, it is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Cold, long – distance transportation, overwork, and malnutrition can promote its occurrence. Symptoms include elevated body temperature, sneezing, tearing, loss of appetite, and may be accompanied by conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and pharyngitis. Treatment may include using antipyretics such as injecting 2 ml of 30% analgin intramuscularly twice a day. You can also use quick – acting cold tablets, and if the blood count is high, antibiotics can be used in combination. Prevention involves strengthening the dog’s exercise to enhance its resistance, and installing cold – proof facilities in the kennel to prevent sudden colds when the temperature drops.
- Pneumonia: An acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs and bronchi, characterized by respiratory disorders and hypoxemia. Bacterial infection is a common cause, usually starting with a viral attack on the respiratory tract followed by secondary bacterial invasion. Common pathogenic bacteria include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pyogenic bacillus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Symptoms include initial respiratory disorders, severe systemic symptoms, high body temperature (up to 40℃), loss of appetite or refusal to eat, shallow and rapid breathing, and progressive dyspnea. Auscultation may reveal wet rales, an increase in the total number of white blood cells, and in viral pneumonia, continuous coughing for 2 – 5 days with a slight increase in body temperature. Treatment principles include eliminating inflammation, expectorating, and relieving cough. Antibiotics and sulfonamide preparations are commonly used to eliminate inflammation. For example, 20 – 400,000 units of penicillin can be injected intramuscularly every 8 – 12 hours, and 0.1 – 0.3 grams of streptomycin can be injected intramuscularly every 8 – 12 hours. Penicillin and streptomycin can be used simultaneously. Prevention involves strengthening the dog’s exercise, enhancing its resistance, actively treating colds, and improving nutrition.
Training and Socialization of Herding Dogs
The influence of early training and socialization on a dog’s personality is significant. Just like in human athletics, genetic factors play a role, but proper training can maximize potential. For herding dogs, especially German Shepherds, if a trainer gets an 8 – week – old puppy that has been mostly confined and had little human contact, they should encourage more interaction. When the dog shows friendly behavior towards strangers, rewarding it will help develop its social skills. The role of the trainer is to stimulate the dog’s personality development based on its genetic traits, not to change its nature. Each dog has a unique personality that evolves through interactions with others and the environment. Confinement can lead to a dull and rigid personality, far from the vivid and expressive German Shepherds that dog lovers hope to see. Therefore, active socialization and early training are crucial for the development and maturation of the German Shepherd’s personality. A good trainer can enhance the dog’s genetic – based good personality, but cannot change its fundamental nature. Early training can transform a good German Shepherd into an excellent one.
