The dog breeds that gave rise to the Old English Shepherd are not known with certainty . Among the possible ancestors, the Brie shepherd , the Bergamasco, bearded collies and dogs originating from Russia (the ancient Ovtcharka breed) are suggested . What is known about the origin of this breed is that it was created in the west of England, during the 19th century, by shepherds who were looking for an agile and resistant dog to take their flocks and cattle from the fields to the markets. After a first presentation at an exhibition, in 1880, the bobtail breed was recognized in the Kennel Club.

The docked tail of the bobtail was a characteristic used in the 18th century to identify sheepdogs, so that their owners would not pay taxes on these dogs. The custom, although no longer useful, was fixed in the breed standard. In addition, those breeding lines that did not have tails were used for breeding.

We could define its appearance as sweet and good-natured although its size turns it into a giant stuffed animal: males measure up to 61 centimeters at the withers and females about 55 centimeters. The breed standard used by the International Cynological Federation does not specify a certain weight for the Old English Shepherd, but the weight of males is usually around 29 kilograms and that of females around 27 kilograms.

Some of the characteristics of the bobtail or old English shepherd:

• The compact and muscular body presents an unusual characteristic in dogs, the level of the withers is lower than the level of the back : so the top line rises from the withers to the back.
• The head of the Old English Shepherd is square : with a voluminous skull. The stop is well defined, but cannot be easily seen due to the dense, long hair that covers the head. At the end of the Old English Shepherd’s strong, square, truncated snout is a large black nose.
• The ears are small and hang on the sides of the head.
• The eyes are well separated from each other : they can be dark brown, light blue, or one brown and the other light blue.
• Large and strong teeth : they have a scissor bite.
• Bobtails or Old English Shepherds are usually born without a tail : when they are born with a tail, this appendage is usually completely amputated.
• The Old English Sheepdog has an abundant long, shaggy and rough outer coat : as the years go by, the bobtail’s coat becomes longer, harder and denser, which makes it require constant care. The outer coat should not be curly or smooth. The inner layer is waterproof.

Now that you know what the characteristics of the Old English Shepherd are, let’s get to know what his personality is like and what makes him so special.

The personality of the bobtail or Old English Sheepdog falls in love with those who have had one since most people refer to it as ” a very human dog ” due to the trust, affection and rapport they experience when getting to know this breed. In England he is known as nanni-dog since he is a patient, affectionate dog that many parents usually trust when playing with their children.

Docile and good-natured , the Old English Shepherd is a faithful, adaptable and trustworthy dog. He should not be fearful or aggressive. This dog is usually appropriate for families with children, because he adapts easily to different circumstances , is resistant and very playful. However, he has a very strong herding instinct that can lead him to try to direct the children by pushing them with his body. If not encouraged to play and exercise, the Old English Sheepdog can become lazy. They also need their space to be alone when they need it and they tend to get along well with other pets that we may have in the home.

This dog has two very important needs that we must meet if we want him to be a happy dog ​​with us: exercise and brushing. Even so, we are going to review what the care of the bobtail or old English shepherd is:

• Food : the bobtail or English sheepdog can be a great glutton, so we have to be careful with the amount of food we offer it. The right amount that we should give ranges between 1,400-1,500 calories per day of dry food. A sign that we are not feeding our bobtail well is massive hair loss, so you have to be careful.
• Exercise : it requires large doses of exercise and walks, which is why it is ideal for people who practice various types of sports with their animals or who are available to take routes and excursions. We must be aware that this dog needs at least 3 walks a day combined with some exercise, something that will help keep its muscles strong and healthy. So much so that forgetting to exercise in this breed will be a disaster as it can lead to serious problems of stress and frustration. The well-exercised bobtail will even adapt to living in an apartment, as long as we have time to dedicate to it and a temperature in it that is stable and cool, the bobtail cannot tolerate extreme heat.
• Grooming : another aspect that we must be very clear about is the dedication that we must put into his coat so that it appears beautiful, healthy and free of tangles. Brushing it daily is going to be one of our daily tasks. Furthermore, since we have long hair that is susceptible to tangles, we must be aware that we will have to take it to the hairdresser (an economical cost) or learn to cut our hair ourselves, a task only suitable for careful and delicate people, but it is preferable that The hair cut is done by a professional whenever necessary.

As with all dogs, we must socialize the bobtail from a puppy so that it respects, knows and begins its training as another member of our family. They empathize quite well with their family members if they receive cordial, affectionate treatment based on positive reinforcement . The Old English Sheepdog is easy to train when using reward and play-based dog training methods. When traditional techniques are used, he can be a bit stubborn, since he is a cooperative but not submissive dog.

Here you can consult some dog training techniques to put into practice with your English sheepdog.

The Old English Sheepdog is a dog with little susceptibility to hereditary diseases , so the first problem that we have to comment on is the risk of suffering from otitis since ears full of fur encourage humidity and therefore a possible infection. We will also have to take care of the hair on our face so that it doesn’t end up in our eyes.

Additionally, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common problem in large dogs. This disease is degenerative and mainly affects mobility as a cause of joint malformation. Another very similar ailment is Wobbler syndrome that affects puppies causing lameness in their hind legs.

Other health problems can be:

• Diabetes . _
• The deafness .
• Eye disorders : such as cataracts and retinal atrophy .

To end the bobtail’s health, we mention its predisposition to suffer stomach torsion , something that we can easily avoid by dividing its food intake and avoiding exercise before and after eating.

We have been able to read how the bobtail dog is a unique breed of dog, either because of its physical qualities or because of its loving and endearing personality. If you are wondering whether or not to adopt an Old English Sheepdog, you should keep in mind that there may not be an exact specimen with all the characteristics. Even so, at ExpertoAnimal, we always want to remember that the important thing is not the dog’s physical traits, but rather offering it a life full of love and affection. You can go to a shelter or animal shelter near your area to see if they have an English sheepdog or bobtail. Otherwise, you can also go to a breed club to consult .

The Belgian tervueren shepherd owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervueren . It should be noted that this breed of dog was not always very popular. In fact, after two periods in which the population of this variety was on the verge of disappearing, the tervueren managed to gain popularity in 1945. Although each variety of Belgian Shepherd has a particular history, the history of the tervueren is part of the history of the whole. the breed, being the variety resulting from the crossing between the Belgian Groenendael shepherd and the long-haired collie .

The height at the withers for males ranges between 60 and 66 centimeters. For females, the height range at the withers is between 56 and 62 centimeters. The weight of the males should be between 25 and 30 kilograms. The weight of females should be between 20 and 25 kilograms.

Let’s see what the other characteristics of the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren are :

• The ears are triangular and pointed : they are small and set high on a long, straight and thin head.
• The eyes are dark and almond-shaped : they give the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren an expression between haughty and melancholic .
• The powerful teeth of the tervueren close in scissors : they are arranged in a snout that is wider at its base than at its end.
• The snout is never pointed.
• The front limbs are straight : parallel to each other.
• The hind limbs are powerful , but without giving the appearance of being heavy. They have normal angulation.
• The hair of this Belgian Shepherd is diverse : it is short on the head, the outside of the ears and the lower part of the legs (except for the back side of the forearm, which has fringes). The rest of the body is covered by long hair, although not as long as in other shepherd breeds such as the bobtail.
• The tervueren’s hair is straight and long : it is most abundant on the neck and the chest, where it forms a beautiful collar that gives the tervueren an air of royalty. The hair is also very abundant on the tail where it forms a pompadour.

Belgian Shepherd Tervueren Colors

The accepted colors for the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren are carbon red and carbon gray , always with a black mask. Carbonado is the color resulting from hairs that have a black end, so the base color darkens a little. The tail of medium length and abundant hair should reach at least to the hock.

Vigilant, active and of great vitality , the tervueren is an excellent guard dog and protector of its own. As his protection and territorial instincts are highly developed, it is necessary to socialize him as a puppy . The Tervueren has as much energy as any other Belgian Shepherd, so he needs some daily occupation to keep himself distracted and burn off all the excess energy. Some exercise options for the tervueren dog are Agility , flyball or tracking. It should be noted that a lack of physical and mental exercise can cause behavioral problems.

Even so, the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren is a great dog companion, with a faithful and affectionate character who will be able to create great bonds with his guardian and his family. As we have pointed out, socialization is very important in the tervueren dog, so its character may be accentuated or softened depending on whether it has been done better or worse. Finally, the Tervueren shepherd is not recommended as a first dog due to the possible inexperience of the canine guardians to control his great activity.

Like other dogs, the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren needs specific care due to its large size and activity. Let’s see what these tervueren care are:

• Diet : Being a large breed of dog, the Belgian Tervueren requires a great balance between the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs but without overdoing it, as it can be bad for its health.
• Exercise : Although the Belgian Tervueren can adapt to apartment living, he needs a lot of exercise . Therefore, it is better if he has a garden or a patio. Whether he lives in an apartment or a house, daily walks are essential for this dog. They must be long walks. In addition to exercise, this dog needs constant company. He is not a dog to leave in the garden or yard most of the day.
• Grooming : The Belgian Tervueren sheds hair regularly throughout the year. Additionally, males lose more hair once a year. Females lose hair profusely twice a year. Regular brushing is necessary to keep the tervueren’s coat in good condition. A visit to the dog groomer can be useful if the owner does not have knowledge on the subject.

Now that you know what the characteristics and colors of the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren are, in addition to its specific care, let’s see what we have to do to educate it.

This dog is easy to train if the proper methods are used, although, as we have noted, it is not recommended for beginner trainers. Harsh methods can destroy the tervueren’s character, or lead to confrontation. It is preferable to use dog training methods that are based on cooperation and not dominance.

It should be noted that it is not until he is 3 years old that he acquires complete mental maturity, so you have to be patient and be delicate with him. The first few days it is better to let them play but at the same time they also have to learn the basic commands. The Belgian Shepherd Tervueren needs a tutor who knows about dogs. Given the right conditions, this dog can become an excellent guard dog , a great herding dog, or a wonderful pet. It all depends on correct upbringing and education.

Like the other varieties of Belgian Shepherd, the Tervueren is a hardy dog ​​that rarely has health problems. However, veterinary care and correct administration of vaccines are always necessary, so a veterinarian with solid knowledge and experience should be chosen.

It is not very common for this breed to be affected by the condition of hip dysplasia but even so, we have to keep an eye on it just in case. What is known in this breed are cases of epilepsy, thyroid secretion and pancreatic problems.

After having reviewed what the characteristics of the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren are, you probably want him to be part of your life. Either because of their character or because you are passionate about dogs. As we have mentioned throughout the sheet, this breed of dog can be complicated for beginner guardians, something that must be taken into account since, otherwise, we will not be able to give them the best care due to inexperience.

Due to its popularity, you can try searching at a breed club or an animal shelter to see if there is any specimen that has similar characteristics or is of the Belgian Tervueren breed. Even so, remember that physical traits are not the most important thing when adopting a dog, but rather you have to think about giving it the best care and life.

Although the origin of the border collie dog breed is somewhat uncertain , it is known that it was developed and officially recognized in the British Isles. Some archaeological remains found indicate that the direct ancestors of some dog breeds, including the border collie, arrived in the British Isles between the 5th and 1st centuries BC from Celtic tribes . In fact, it is suspected that its name could come from the language of these communities, since “collie” means “useful” in Gaelic.

These tribes settled in Ireland, however, the border collie that we know today was developed between Scotland and England. The Celtic dogs were crossed with dogs native to the United Kingdom, giving way to several types of collie sheepdogs , such as the bearded collie , one of the direct ancestors of the border collie dogs.

In fact, its name literally means “border collie” after the establishments located between the borders of Scotland and England. Already at that time he stood out as a shepherd dog to guide livestock, a job that he still performs today due to his agility and intelligence.

It was not until the 20th century when the different canine organizations, such as the International Cynological Federation ^[1] or the Kennel Club ^[2] , began to recognize the border collie dog breed in an official and standardized way .

The characteristics of the border collie are slightly similar to those of the Australian sheepdog. For this reason, many lovers of both dog breeds want more information about the differences between a border collie and an Australian shepherd .

The border collie breed stands out for being tremendously agile , with an ideal physical shape for exercising, jumping and running. Males usually measure about 53 centimeters at the withers and females somewhat less, as is common in many dog ​​breeds. Likewise, they can weigh up to 20 kilograms and have an elongated body and a very dynamic appearance.

The border collie has very specific characteristics, such as muscular legs that denote a predisposition for exercise. The end of the tail always ends in white tones and its snout ends in a point with a nose that can be black or brown. As for the ears, we can see three different types such as drooping, semi-drooping or erect , all of which add a distinctive touch. On the other hand, although the usual eye color is usually brown, sometimes the border collie has one eye of each color , blue and brown, or both blue.

border collie colors

Although the image that comes to mind when we think of the border collie tends to be that of a dog with a dense and beautiful coat, the truth is that there are two different varieties in terms of hair type: the long-haired border collie dog long and the short-haired border collie . In both cases the dog has a dense double layer of hair that protects it from the cold and wind, a soft internal layer and a rougher external layer. In this way, the only difference between them lies in the length of the coat, since a wide range of colors is accepted for both , such as:

• Black and white border collie .
• Brown and white border collie .
• Black, brown and white border collie .
• White and tan border collie .

There are also examples of shepherd collie in blue, chocolate or Australian red, as well as border collie merle.

It is one of the dog breeds that stands out the most in terms of activity and energy . For this reason, many people consider that this is a dog that should only live in rural environments. However, a good routine of walks, exercise and stimulation can turn you into a dog that adapts perfectly to life in a city.

The adoption of border collie dogs is recommended for active families, with a passion for sports, dog training or hiking. In addition, it requires a family unit that can dedicate time and the stimulation that it needs so much. All the potential of the breed will be greatly benefited by the skills of the caregiver; he will be rewarded with an obedient, shepherd, tireless and orderly dog .

We are then talking about a dog that needs time and dedication , unlike other calmer breeds. The lack of these elements turns the border collie into a destructive , hyperactive, anxious, nervous and even excessive barking dog . Negative behaviors are a result of anxiety you may feel due to lack of energy or boredom.

On the other hand, the border collie is a dog that is very loyal to its human companions, very intelligent and a born observer who quickly understands how to express pain, happiness and excitement in people. With his family, the Border Collie will be accommodating and tender , while with strangers he can be shy and reserved.

If you wonder if the character of the border collie is compatible with children , you should know that any balanced and healthy dog ​​that understands the limits of playing with children and that understands the tranquility they need, is perfect for playing with children. We recommend set objectives such as fetching the ball, doing circuits or another type of activity that enhances both the child’s creativity and the dog’s stimulation. The little ones should also be taught how they should treat animals and what they should or should not do. It is a very important factor to generate a good bond.

Since it is a disciplined dog, it will be very easy to train it as a shepherd dog , since you have an intelligent dog that will understand that it should not harm the lambs at all, only direct them. The behavior he assumes with other dogs and other animals is also incredible. In addition to being respectful, he is usually the leader of the pack due to his mental abilities.

Border collie dog care is as follows, depending on its diet, exercise and grooming:

• Food : in your daily life you cannot miss a quality diet , adapted to your physical needs and your life stage that ensures a complete nutritional contribution and that, in addition, results in good health and a shiny and healthy coat. If you are not sure what type of food to choose, we advise you to find out about the best feeds on the market or, on the contrary, start with BARF raw diets .
• Exercise : as we have already mentioned in previous sections, this is a very active dog. For this reason, we recommend a minimum of between 3 and 4 walks a day , combining relaxation, sniffing and physical exercise. In addition, you cannot miss mental stimulation in your daily routine through intelligence toys, mental stimulation or smell exercises. We can do these activities around three times a week, this way we will ensure that he is mentally active and stimulated.
• Grooming : On the other hand, both long-haired and short-haired Border Collies need to follow a brushing routine that includes at least three brushings per week to remove dead hair and show a shiny, shiny coat. Baths should be every month and a half so that it does not lose its natural layer of protection.

Thanks to the study carried out by Stanley Coren that indicates that the border collie is the most intelligent dog in the world, it has been shown that this dog breed takes an average of five exercises to learn a new command . While the general average of dogs with lower intelligence is between 30 and 40 repetitions. Obviously this learning time is very relative and, therefore, not all Border Collies learn in the same way.

To obtain the aforementioned results and enjoy a balanced dog, it is essential to follow positive training methods . Likewise, although it is usually a sociable breed with other dogs, the border collie puppy must be socialized with other animals, people and new environments. From five or six months of age, you can start practicing basic training commands with your border collie and, once well assimilated, move on to advanced ones to mentally stimulate him and prevent him from feeling frustrated. In this sense, another highly recommended way to stimulate the mind of this breed of dog is through canine skills and sports such as Agility .

Learning to motivate him is very important, to do this we can reward him with different treats, take him to new places to practice or have him have different toys.

In recent years, the border collie dog has experienced a growing and excessive popularity, which has caused many individuals and illegal breeders to significantly increase the population of this breed without having the adequate knowledge to ensure good breeding of the puppies. .

All of this has had a very negative impact on the breed, causing an increase in hereditary diseases and the appearance of certain behavioral problems , most of them related to aggression and fear.

Below we will show you the most common border collie diseases:

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
• Deafness
• waterfalls
• Ataxia
• Hip dysplasia
• Lens dislocation
• Microphthalmia
• Chronic superficial keratitis
• progressive retinal atrophy
• Idiopathic epilepsy

Both to avoid them and to detect them in time, it is recommended to go to the veterinarian periodically , as well as follow the mandatory vaccination schedule and deworm the dog internally and externally on a regular basis. If it receives all the care it needs, follows a proper diet and exercises, the life expectancy of the border collie dog is between 14 and 17 years .

As you have seen, border collie dogs are a very special breed of dog, capable of bringing joy and love to the home. However, adopting a border collie also entails a series of responsibilities, especially if we are interested in adopting a border collie puppy.

To find border collie dogs for adoption, we recommend that you consult the animal associations and shelters in your area. In addition, many associations specialize in rescuing and putting up for adoption specific dog breeds, so we also encourage you to check if any of them exist in your city or country.

The origins of the beagle or English Beagle date back to Xenophon , who in his Treatise on Hunting speaks of a hound that could well be the first-time beagle. Later, passing all the stages of hunting from primitive men to medieval men, reaching the nobles and kings of the 18th centuries where a more select selection was made and never better said of the species, it was where we found the “pocket beagles. ” “, which today are extinct but were greatly enjoyed by such distinguished personalities as Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1840 they were exported to the United States , especially for hunting, but breeding as a domestic dog would not take place until 1870. The world wars were a hard blow to the continuation of the breed , but nothing that our beagles, which had been there for so long, could not recover from. They had been fighting. Thus, today the Beagle is a breed that is taken into account by us not only for hunting, for which they have been faithful companions since ancient times, but also as great members of the family.

It is a breed of great beauty and elegance. Beagles are a breed of dog that almost always walk and waddle with their tail held high , forming almost an inverted “c” and that gives them a proud appearance. We can see a well-proportioned dog, square in shape, with a muscular carriage , a well-pronounced chest, an elongated head (more noticeable in females) and with its nose always black. The ears are large and fall low, giving the Beagle a touch of tenderness. Regarding its height and weight, the beagle will reach about 33 or 41 centimeters in height at the withers and a weight that ranges from 8 to 16 kilograms.

Beagle dog colors

The colors within the breed are divided into tricolors or bicolors , always with white, brown and black tones:

• Beagle tricolor – Classic tri : we start from more to less with the color black, in this classic combination we always maintain the white base of the coat but the black that covers the back predominates.
• Beagle tricolor – Dark tri : white base, and very soft brown markings mixed with the black markings.
• Beagle tricolor – Faded tri : white base and now the weakness is found in the black spots that are mixed with strong brown spots .
• Tricolor Beagle – Pied : this is the broken mix we could say since the coat is mostly white with some white and brown spots without particularly standing out.
• Bicolor Beagle : In this case, beagles will normally combine their white with brown, although the shades can range from very light brown to red, reddish, orange, deep brown and even black.

Now that you know what the characteristics of the beagle are, let’s see what the character of this breed of dog is. Don’t miss it and keep reading!

Many people choose the Beagle, letting themselves be guided by their physical appearance since as puppies they are tender and remain the same when the specimen is an adult. However, when we make a decision as important as adopting a dog, we have to know its behavior, its predispositions, its defects and its virtues before believing that we are making the right decision.

Beagles have their own character and not all personalities are compatible with us. Let’s get to know him better and thus you will decide whether or not you see yourself with a Beagle as a companion in your life:

• Beagles are very active breed dogs : life in a chalet is more comfortable for them and for you because they run around as much as they want and that way they release a good part of their energy in their own home. This does not mean that they are incompatible with life in an apartment, but if they live in an apartment, you have to take them out at least three times a day, two of them long; one for 1 hour and another for half an hour so that your Beagle is completely happy.
• To understand them, don’t forget that they are hounds, they have been hunting dogs, so they love looking for prey, barking to warn you, and bringing it to you. It is part of his usual behavior. A hunter cannot constantly ask for permission because speed is more important than pleasing, so sometimes they feel the need to run away.

For these reasons you must understand that the beagle is an active and impulsive dog that will not blink at the idea of ​​​​searching and finding prey (and bringing you a little gift). Furthermore, they are dogs that require good education from puppyhood onwards as they tend to become authoritarian in the face of an owner who does not impose their corresponding household rules.

The beagle is generally a very healthy breed of dog that can accompany us for 15 long years of our lives if we take care of it correctly and with a lot of love. More specifically, the care of the beagle dog is as follows, depending on its diet, exercise and grooming:

• Beagle diet : like all dog breeds, beagles have their own peculiarities. As it is a dog with a big appetite, there is a saying that it is better to give it more quantity instead of quality. It is best to accustom them to a specific amount of food from a very young age, because otherwise they would be eating forever. When they are puppies, they should be fed about 3 or 4 times a day, while when they are younger-adults they can move on to 2 powerful daily rations . In these rations we must ensure that there are both vitamins and minerals. Below we will talk in more detail about the Amount of food for a beagle .
• Exercise : sport is essential , since the beagle dog needs large doses of activity for physical and mental health reasons, otherwise we will end up having an obese and destructive dog due to nervousness. Walking with him at least 3 times a day, exercising and going to the mountains on weekends are qualities that his owner’s beagle looks for.
• Grooming : He has short hair, therefore, his care is simple but that does not mean that we should leave him to his free will. He should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week and we will give our dog a bath once a month, always taking into account how much or how little he goes out in the park and gets dirty. What we should observe carefully are their ears, large and drooping as they are, they constitute a place where dirt can lodge and being this certain shape they become easily clogged. Therefore, if we clean it at a hair salon or if we do it ourselves we must pay attention.

The beagle finds a playmate in children , for this reason we inform you that the behavior with them will be great since it will release a lot of energy while playing, in addition to enjoying it. In fact, families love the Beagle because the little ones have a great time with it, they play tirelessly. Of course, parents must set rules, since neither of them (both child and dog) should exceed the limits of the game .

As for other pets, it is very difficult to make a value judgment about how they will behave towards our cats, rabbits or birds in the house. It is true that they are hunting dogs, but if they get used to living with other species from puppies, good relationships can be forged. If the beagle is an adult, it may involve a longer adaptation process, but by following some coexistence guidelines we will get them accepted.

On the other hand, the beagle is an obedient and intelligent dog that performs various functions as a hunter or detector dog:

• Hunting : Beagles were selected to hunt hares and rabbits. They are very good hunting dogs due to their incredible tracking ability and later they joined fox hunting (19th century). His ability to cooperate in a pack and his predisposition also made him participate in pheasant hunting.
• Detection dog : after discovering the qualities of the breed, the Beagle began to work as a detection dog in various and extensive cases. He participates in the detection of prohibited agricultural imports since he is a very intelligent dog and accepts rewards as a good educational system. Inspection and detection are tasks that the beagle performs with pleasure and eagerness to please its owners.

The beagle dog is a robust breed with a good physical build but, due to its great passion for food, it can lead to some overweight or obesity problems . Additionally, your dog breed is predisposed to other diseases or problems:

• Ataxia
• Beagle pain syndrome
• Lafora disease
• Glaucoma
• retinal atrophy
• corneal dystrophy
• Otitis

After reading the care and characteristics of the beagle, you probably want to enjoy his company. The best option to be able to share your life with a beagle is to adopt it at an animal shelter or shelter near your location.

You can also approach a breed club that exists around you but, from ExpertoAnimal, we want to remind you that the important thing is not to “get” a dog that meets the physical characteristics that we have mentioned, but rather to offer a life full of love and affection to the dog. little furry that ends up in your house

Although dogs similar to the Weimaraner are shown in paintings and engravings before the year 1800, the history is unknown and, although there has been much speculation on the subject, none of the proposed hypotheses can be confirmed with certainty. However, from the 19th century onwards the story is well known. At the beginning of that century, Grand Duke Charles August ruled the duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, in territory that is now part of Germany. Carlos Augusto was a nobleman who was very fond of big game hunting and on one of his many hunts he met the ancestors of the current Weimaraner.

So strong was the impression that these gray and robust dogs made on the Grand Duke that he decided to develop a breed of very versatile dogs for hunting. Furthermore, he decreed that these dogs could only be bred by the nobility and used for hunting . Therefore, the breed remained almost unknown to the people. At that time, the Weimaraner dog was used mainly for hunting large game. That’s where their strong temperament and greater aggressiveness than other current breeds come from.

At the end of the 19th century, the German Weimaraner Club was formed, a club where the breed was kept in the hands of a few breeders, prohibiting the sale of these dogs to people who did not belong to it. Therefore, the breed was developed among hunters who were very busy selecting dogs based on their hunting skills.

With the passage of time and the invasion and destruction of the habitat of large game species, hunting was oriented mainly towards small prey, such as rodents and birds. Thus, thanks to their versatility, Weimaraners went from being big game dogs to pointing dogs .

In the mid-20th century, the Weimaraner left its native region thanks to Howard Knight, a fan of the breed and member of the German Weimaraner Club who brought some specimens to the United States. This happened in 1928 and that was the crucial moment for the breed to gain more prominence in other regions . Afterwards it gradually spread to different parts of the globe until it became a breed known throughout the world.

Today the Weimaraner is used as a search and rescue dog , participates in dog sports, has an important presence in dog shows and is an excellent pet in many homes.

The Weimaraner is a beautiful, slender, medium to large dog. The best-known variety of this breed is the short-haired one, but there are also long-haired ones. He is strong and muscular, as well as athletic. Some of the characteristics of the Weimaraner dog are the following:

• The length of his body is slightly greater than his height .
• The height of the Weimar dog varies : it is between 59 and 70 centimeters in males, according to the FCI standard, while females can reach a height of 57 to 65 centimeters.
• The weight varies : that of the males ranges from 30 to 40 kilograms. The ideal weight of females ranges from 25 to 35 kilograms.
• The back of the Weimaraner is relatively long and the rump is slightly inclined.
• The chest of the Weimaraner dog is deep : reaching almost the height of the elbows, but it is not very wide. The lower line rises slightly to the height of the belly.
• The head is wider in males than in females: but in both cases it is in perfect harmony with the rest of the body. In the middle of the forehead there is a cleft, but the naso-frontal depression (stop) is not very pronounced.
• The Weimaraner’s nose is flesh-colored but gradually turns gray towards the base.
• The eyes change : they are from light to dark amber in adults, with an expressive look. In puppies the eyes are blue.
• The ears are wide and long : they hang on the sides of the head.
• The tail of the Weimaraner dog is strong and is inserted a little below the dorsal line. When the dog is active he carries it horizontally or slightly raised, but at rest he carries it hanging. Traditionally it was amputated at one third of its length , but fortunately today that is not a requirement of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) standard and is considered illegal in most countries .

Weimaraner colors

The Weimaraner’s coat can be short or long , depending on the variety to which the dog belongs. In the short-haired variety, the outer coat is strong, dense and close to the body. In this variety there is almost no internal hair. On the other hand, in the long-haired variety, the outer coat is long and soft, and there may or may not be any undercoat. In both varieties, the color of the Weimaraner dog must be silver gray, deer gray, mouse gray or any transition between those shades.

Now that you know what the characteristics of Weimaraner dogs are, let’s get to know their character. Keep reading and don’t miss it!

The Weimaraner is a very dynamic, curious, intelligent and loyal dog . If we decide to adopt a dog of this breed, we will be surprised by its sweet and dedicated character as well as its patience and kindness. Precisely because of this very positive character, the Weimaraner is one of the most recommended breeds for families with older children or young families and, in general, people with an active and stimulating lifestyle .

That does not mean that they are not appropriate dogs to live with small children, but in this case it will be advisable to always supervise both members of the family to prevent the sudden movements and temperament of the Weimaraner from accidentally hurting the little ones . On the contrary, it is not an appropriate breed for sedentary people.

Something important to mention is that their hunting instincts are strong and emerge easily. You will soon discover his love for fetch games and his fixation on toys with sound.

On the other hand, the Weimaraner can be a somewhat distrustful or shy dog ​​with strangers , especially if we do not work properly on socialization, a process in its education that we will talk about later. Precisely because of this reserved nature, it is common for Weimaraners to effusively alert their owners to the presence of any stranger in the home.

If you want to know more about Socializing a dog , do not hesitate to read this other AnimalWised article that we recommend.

The Weimaraner’s coat, both short-haired and long-haired, is relatively easy to care for, as it does not require special attention . In this way, the care of the Weimaraner dog is:

• Nutrition : the Weimaraner has basic nutritional needs, as we can see in other dogs. Even so, depending on the size of the dog, we will consider offering more or less amount of food and, being one of the large dog breeds, we will also have to take this into account. The Weimaraner dog needs between 2 and a half and 3 and a half portions of food per day, always providing high-quality feed. In addition, we will also have to give him fresh, clean water to avoid dehydration.
• Hygiene : regular brushing is necessary to remove dead hair and avoid tangles in the long-haired variety. You only have to bathe the dog with the appropriate frequency (between one and two months is normal) but we should also bathe it if it is excessively dirty. Remember that excessive use of chemicals damages the dermis of our best friend, so it is not advisable to abuse the bath.
• Exercise : It is important to highlight that the pointer needs a lot of exercise and company . His origins as a hunting dog have given him great resistance, temperament and predatory instinct, which is why he needs to run freely in safe areas almost daily. Playing fetch and fetch is undoubtedly one of the most recommended activities, but you can also discover other exercises for adult dogs such as Agility, running or swimming. Remember that it is a dog with great emotional needs , so it is not advisable to leave it alone for prolonged periods each day or confine it to a garden. You can discover more ” Exercises for adult dogs ” in this other post that we recommend from AnimalWised.

Given its great need for exercise, the Weimaraner is not a dog recommended for apartment living, although it can get used to it if it receives between two and three long walks daily . If you live in the city, it is also advisable to go with him to the forest for excursions. New experiences will provide the Weimaraner dog with the stimulation he needs to stay happy.

The Weimaraner’s education begins from early childhood, when it imitates its mother and siblings, learning to relate to them correctly. Later, and when they are missing, it will be essential to continue with the socialization process that becomes fundamental after three months of life. You must introduce him to other dogs , people, animals and the environment on a daily basis, thus avoiding future fears or negative attitudes typical of poor socialization.

Although they are not easily trained dogs, if we start early, our pointer can learn everything necessary, such as learning to urinate in the street or basic obedience commands. To do this, it is best to use positive reinforcement , that is, rewarding our dog whenever he does something correctly. We can do it with treats, caresses or words of encouragement. Remember that positive reinforcement encourages them to learn more and better.

When a Weimaraner dog is well educated and socialized, behavioral or temperament problems do not usually appear. However, if the dog does not receive enough physical and mental exercise, as well as plenty of company, he can become barking and destructive . In these cases we will act quickly by offering varied activities, affection and active exercise.

Aside from socialization and basic obedience, it will be important to continue educating our Weimaraner with new tricks, advanced commands and even initiation into Agility, a physical activity that combines exercise and intelligence, highly recommended in this breed.

You can find more information in these other AnimalWised posts on How to Socialize a Puppy Correctly? u Basic commands for dogs .

The Weimaraner is undoubtedly one of the healthiest dog breeds with the least predisposition to hereditary diseases. Even so, the Weimaraner is very prone to gastric torsion , so you should avoid exercising immediately before and after eating. Other diseases that occur in this breed with some frequency are:

• spinal dysraphism
• Hip dysplasia
• Entropion
• Hemophilia A
• von Willebrand disease

To ensure the good health of your Weimaraner, it is essential that you visit the veterinarian approximately every six months. In this way, the specialist will be able to detect any disease or health problem promptly and improve treatment expectations. It will also be necessary to correctly follow your vaccination schedule and the regular deworming that you must follow. If you follow our advice you will enjoy a healthy and healthy dog ​​for a long time.

You can learn more about the most common diseases in Weimaraner dogs and how often should you deworm a dog? in these other articles that we recommend.

Although the Weimaraner dog gained great popularity and widespread distribution among different regions, it is also true that being able to adopt a Weimaraner can be a more difficult task. Some animal shelters, associations and shelters do have this breed of large dog, although it can be more complicated than it seems. In Spain we can highlight the following places to adopt Weimar dogs:

• SOS Weimaraner : a shelter that rescues dogs of this breed and gives them the necessary veterinary care and treatment. First they look for a temporary foster home for our furry friend until they find a family to adopt him permanently.
• Weimaraner Rescue : a non-profit and completely voluntary association. It is also dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming pointer dogs, whether they are Weimaraners, German pointers, French pointers or even crosses.