Shepherd Dogs – A Beginners Introduction

The shepherd dogs are members of breeds found all over the world. These breeds are primarily herding dogs developed for helping humans with managing livestock; whether out in the grazing lands or inside a barn. The breeds include some very illustrious and well-known names such as German Shepherds. Dog breeds that fall under the category of shepherd dogs display size and temperament variations to suit the job at hand and regional conditions. Let us take a look at some shepherd dog types and learn more about them.

1. English Shepherd – Despite its name, the English Shepherd is a breed of dogs developed in America. The “English” connection comes from the fact that this breed descends from farm dogs brought over by early settlers from England. This dog is probably one of the best all-round working dog breeds known to man. It was a favorite dog with farmers in America. It helps with the chores, guards properties, drives off foxes and raccoons can be trained to hunt, and of course it helps with the herding cattle. The animal needs confident handling from the beginning. These dogs have a hairy coat, they can weigh up to 60 pounds and can measure 20 inches at the withers. A glossy black coat with tan markings is the most desirable coat with the English Shepherd.

2. Caucasian Shepherd – This is a giant of a dog that has been around for a long time. It is thought to have descended from the Molosser breeds of old. It also carries some Georgian Mountain Dog blood in it. The dogs have a desirable height of 27 inches; notice this is the desirable height not the maximum height. These animals normally weigh up to 110 pounds. These canine behemoths need firm training so that their natural assertiveness can be channelized properly. It has a strong protective streak and has to be socialized with kids and the family from its early days. For centuries these dogs have warded off hefty wolves, mean foxes, and other predators trying to sneak off with its owner’s sheep or two. Obesity and hip dysplasia are complaints associated with this breed.

3. Anatolian Shepherd Dog – The Anatolian Shepherd dog is one of the foremost herding dog types out there. The Karabash, as the breed is also known, has been around in the mountains of Turkey for the past six thousand years. This big and muscular animal can weigh as much as 150 pounds packed in a height of around 29 inches; that’s enough muscle to ward off and if need be bring down any vermin that casts an evil eye and a watery mouth towards the livestock this animal may be guarding. These animals have a wiry double coat and they are prone to shedding in the summer season. For a large breed, the animal has a remarkably long life span of up to 15 years. Most commonly reported issues with these dogs are musculo-skeletal in nature. This is a free-spirited animal that has to be properly trained. Needless to say, this one is not for apartment dwellers.

4. Australian Shepherd Dog – The Australian Shepherd is yet another breed of dog that was developed in America; interestingly no one quite knows the Aussie connection with the name. In fact, experts opine that the breed most likely originated in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. At various times, these animals have also been called Pastor Dog, Spanish Shepherd, Bob-Tail, and California Shepherd. These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and relatively easier to train when compared to some of the other dog breeds used for herding. These animals can stand 23 inches tall and weigh up to 65 pounds. These animals possess an interesting combination of coat colors including black, liver, blue merle, and red merle. The Australian Shepherd Dog has an energetic attitude, so if you plan to bring home one be sure to take the time out for its daily dose of vigorous exercise.

5. Bergamasco Shepherd Dog – At 24 inches at the withers and 80 pounds in weight, this breed from Italy presents a striking picture because of its square body and overgrown coat, not unlike the Komondor breed of Hungary. The breed is favored by Italian peasants in that country’s alpine region because it can maintain a cool head when herding and corralling livestock. The dogs are known to be fearless pursuers and powerful tacklers. It is interesting to know that there is a lot more information still to gather on this dog, although kennel clubs around the world recognize its breed. These dogs are known to be gentle with kids but need firm handling from a young age. They are more suited to a rural setting than an urban one.

To be continued.