Standard and characteristics of the German Shepherd. German Shepherd: standard breed RKF
If you decide to link your life with a purebred German, then you just need to read and study this article. Today we consider the standard of the German Shepherd, adopted and approved by the RKF (Russian Cynological Federation).
Your choice is quite understandable, because a more devoted friend and partner is difficult to find. This dog is courageous, extremely energetic, cheerful and diversified. It’s still not enough to want to take the puppy home. You need to know a lot of useful information that will help in. It is worth noting that the dog breeds are continuously being upgraded; accordingly, the standard denotes one thing that cannot be formed. From time to time deviations and changes are recorded in it. The basic properties and norms of the breed are described in detail, concretizing its appearance, highlighting the subtle differences and characteristic features belonging to this particular dog.
This emotional dog is very obedient, easily adapts to any environment, shows indifference to the owner's commands, performing them with joy. It attacks only by the order of the owner, while the rest of the time it remains calm and attentive, friendly to the unchanging environment,. Demonstrates courage, shows caution to strangers "strangers." Possesses courage, determination and confidence. Caring, submissive, faithful - these qualities make this dog breed worthy of a friend, mostly invaluable for protection.
The standard German shepherd evokes a sense of primitive power. Thin mind, animal flexibility express a purebred predisposition. It is about such animals that they say: “There is a healthy mind in a healthy body.”
For all these reasons, a standard has been adopted that implies the physical and psychological properties of the breed. He expresses the external characteristics of the dog. Quality improvements have focused on the correct anatomical structure, the distinctive aspects of which are a healthy disposition and a beautiful nature.
Only experts with great practice can determine the susceptibility of the German Shepherd Dog to the regime and service. They check the certification of dogs for mental state and physical fitness.
The standard of the breed is affected by all sorts of flaws. A shortage of it or an excess leads to various deviations. Such as cowardice, excessive excitability, apathy, nervousness, low performance. Incorrect body constitution, small testes, posture defect, lack of pigment - albinos, underdevelopment of body build, defects in endurance of the musculoskeletal system, etc.
Now consider all of this in more detail.
Exquisite appearance, discipline, energy, accuracy - exemplary features of the breed. Pedigree dog with excellent sense of smell and absolute hearing aid, stable central nervous system. Athletic and large build slightly stretched, above average size.
The ratio of height and length of 9:10, respectively, growth less than the length of somewhere by 10%.
Average height, fixed standard:
- For males - 63 cm;
- For bitches - 56 cm.
Departure by 2 centimeters is possible. Changes in different directions from the average height significantly reduce the dignity of the pet.
The constitution of the body guarantees the feasibility of a long run, protects the wool from natural weather influences.
Sexual characteristics of the cables and bitches are extremely pronounced. The manifested, developed two testes of the cables are located in the scrotum.
Now consider the exterior of the German Shepherd, the prevailing characteristics, the preservation of which is necessary when breeding breeds.
Musculoskeletal system
The spine is the basis of the body, the rest of the dog depends on its ratio.
With an exact correspondence of length and symmetry to height, the bones form an excellent motor system. There is a feeling of movement, devoid of tension. With undisturbed running, the limbs of the dog move in a diagonal progression, forming a solid line from the end of the tail to the end of the ears.
Height is combined as follows: the front legs are shifted the same distance as the hind legs, approximately to the middle of the body. Any shift of the hind legs reduces strength and strength.
Limbs
front part
Inspection on either side shows that the front legs are straight, on which are rounded, durable pads with strong claws. When viewed from the front, it is clear that the legs are parallel. On the long shoulder are smooth powerful shoulder blades and shoulder levers. The ideal angle between them is 90 degrees, 110 degrees is permissible.
The length is a little more than height, somewhere around 55-58%. Elbows pressed to the chest and laid back strictly. When moving, or in a position of calm, they cannot be twisted or shifted.
A proportional, strong forearm forms a slope of 20-22 degrees. If the slope is less than 20 degrees, this expresses a negative impact on durability and quality.
Disadvantages: Extremely steep front limbs is a flaw.
Rear part
Seen from behind, the legs are straight and slightly set aside behind the line of the ischial tubercles. Muscular, equal legs, connecting with the thigh, form a knee angle of 120 degrees. Well-defined hock joints are strong and lowered. On the oval, compact paws are dark, durable pads with strong claws. At an early age, dewclaws are removed.
Disadvantages: A defect is a straight angle of articulations.
Housing
Considered to be a trotter, the German Shepherd has a slightly extended constitution. Accordingly, the length of the body itself exceeds the height at the withers by 110-115%. Such a constitution of the body allows the Germans to move sufficiently carelessly and economically.
Tail
A well-grown fluffy tail is bent and lifted during movement. Whereas, in a calm state, it hangs down, forming an arc, with a small slant. Artificial intervention in the correction is absolutely impossible.
Disadvantages: The tail should not be extremely short and screwed ring.
Neck
At rest, a strong, muscular neck is at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the body, and has no skin folds. When excited, the dog holds its neck high, while during the trot it is at the level of the back, forming a flat line.
Disadvantages: The disadvantages include too long, or vice versa, short neck, the presence of folds on the skin.
Chest
A discreetly wide, deep chest forms an angle of 48 degrees from the height at the withers. The developed lower part is sharply outlined and oblong. The ribs reaching the sternum are at the level of the elbows, attached to the spine with strong muscles.
Disadvantages: Such flaws of the breast, as too large or vice versa - small size; a hollow can cause elbow joints to move.
Loin
Since the chest is far behind, the loins are relatively short. At the same time it is extremely developed and wide.
Disadvantages: Deviations from the norm - too long loin.
Stomach
Absolutely tucked up.
Disadvantages: Defect is considered too tight, lowered or straight belly.
Back
The strong and direct back has the developed muscles. At the same time the gap between the withers and the croup is small.
Disadvantages: The defect is determined in too narrow a back. Also defects are the humpbacked and arched back.
Croup
A long croup smoothly turning at the base of the tail slightly falls to the top line at an angle of 23 degrees. The bony base is created by the sacrum and the hip bone.
Disadvantages: Short, horizontal or sloping croup is unsuitable.
Withers
Unlike the back, the withers are well defined. The smooth translation of a rather long and high withers to the back forms a slight slope.
Hips
Volumetric thighs have a strong muscle group.
Color
After the change of wool, you can determine the final color of the breeding puppies. With the obligatory black color of the nose, the following basic and very common colors are recorded: zona-gray, black-necked, black. About 90% of dogs have exactly black coat. The saturation of this color is modified: from black to red.
Disadvantages: Too light inner surface, white marks on the chest are a defect. The red tip of the tail is also considered unacceptable.
Wool
To the touch, the harsh hair on the head is shorter and softer than on the legs, fingers, neck and on the back of the ears. On the hips, it forms a semblance of pants.
- normal coat;
- long-haired breeding dog;
- longhair shepherd.
Disadvantages: Too thick wool of large length is considered a defect. Especially on the tail.
Head
Not very massive wedge-shaped head in harmony with the size of the body, accounting for 40% of the height of the breeding dog.
Top part
This part of the head, which is 50% of the total length, when viewed from above equally tapers to the nose and has the shape of a wedge.
Disadvantages: A non-proportional head is a defect.
Forehead
Slightly convex when viewed from the side, the forehead has a faint groove in the middle.
Cheekbones
Cheekbones not protruding forward are rounded on the side.
Lips
Thin, dense lips should be dry to the touch.
The jaw
A healthy jaw should have a full set of strong teeth - 42 pcs. (22 in the bottom row, 20 - in the top). Scissor bite required, in this form the upper incisors close the lower. Replacement of dairy (28 pcs.) With indigenous occurs within five months.
Disadvantages: The defect is yellow plaque and broken, age-worn teeth that interfere with proper bite. Light lower jaw says deviation from the desired body type.
Ears
High-level, wide, at the base of the ears are of medium size. They are directed forward by the sink, have a pointed look. Although the puppies of this breed up to six months, during the replacement of teeth, they can hang, with the direction inside. In an excited or lying state, a pedigree dog can press the ears. This is not considered a violation.
Disadvantages: Semi-erect ears hanging on soft cartilage.
Eyes
Asymmetrically set almond-shaped eyes are of medium size. Their tone is the same as coat color, presumably dark. The clever expression of the eyes is slightly expectant.
Disadvantages: Deep-set bug-eyed eyes that are too light in color.
Conclusion
A noble and well-coordinated German shepherd must have absolutely all the pronounced properties of its magnificent breed.
Any offshoot of the standard indicates a lesser tribal conformity of the dog.
Now consider the individual parts of the body of the German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Head
The head is wedge-shaped, of appropriate size (approximately 40% of the height at the withers), should not be coarse or too light.
The overall impression is dry, moderately wide between the ears. The forehead, when viewed from the front and side, is only slightly convex, without a frontal groove or with a very weak expression. The ratio of the skull to the muzzle is 50% to 50%. The width of the skull approximately corresponds to its length. The skull (when viewed from above), evenly tapering from the ears to the nose, with a noticeable, but not sharply pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, turns into a wedge-shaped muzzle. The upper and lower jaws are highly developed. The back of the nose is straight, a deflection or crook is undesirable (but not a defect). Lips dry, tight, dark color.
Nose. Must be black.
Eyes of medium size, almond-shaped, set in a slightly oblique section, not protruding. Eye color should be as dark as possible. Bright eyes with
piercing eyes are not chelating, as it violates the expression of the dog.
Of great importance in evaluating the German Shepherd Dog is the “expression” characteristic of the breed, which is difficult to describe, but invariably
bro in eyes when it is.
This is a set of accurate portions, “purity” of profile lines, color of the head, shape and color of the eyes, position of the ears and, of course, impressions of strength, bliss, and at the same time, a lively expression of intelligence and self-confidence. All this together creates a picture of the expression characteristic of the breed not
Metsky Shepherd. In addition to the above, it is worthwhile to say that most often the correct shape of the head is in close relationship with the general breed of the dog.
Nowadays, the breed is dominated by dogs with the correct shape of the head, but in some lines there are still problems with the structure of the mandible, which, according to the standard, must be well developed and rather wide. Neglect of this requirement at exhibitions and all-breeds leads to the appearance of German shepherd dogs with a weak lower jaw, physically unable to pass the standards for training due to a weak grip, and in some cases even leads to bite disorders.
German shepherd's teeth
Must be strong and healthy; complete dentition (symbolic notation, using numbers and letters, which shows the location, number and type of teeth in the dog’s mouth) (42 teeth in accordance with the dental formula.
There may be several types of dental formula, for example, where the numbers in front of a letter denote the number of teeth of a certain type, and letters indicate the type of teeth.
The formula for permanent teeth is as follows:
2M 4P 1C 3I 3I 1C 4P 2M (upper jaw) –20 teeth
3M 4P 1C 3I 3I 1C 4P 3M (lower jaw) - 22 teeth
or, where the numbers after the letter indicate the place of the tooth, and the letter is the type of the tooth:
M2, M1, P4, P3, P2, P1, I3, I2, I1 I1, I2, I3, C, P1, P2, P3, P4, M1, M2
M3, M2, M1, P4, P3, P2, P1, I3, I2, I1 I1, I2, I3, C, P1, P2, P3, P4, M1, M2, M3
Dental system
Upper jaw:
3 cutters (Incisivi)
1 fang (caninus)
4 premolars (Praemolares)
2 molars molars
Lower jaw:
3 cutters (Incisivi)
1 fang (caninus)
4 premolars (Praemolares)
3 indigenous (Molares) - molar.
The German Shepherd has a scissor bite, i.e. the incisors should fit together like scissors so that the incisors of the upper jaw overlap the incisors of the lower jaw in a scissors manner. Bite, undershot or undershot are defects as well as large gaps between the teeth (gaps). Equally wrong is the non-linear arrangement of the incisors. The jaw bones must be strongly developed so that the teeth are firmly inserted into the alveoli.
For this item of the standard, comments, it seems to me, are superfluous.
In the modern German Shepherd population, the birth rate of puppies with impaired dental systems is relatively low and does not pose a threat to breeding. I just want to dwell on the inconsistency of the provisions on exhibitions in the systems FCI and SV, relatively
acquired deficiencies of the dental system. If according to the SV position, at specialized breed shows, if there are supporting documents, dogs with no teeth can be exposed, which is a consequence of the trauma suffered, and this has no effect on the assessment, then this situation does not exist at FCI shows. Considering the nature of the breed, which implies increased injuries during dog training (fitting, overcoming barriers, protection work, etc.), this situation seems to be justified.
German Shepherd Ears
In the German Shepherd Dog, the erect ears of medium size, which are held vertically, are directed parallel (do not converge inwards). They taper towards the ends, and the auricles open forward. Semi-erect or drooping ears are a defect. Ears laid back in motion or at rest are not a disadvantage.
In recent years, the problem of putting ears on a German shepherd has become an increasing problem. Apparently, this is due to the constitutional changes taking place in the breed. The more large, heavy dogs appear, the more often we encounter a situation when the puppies have late and hard ears, which, moreover, often have an excessive size, thin and weak cartilage. Trying to influence this process in various ways (sticking, etc.), breeders and owners drive this problem into a corner without genetically solving it. And no one is surprised by the cases of incorrect ear placement in adult dogs. Sometimes the ears do not stand up at all, despite the titanic efforts of the owners, and this is already a serious reason to think of the breeders of such dogs.
The standard prescribes an approximate elevation of the ears in puppies at an average age of 3 to 6 months, and at 6 months the ears must be completely standing. The ears of a German Shepherd puppy may begin to rise at 2 months. age, there are also earlier cases, on this occasion the opinion of a violation of mineral metabolism is so common - this is not always the case. With proper care and breeding, this is often the case in working breeding dogs.
Just as often, a puppy's ears, rising to 3 months, may fall a little later, or periodically either rise or fall again. This phenomenon is absolutely acceptable and is due to the fact that the period of changing teeth (milk for permanent) lasts from about 3 to 6 months. and, accordingly, is superimposed on the period of formation of auricles, in addition, the period (peak) of the most intensive growth of the puppy is superimposed.
Examples of incorrect placement of auricles in adult German shepherd
From myself I would like to add that the ear consists of one of the types of connective tissue-cartilage, which in turn consists of chondrocyte cells. A building material for cartilage are chondroitin and glucosamine. Now there are many mineral supplements with the content of these substances that need to be applied during the growth and development of the puppy. Note the simplest and most reliable source of glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen is table gelatin.
Housing
The top line is solid, stretches from the base of the neck, through the well-defined withers and back, very slightly in an inclined position to the horizon, gradually passing over the inclined croup. The back is strong, strong, muscular. The loin is short, well developed, muscular. The croup should be long, slightly sloping (about 23 degrees to the horizon) and merge imperceptibly with the base of the tail. "Not humpbacked, not sagging.
Dog with irregular topline
Chest
"Moderately wide, the brisket is as long as possible, the lower part of the chest is well developed. The depth of the chest (from withers to elbow perpendicular to the ground) should be 45-48% of the height at the withers. Barrels or too flat ribs are a defect."
German Shepherd - the dog is working, therefore for her the structure of the body is one of the main breed characteristics, on which its working performance directly depends. The body serves to attach the motor apparatus of the animal, to transmit the impulse that occurs when the hind limb is jolted to the front of the body, to maintain balance during movement. And, of course, all vital organs and tissues are located in the chest, which is part of the dog's body system.
A correctly folded German Shepherd Dog should give the impression of integrity and completeness. The topline, formed by the spine, should be a flat, as if drawn by a single stroke of the pen line, smoothly falling from the well-marked withers to the root of the tail. The horizontal proportions of the hull play an extremely important role, i.e. optimal ratio of the thoracic (50%), lumbar (25%) and sacral (25%) parts of the spine, ensuring the harmony and strength of the addition of the German Shepherd Dog and the balance of its movements.
Returning to the conversation about the stretched body, which is defined by the breed standard, one should dwell on the concept of compactness, which is sometimes confused with the concept of shortened format. Paradoxically at first glance, but the German Shepherd should have a compact body with a general format stretch.
It should be noted that most of the modern population of the German Shepherd has no significant problems in the structure of the body. The only exception is, perhaps, the length of the croup, which leaves much to be desired in a significant part of
livestock Sometimes there are dogs with a shortened chest and sprained waist.
Good chest of a shepherd dog of the correct depth.
Dog with a flat edge
Tail
Reaches at least to the hock, however, not farther than the middle of the metatarsus. On its underside, the coat is slightly longer, the tail
keeps hanging in soft bend. When the dog is excited or in motion, the tail rises and holds higher, but not above the horizontal line (the top line of the dog). Surgical tail correction is prohibited. "
Apart from the fact that the tail of a dog is an important breed trait and plays the role of a peculiar balancer, which facilitates the control of the body during movement and turns, it is also to some extent an indicator of the health of the animal.
In the German Shepherd, there is a problem that many breeders do not pay due attention, partly because of ignorance, partly due to the fact that this defect in adult dogs is hidden behind the abundant coat on the tail. We are talking about the so-called “break” of the tail - a genetically determined pathology of the caudal portion of the spine, which manifests itself in a change in the shape, varying degrees of thickening and inappropriate fusion of individual caudal vertebrae. Unfortunately, the German Shepherd standard does not say anything about this, but according to the latest scientific data, this pathology in dogs is genetically linked to psychomotor impairments, changes in other parts of the spine, and possibly even the spinal cord.
The correct position and the correct shape of the tail of the German Shepherd
Wrong posture and tail shape in German shepherd
FOREQUARTERS
When viewed from all sides, the front limbs are straight and absolutely parallel when viewed from the front. The shoulder blades and shoulder arms are equal in length, muscular and firmly attached to the body. The angle between the scapula and the humerus is ideally 90 degrees, but up to 110 degrees. The elbows should not be turned in or turned out, neither alone nor in motion. When viewed from all sides, the forearms are straight and absolutely parallel to each other, dry and muscular. The pastern is approximately 1/3 the length of the forearm, and is located in relation to it at an angle of 20–22 degrees. Poor pasis (at an angle of more than 22 degrees) or steep (at an angle of less than 20 degrees) affect the working ability of the dog, especially its endurance. The front paws are rounded, in a lump, with arched toes, the pads are strong, not cracked; claws of strong, dark color. "
The forelimbs serve to support the body and cushion the hull during movement. They take upon themselves the entire burden of the body when in contact with the ground, and the load on them is the greater, the faster the dog moves. In a correctly folded German Shepherd, the front limbs carry only the support.
function without taking part in the push. They do not have a bone attachment to the body, this connection is carried out with the help of muscles, therefore the front part of the body must be equipped with well-developed, prominent musculature and elastic, elastic ligaments.
The scapula plays a key role in the balance distribution during movement. Its length, width and oblique position (45 ° to the horizon line) provide the high forwardness characteristic of the breed (when it seems that the rear part of the body is planted is due to the high forwardness). The humerus should also be long, equal in length to the shoulder blade, and ensure that the front limbs are placed strictly under the withers. Its length also determines the preservation of high forwardness and the pitch length of the forelimbs.
Strength, parallel positioning and straightness of limb movement in German terminology has been called “korrekte Front” (correct front).
In the selection of the German Shepherd, the shoulder girdle has always been the weakest link. To this day, obtaining animals with an ideal structure of the humero-scapular articulation is considered to be a great success for breeders. The most common problems are insufficient length and inclination of the scapula, and as a result, a more “open” angle between the scapula and the humerus, which limits the width of the pitch of the front limbs.
The movements of the German Shepherd in the normal structure of the limbs
Postav hind limbs slightly set aside, when viewed from behind, they are parallel to each other. Thigh and shin approximately
the same length, strong and muscular and form an angle of about 120 degrees. Hock joints are strong, stable. Hocks stand vertically under
hock joints. The hind legs are compact, slightly arched, the pads are hard, dark in color, the claws are strong and also dark in color. "
The hind limbs also serve to maintain the body and soften the tremors, but their main function is jogging, performing which they act
like a force spring pushing the body forward. In this regard, they have thicker bones and more powerful muscles than the forelimbs. To maintain balance, they must be placed slightly wider than the front, as during movement in separate phases of the front limbs are between the rear. The narrow setting of the hind limbs makes this action harder, in addition, it is associated with a narrow croup, and consequently, with an insufficiently developed musculature of the rear part of the body. With the dog's natural stance, the hind limbs should be slightly drawn back. The plumb line, lowered from the sciatic knoll, crosses the lower leg of the back leg in its lower third.
The femur is the most important lever in the mechanism of the hind limbs. The length of the step of the hind limbs depends on its length, on the width -
the possibility of developing muscles and the strength of the jog function. Deficiencies in the structure of the thigh practically can not be compensated by anything and sharply depreciate the dog, reducing the performance of its movements. The thigh and shin form the angle of the knee joint, from which the whole work begins
process of movement. The knee angle should be well defined, rounded, and be flush with the elbow in the free state of the dog.
A mild knee angle usually occurs with a shortened femur, which leads to an insufficient length of the step.
The structure of the hind limbs is not satisfactory in most of the modern representatives of the breed. However, there are individuals in which the hind limbs have an irregular structure, for example, close hocks, narrow set, clubfoot, etc. Sometimes some breeders do not pay attention to the problems of the hind limbs while receiving disabled dogs.
There is also a show trend, namely an excessive enthusiasm for “corners”, which inevitably should affect the correctness and strength of the hind limbs. Weak metatarsus, close hock joints, and as a result - weakening of the spring functions by trotting and loss of endurance are found in individual animals. It is worth paying attention to breeders and owners of shepherd dogs.
Movement (lynx) with strong hind limbs set correctly, with good angles
easton Forum RKS
After the purchase, you noticed that your shepherd dog has a crochet tail: does the puppy match the breed or is something wrong? It is necessary to understand the standards of the breed, which for hundreds of years has been accompanying a person both in everyday life and in critical situations, for example, during a war.
For many years, the German Shepherd does not lose its popularity among dog lovers. According to the National Geographic magazine, since 1950, German shepherds are surely among the three most popular breeds. This is not surprising, because the German breeders managed to combine the best characteristics of its ancestors in this breed. If a German Shepherd puppy has appeared in your life, then you can be congratulated. This breed is famous for its unpretentiousness, hard work, dedication, and easy learning that, with due effort, will allow you to get a well-mannered and loyal friend.
However, the first thing that attracts attention in the German Shepherd, is its appearance. Even a person who has never seen a shepherd in a live will be able to distinguish a dog of a given breed from the rest. The reason is simple: German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most common dog actors. In the wake of the popularity of the TV series “Commissioner Rex”, the films “K-9: Canine Work”, “The Return of Mukhtar”, “The Frontier Dog Scarlet” and many other dogs of this breed rapidly spread throughout the yards of our immense Motherland. Therefore, everyone has an idea of how a German shepherd should look. And if the puppies have some kind of difference, in our opinion, this breed is not appropriate, we feel bewilderment. One example of this is the tail hook. Many owners, having seen similar, ask a question on, whether there can be such form of a tail at a puppy of a German shepherd.
Breed Description and Standards
First you need to tell about an organization such as the ICF - International Canine Federation. This association collects, describes and classifies all known dog breeds. The standard for the appearance of the shepherd dog, the so-called exterior, is also present there. The tail in the exterior of the German Shepherd should resemble a gently hanging bend, while in excitement and in motion it keeps more raised, but not above the horizontal. Tail correction using surgery is strictly prohibited. That is, the German Shepherd is obliged to wear a saber tail, and any flaws or changes in position and shape, including the crochet tail, are considered a breed defect.
Compliance with this description, the typicality of the breed is considered the most important criterion during the evaluation of dogs during breeding and exhibition. The closer the representative of the breed to its typical description, the more expensive he and his descendants will be valued in the dog breeders market and the more advantageous it will look, the more titular it will be.
Modified tail shape as a breed defect
It should be noted that the shape of the tail is one of the most common drawbacks. The dog's rating is influenced by the degree of hooking. A hook only at the end of the tail does not at all affect the ability of the dog to serve, does not indicate the presence of an unfavorable genotype and, although it visually spoils the impression of the dog, does not determine the dog's place in the ring. A deep hook tail (“ring”, “ax”) is considered an atypical sign.
Also, the croup of the dog can affect the shape of the tail. The croup is called the back upper part of the body, which combines the powerful muscles of the hind limbs on the sacrum and pelvic bones. Depending on how the sacrum and the pelvic bones are located in relation to each other, the croup can be either normal, or when the angle of inclination of the pelvic bones to the sacrum is too large, beveled. It is the beveled croup that causes abnormal sability of the tail, which refers to the shortcomings of the breed.
A normal angle is considered to be an angle of 23 °. However, many dog owners point out that in the current state of the breed, this indicator for croup is very small. In general, 33-34 ° is considered the norm at exhibitions. As with any deviations from the standard, an increase in the degree of croup should be recorded in the dog's documents. For example, if the croup is mowed down quite noticeably, which is expressed in the saberiness of the tail, then the documents may indicate that the croup is “underlined mowed”.
It is impossible to change the shape of the tail - neither massage nor surgery do not make sense. Why is this happening? The curvature and twisting of the tail in puppies is most often due to the anomalous position of the vertebrae. Since the tail is a continuation of the spine, its shape in the form of a corkscrew may be a prerequisite to other problems. This strong hall can be a manifestation of a lethal gene, therefore a dog with a tail-hook is considered defective, non-exhibition and is not allowed for official breeding. Thus, the crocheted tail, which makes the shepherd dog look like a husky, is unlikely to allow the dog to become a star of the show.
This anomaly can be explained by two reasons:
- congenital marriage;
- impurity.
In a dog bought from a breeder, a similar defect should be reflected in the metric.
The metric, or, in other words, puppy passport, is the main document that any pedigreed animal should have. In addition to this, the puppy is required to receive an individual stigma tattoo. It is fixed in the metric and subsequently entered into the pedigree. Only documents and stamp can guarantee that you get a purebred dog. If you bought a puppy without documents, there is a high probability that it is a half-breed, whose true origin cannot be confirmed. This means that the tail of a crochet may not be the main marriage: such mestizo can have serious deviations in behavior that are not inherent in purebred sheepdogs.
Of course, a puppy with significant deviations from the norm described cannot be displayed in the ring. Moreover, if you plan to breed sheepdogs for the further sale of puppies, then no nursery will allow you to arrange litter from such a parent, because a strong marriage in the breed is a direct prohibition to use these individuals for breeding. In puppies from such a parent, tail curvature can turn into vertebral deformity.
However, a defect in appearance can not prevent your puppy from growing into a loyal and reliable friend. With proper training, sufficient attention on your part, care and love, you can bring up an excellent companion and protector. Yes, the animal is unlikely to be able to boast a huge amount of titles and victories at the exhibition, but does your new four-legged friend really need this? Dogs sincerely love their owners with all the flaws and features. It is possible that we should also learn from them.
Instruction
See how puppies behave. They are already trying to fight for a place in the pack, so they often fight. It is not necessary to take the most aggressive, with it there can be a lot of trouble on walks in crowded places. These dogs are more suitable for guard objects. You do not need an aggressive friend, but who can prove himself and stand up at the right moment. Therefore, it is better to choose a puppy with an average balanced temperament. And do not even look at the little panties, who are staring and pulling on the tail.
The second important point is health. Pay attention to the fatness, but if the tummy is excessively large, then this is one of the signs of infection with helminths. Feel the wool, it should be soft, without a repulsive odor, without alopecia and scabs. A healthy puppy's eyes are clean and shiny. Nose - wet and cold, necessarily black without specks. Turn the puppy over and look at his belly. The presence of red spots, Korostochek indicates the presence of fleas or lice.
If you have a male dog, then his testicles should descend into the scrotum by 3 months. Do not listen to the seller’s assurances that this will happen later. Although, if you take a dog not for exhibitions, such a defect is not particularly important.
Put a puppy and look at his paws. A good dog must have straight and strong limbs. No curvature is allowed. This is a direct sign of malnutrition and rickets. But the joints may have nodularity; then, as the puppy grows, when the bones are formed and strengthened, this thickening will not be noticeable.
German shepherd slightly has oblique croup, and in puppies this vislozadost is more pronounced. Do not be alarmed when the pet grows up, the slope of the croup will even out and come back to normal.
See how the puppy goes. If he puts his feet on one track, then this is normal if he throws his hind legs out, this is a defect in the structure of the limbs. Look at the puppy standing behind him, if his tars touch a little, then you should not give up and choose another, over time the croup will rise, and the rear paws will become correct.
Pay attention to the shape of the tail. If the puppy is calm, then its tail is hanging, there may be a slight saber-like bend. In a state of excitement, the puppy raises its tail, but it should not be thrown high over its back, much less curled into a ring.
And about color. Usually puppies are much darker than adults. dogs , therefore be guided by it. Gray wolf color is allowed, but it is unpopular. See that there are no white markings on the chest and paws, although if you want to get yourself a friend, is it all the same what colour he will?
Sheepdog - a great friend and a brave defender. You can have a Scottish, Bernese or South Russian shepherd dog, owners, but most often the choice of the future owners stops at the German shepherd. When buying a puppy, you must be sure that you acquire a purebred animal that fully meets the standards. Spend time to choose and compare - and your reward will be a healthy, cheerful and beautiful pet.
Instruction
Buy a dog only from a trusted breeder. You can get the address from others. owners shepherd dog or in the club of dog breeders. The owner of the nursery guarantees not only compliance with the breed. A properly grown puppy will be less likely to get sick and develop properly. By the time of purchase a purebred puppy should be vaccinated.
Inspect the litter. Experienced owners dogs It is recommended to stop the choice on the most active and curious puppy. Young shepherd should not be afraid of harsh sounds, claps, strangers. The mobility and vigor of a puppy means that he is healthy, will eat well, grow quickly and will not cause you any additional problems.
Take your puppy in hand, inspect it. Puppy shepherd dogs must be well-fed, have thick paws and a flexible tail. Do not take too thin or, on the contrary, too fat animal with swollen belly - this may indicate digestive problems or abnormalities of internal organs.
Check the puppy bite - it should be scissor-like. Incorrect bite guarantees disqualification at the exhibition, a ban on breeding breeding and nutritional problems. If you buy a puppy, pay attention to his ears - by the age of six months they must be delivered.
