Russian Wolfhund - description and history of the origin of the breed

Is it possible to create an animal that is as smart, dexterous and strong as a wolf, but at the same time loyal as a dog? It turns out that this is quite possible. And the Wolfhund is a dog that confirms this. This is not to say that the breed is very famous and widespread. But more and more breeders are deciding to get just such a pet.

He doesn't care about snow and frost

Wolfhund dog. Description, features, content and price of the Wolfhund breed

The Wolfhound is also called the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. Czechoslovakia was part of the USSR. Being socialist, the country went against the FCI. This is the international cynological association. It is based in capitalist Belgium.

Cynologists in socialist countries did not always recognize the standards and recommendations of the FCI. Therefore, in 1955, work began on crossing a wolf and a dog in Czechoslovakia. The FCI opposed the creation of hybrids. The result of the experiments was the Wolfhund. The breed has 3 lines. Two of them were recognized by the FCI. This indicates the success and viability of the bred hybrid.

Care and maintenance

Wolf dogs do not tolerate small spaces and chains. It is better to have them for people who have a country house with a large garden. For your pet, you need to make a spacious enclosure with a high fence and place a warm booth there. Although Wolfdogs tolerate cold and heat well, it is necessary to avoid drafts and make sure that there is plenty of shade in the yard.

There are no particular difficulties in caring for the Wolf Dog. The main thing is to feed on time, provide enough water, monitor the condition of the eyes and ears, look at the color of the mucous secretions and comb out the fur during shedding.

Nutrition

Wolfdogs should not be fed dry food, as their stomach cannot digest it. They can be given cereals, meat and even vegetables. They love to chew on the marrow bone and will not refuse sweets. But you shouldn’t abuse the latter, if only as a reward. Also, do not forget about the wolf nature of Wolfdog. They need to be given raw meat or sea fish every day.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet:

• legumes,
• millet (as well as everything that is made from it),
• grape,
• acorns,
• nuts,
• pistachios and raisins.

Health

Wolf dogs are distinguished by excellent health. They are not predisposed to diseases of purebred dogs.

• Wolf dogs easily adapt to environmental changes. They tolerate cold and heat well. But you still need to exclude drafts and ensure the presence of shade in the enclosure.
• The life expectancy of representatives of this breed reaches 20 years. However, there have been cases where Wolfdogs lived up to 30 years. And even into old age, dogs retain excellent hearing, sense of smell and mobility.

Vaccinations

1. The need to visit a veterinarian is much less, unlike purebred dogs. Wolf dogs do not suffer from the diseases of their fellow animals. The only disease you should truly be afraid of is rabies.
2. Due to the characteristics of wolf DNA, there is some intolerance to vaccinations by Wolfdogs. Therefore, even to a rabies vaccine there can be a strange reaction.

Dog handlers advise, just in case, to give your dog the same vaccinations as pets after consultation with a veterinarian.

Diseases

As noted earlier, Wolfdogs do not suffer from the diseases of their domestic counterparts. Infectious diseases have consequences for them. Rabies is fatal to them.

Walk

• Wolfdog is a very active breed.
• They need long walks with strenuous exercise.
• It is better to walk in specialized parks and in the forest.
• This must be done at least 3 times a day, plus during the day the dog will run around the enclosure.

• It only needs to be brushed during the shedding season.
• You can wash your Wolfdog once a month.
• In summer, the number of baths should be increased so that the dog can tolerate the heat more easily.
• In winter it is better not to bathe so often.
• The dog is usually not allowed into the house, which means that it will spend most of its time outside.
• Due to wet fur, which is quite difficult to dry completely, the dog can catch a severe cold.

Nutrition

Wolf dogs are not too picky when it comes to food. Although you understand that a strong and active individual needs a large amount of food.

True, you need to know the basic dietary requirements:

• Babies up to 1 month old are given only milk. For up to 2 weeks, 1 glass, divided into 4 approaches, is enough, and then the dose is doubled (this is the amount for 6 daily doses);
• 2-3 months: transition to solid food. Typically these are premium dry foods lightly moistened with milk;

Premium foods include Eukanuba, Brit, Royal Canin, Pro Plan, and Advance.

• from 3 to 6 months they practice 3 meals a day in a total volume of 3.5-4 glasses;
• from six months they switch to the usual 2 meals a day for adult dogs (in numbers this is 1.5-2 liters per day).

The basis of the menu is foods rich in protein: there should be about 80%.

The emphasis is on:

• poultry meat;
• lean beef;
• offal in the form of lungs and liver, spleen;
• These products are well complemented with crushed herbs (dill, parsley) and small pieces of vegetables - cabbage or carrots.

Important! Wolfhounds love a “semi-wild” menu with a minimum of boiled foods. But excessive enthusiasm for such a raw food diet threatens to result in serious disruptions in the functioning of the stomach, so maintain a balance between cooked and raw.

Eating milk or boiled fish without bones requires special attention - the share of such treats in the diet of an adult dog should not exceed 15-20% of the total volume.

You definitely shouldn’t give pasta and white bread, citrus fruits and pearl barley porridge. And candy and chocolate are considered dangerous products for dogs.

Care and maintenance

Wolf dogs are prone to heavy seasonal shedding. Changing cover has long helped wild animals not to overheat in summer and not freeze in winter. But this makes it difficult to keep wolf-like dogs in proper condition. To prevent your pet from looking like a mangy creature during these periods, it is necessary to comb and trim it every day, or even twice a day, removing fallen fur.

The rest of the time, it’s enough to spend a few minutes a couple of times a week and brush your dog. And also check the condition of your ears once a week and clean them if necessary. Wolf dogs are able to keep their fur clean on their own, so they do not need bathing. But they require periodic treatment for skin parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Spacious country living conditions are ideal for freedom-loving Saarluswolfdogs. These dogs tolerate any weather conditions well, being in an enclosure with a comfortably equipped booth. They do not tolerate confined spaces and small confined areas.

Wolf dogs are quite energetic, and even when kept in private homes, they need walks outside the restrictions of fences, where they can enjoy freedom to their fullest.

Feeding

If the pet owner decides to feed his pet natural food, then the diet should be formulated in such a way that it is based on meat. Also useful sources of animal protein are offal, fish, and eggs. When replacing meat with offal, the serving size should be increased, since they are lower in calories and not as nutritious.

The dog is given eggs no more than 1-2 times a week and no more than 2 pieces. Every 3-4 days it is recommended to treat your pet with kefir, yogurt or other fermented milk product without additives.

The animal also needs carbohydrates; the dog gets them from cereals. But you should not give porridge every day; rice and buckwheat are best. Vegetables can be given to your dog daily, raw or boiled; they go well with meat.

Vegetable oils are useful for normalizing intestinal function in dogs. You can season warm food with fresh herbs and a spoon of vegetable oil. Tendon and cartilage tissues are rich in useful substances; they should be included in the animal’s diet. It is advisable to exclude sweets, flour, potatoes, legumes, smoked and spicy foods from your pet’s menu.

When fed naturally, dogs need additional sources of vitamins and microelements. It is better to consult a veterinarian on this issue; he will recommend a suitable multivitamin complex.

Experts advise owners who choose dry diets as food for their pets to give preference to high-quality premium and super-premium products. They have a balanced composition and a large number of meat ingredients.

Feed manufacturers indicate the daily amount of the product on the packaging, so choosing the serving size will not be difficult. If the dog is kept outside, then during frosts it is increased, and in hot weather it is decreased.

The number of feedings depends on various factors: puppies are given food more often, depending on their age, service dogs - 3-4 times a day. And for pets leading a passive lifestyle, it is enough to feed them twice a day - in the morning and evening hours.

Canaans need a lot of water, so you should make sure that your pet has access to it around the clock. To avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the dog must rest after a meal.

Education and training

No matter how much we would like to, we will have to abandon the idea of ​​​​registering the Irish Wolfhound for the ZKS. A friendly, self-possessed character is the signature feature of the breed, and raising bodyguard dogs from its representatives is a pointless exercise. After all, that’s what Rottweilers and Caucasian Shepherds are for. Agility, frisbee and weight-pulling are more likely to cause spinal problems for the animal than to bring true pleasure, so it is better not to try such sports disciplines. But you can indulge in coursing and racing if your pet does not have heart pathologies.

Irish Wolfhound in Her Majesty's Service

OKD is vital for Irish wolfhounds, since no better method has yet been invented to instill the basics of obedience in such a large dog. And it makes no difference whether you take on the mission of training your four-legged friend or entrust the matter to a specialist. The main thing is that during the training the animal is in the mood for contact and is interested in achieving the goal. The learning process itself should be based on mutual respect. Irish Wolfhounds categorically do not accept rough treatment, so do not raise your voice when giving a command, and certainly do not start shouting. And of course, do not “rape” the animal with multiple repetitions of exercises: do 2-3 approaches and rest for an hour or two. Believe me, this method will give better results than systematically chewing the same thing.

You can accustom an Irish Wolfhound puppy to a leash from the age of 4 months, and you are allowed to let the baby run freely only when he has clearly understood the meaning of the command “Come to me!” The first walks on a leash should be short: if the animal trails after you, it means someone has gone too far with the load, and it’s time for the pet to go home and rest. By the way, about overloads: they are extremely dangerous for the young “Irishman”, and especially for his unformed skeleton.

Irish Wolfhound puppies have a very pronounced biting reflex. Children can practice their grip on toys, objects around them, and the owner’s hands, so the owner’s task is to clearly explain to the pet what can be tested and what cannot. Just don’t try to shake or hit the puppy that bit you or your child. You don’t want to raise a nervous, angry dog ​​with a chronic complex of distrust of humans, do you? The game of cuddling, which little Irish wolfhounds love so much, is also better to nip in the bud. If the friendly pounces of a puppy are fun and pleasant, then the hugs of an adult greyhound are a pleasure for everyone, and for those who are physically strong.

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Wolf dog character

The description of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed is very unique and their character is a mixture of a very rare set of traits.

Such an animal is advised to be purchased only by experienced people who have the skills to raise and maintain large and service pets.

In fact, the wolf does not have a hot-tempered and aggressive character, the fact is that he needs a strict mentor.

With a competent method of education, the owner will be able to skillfully develop the character that was originally inherent in the Wolfhund:

The Czech Wolfdog is extremely loyal to his owner and will stand by him to the last, as evidenced by the reviews of the owners about the character of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.

Courage is the next distinguishing quality

For a dog, it doesn’t matter how huge his opponent is or how many there are, he will protect “his” to the last.

Independence. The dog is very smart and capable, can make informed and rational decisions even in an emergency, while maintaining a sober mind and without falling into a rage.

Thanks to this, he can understand, without the owner’s “indication,” how best to act in a certain situation.

Endurance. There is official confirmation of the information that these dogs ran one hundred kilometers without breaks or rest, and reached a speed of approximately 11-13 km/h.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is born to guard. She can guard the home, its inhabitants and any property. If you give the command to guard the boots, then until the owner gives the opposite command, no one will be able to touch them.

Czech Wolfhunds are very suspicious of strangers. With the help of this black dog, the dog remains unshakable in any situation, and no treats will allow him to gain the dog’s trust.

The dog is very friendly. Wolfdogs can live peacefully with other pets, including dogs.

Interesting facts about bully cutts

In the ranking of “the strongest breed”, bully cutties take 4th place, behind the Kangal (Anatolian Shepherd), the Central Asian Shepherd - Alabai and the Caucasian Shepherd. However, they are not suitable as sled dogs or for carrying loads. Their remarkable quality can only be realized in battles.

In Russia, in 2022, a new, shortened list of dog breeds that pose a potential danger was approved. The list includes 10 breeds, including Bully Kuta. The criterion for selection was the purpose of the breed: dogs for fighting, baiting and local breeds that did not pass the selection for loyalty to people were considered dangerous. Walking such dogs without a muzzle and leash is prohibited. Bully cutties are included in the list of potentially dangerous breeds in Belarus. These animals are not on the list of Ukraine, which includes more than 30 breeds.

The use of dogs in combat has been practiced at least since the times of Ancient Egypt, and their activity flourished in ancient times. In Assyria and Persia 500 BC. They already used a special breed like mastiffs. It is believed that it was the Persian king Xerxes I who brought the ancestors of the Bulli Kutta (or Alanga) to India. In the state of Tamil Nadu (south India), in one of the temples of the 12th century there is a bas-relief depicting a snarling dog of a square format, similar to modern BK.

On the other hand, similar dogs are depicted next to Akbar the Great (1556-1601), the ruler of the Mughal Empire (central India and Pakistan). Court dogs, along with cheetahs, were used to hunt large game and to guard the palace and dungeons with prisoners.

Breeding fighting dogs has been prohibited in England, in New Zealand since 1991, in France since 1998, in Germany since 2001, in Israel since 2003, in Australia since 2005. In Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Spain prohibits not only breeding, but also the import of such breeds. There is no ban on breeding in Russia, but everything can change in a moment.

Education and training

Raising and training Swiss Shepherds is a real pleasure. They understand and remember the owner’s commands instantly, and their lively intelligence and enthusiasm accelerate the acquisition of certain skills by the animals. Training requires consistency and consistency.

It is unacceptable to use brutal training methods in relation to white Swiss shepherds, and there is no need for this - the dogs are obedient from birth. Often the owners themselves do not want to scold and punish their pets, especially when they are at a tender age, representing cute snow-white angels. However, you should not forget that this is not a lapdog, but a future serious service dog in need of training.

It is important to remember that mistreatment and lack of socialization and training can cause aggression towards people and other animals. The owner of a White Swiss Shepherd will need calmness, consistency in actions and confidence in himself and his abilities.

Appearance of the Russian Pinto Hound and its differences from the Russian Hound

Despite the close family connection between the piebald hound and the Russian hound, the breeds are not complete copies of each other, although it can be difficult to immediately determine whether an animal belongs to one or another clan. Typically, the Russian piebald hound is identified by its bright spotted coat with a characteristic blush. In addition, representatives of this family are “dressed” poorer than their fellow tribesmen. There are small differences between the breeds in the shape of the ear flaps, as well as in movements (the Russian Hound's stride is noticeably lighter). At the same time, the height of both the Russian hound and the piebald hound is almost the same. Males reach 58-68 cm at the withers, females - 58-64 cm. The Russian Piebald Hound should weigh from 25 to 35 kg.

Head

The dog's head is of a dry type, with an oblong, voluminous, but not overly wide skull. The eyebrows and occipital protuberance are barely noticeable; the transition from the head to the muzzle forms an expressive but gentle ledge. The muzzle profile of the Russian Pinto Hound has a classic rectangular shape.

Eyes

The eyes of the Russian pinto hound are medium-sized, oval or slightly oblique, with a dark edge of the eyelid. The iris of breed individuals varies from hazel to dark brown tones.

Ears

The triangular, slightly rounded at the tip of the dog's ear is located above eye level and is always in a hanging position. Sometimes the skin on the ear may bunch up, but this is not a requirement.

Frame

Russian piebald hounds are dogs of relatively strong constitution, with a massive chest dropped almost to the elbows, a wide back, a convex loin and a solid sloping croup. The belly of representatives of this breed is tucked above chest level.

The legs of the Russian pinto hound can be described as bony, dry, but at the same time distinctly muscular. The angle of the dog's shoulder joints is approximately 100°, while the angle formed by the hock joints can reach 130-140°. The pasterns and metatarsals of the animal are almost vertical. As for the paws, RPGs can have them oval or slightly rounded with arched toes gathered into a ball.

Tail

The dog's saber-shaped tail, thickened at the base and tapering towards the tip, is perkily raised upward. The standard tail length is to the hock joint or 2-3 cm shorter.

Wool

The coat of the Russian piebald hound is of a double type with abundant undercoat. Usually the dog is short on the head, ears and legs, and longer on other parts of the body (about 4-5 cm). The most abundant and longest hair is on the back of the neck and the outer side of the thighs.

Color

The most common color of the breed is black and piebald with blush. The size of black spots is not limited by the standard, even if they flow into a clear saddle cloth. The tan (rouge) is always located on the head, rump and shoulders, while the dog's legs and belly remain white. Purple piebald with slight speckling and gray piebald with blush are also considered acceptable color types.

Possible defects

• Head and neck in folds of skin.
• Thick speckled coat color.
• Lack of blush, blue and brown spots on the dog.
• Snub-nosed or hunchbacked muzzle with a steep stop.
• Ears raised, curled into a tube and decorated with long hair.
• Green, blue eye color; heterochromia.
• Tail with pendulous or tipped to one side.
• Clubfoot or short-legged; Kozinets.
• Wool with waves or without undercoat.
• Brown, spotted or flesh-colored lobe.

Predisposition to pathologies

A kind of incest served as a strong foundation for excellent health. This combination of genetic code made their immunity stable, which is what the discoverer of this species was striving for. These are born long-livers. Their life expectancy is 15-20 years , but even in old age they feel great.

They do not have diseases caused by genes. If there are some flaws, then they are acquired; heredity has nothing to do with it. The resulting ailments are a consequence of improper cultivation. When the body is weakened, resistance to viruses decreases and the risk of injury increases.

For harmonious development and growth, provide balanced feeding. Additionally, give vitamins and mineral complexes. Strengthen ligaments, bones and tendons by taking special medications. The load is only in accordance with age. You can’t keep a baby or an adult locked up, but you shouldn’t drive them to a half-dead state either. Do not forget also about prevention against worms, ticks and fleas.

Appearance of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dog puppy at 6 weeks

Bernese Shepherds are fairly large dogs with long black and fawn hair and white spots on the nose, neck and paws. The breed is considered to be the so-called “smile” Bernese. In a calm state, the muscles of the dog’s muzzle and head relax, opening its mouth slightly and creating the illusion of human facial expressions. The reference height at the withers for males is from 64 to 70 cm, for females - from 58 to 67 cm. The average weight of the Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from 39-50 kg for males, 38-48 kg for females.

Head

Proportional, large. The skull is massive, rounded, which is especially noticeable when looking at the animal in profile. The frontal groove is not clearly expressed. The transition from the frontal part to the muzzle is smooth, without sharp lines. The nose is large, black, with large nostrils.

Jaws and teeth

The standard bite is a scissor bite, but in some cases a pincer (straight) option is also acceptable. The teeth of the Bernese Mountain Dog are large, strong, and located in one line.

Eyes

The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set straight. The shade of the iris is dark brown, the whites of the eyes are not noticeable. The eyelids are dry and black (“damp” eyelids are considered defects).

Ears

Medium size, regular triangular shape, set high. At rest, pendulous, the tip of the ear is slightly rounded. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the front of the ear continues to remain flat against the skull, while the back of the ear is raised slightly.

Medium length, muscular, with a prominent scruff and well-developed withers.

Bernese Mountain Dog muzzle

Body

The body is compact, strong, with a wide, straight back and a deep, long chest. The ribs are convex. The loin is short, slightly narrower than the chest and croup.

Limbs

The Bernese Mountain Dog's forelimbs are straight, even, and set wide apart. The shoulder blades are elongated, tilted back. The humeroscapular angle is usually 100°. The hind legs are straight, strong, and muscular. The thighs are elongated, with developed muscles. The hock joints are strong, with a pronounced angle. Dewclaws (rudimentary finger-like processes located above the paws of the hind legs) in purebred individuals must be removed. The paws are directed forward, rounded, with elastic pads. The hind legs are collected into a less prominent “lump” than the front legs.

Tail

The tail of the Bernese Mountain Dog is massive, saber-shaped, tapering from the base towards the end. In a calm animal it is lowered, in an excited animal it rises to the level of the back and higher.

Color

The predominant body color of the Mountain Dog is black. Areas of rich fawn coat are located on the chest, all four legs and above the eyes. White markings in Bernese Shepherds can be on the head in the form of a groove (should not reach the fawn areas of the coat), on the muzzle in the form of a spot (should not extend beyond the corners of the mouth) and chest. White “socks” on the paws and a white tip of the tail are also considered ideal parameters. The presence of small white “fragments” in the back of the head and anus is acceptable.

Major vices

Bernese Mountain Dog paw

Bernese Mountain Dogs may have deviations from the breed standard:

• too light frame;
• incorrect placement of incisors with correct bite;
• curly wool;
• the absence of white “flaps” on the head, as well as their excess quantity;
• black body color with a pronounced brown or red undertone;
• color asymmetry;
• the white areas of the coat have a grayish tint.

To disqualify a show class animal, the following defects are sufficient:

• progenia (overshot) or undershot;
• entropy (inversion of the eyelid);
• creases in the tail, or a tail curled into a donut;
• split nose;
• short coat, or the so-called “double coat” (when the undercoat “eclipses” the guard hair);
• aggression or cowardice of the animal;
• cryptorchidism;
• insufficient growth.

Wolffriend.com

Yulan Wolfdog puppies for sale.
Ideal partners for people with an active lifestyle, but lazy.

Homemade, socialized family toys with an open, kind heart!

The breed is not a show breed, but a working one; a tendency to ride dogs is welcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BREED GROUP YULAN WOLF DOG

(YULAN WOLFHUND)

Main name Yulan Wolfdog Other name Yulan Wolfhund

A breed group of dogs that is at the stage of forming breed selection lines.

The country where selection work began is Russia. Breeder – Yulia Ivanovich.

Purpose : RIDING, COMPANION. Any other skills are welcome.

About the appearance of adult dogs : Large dog, laikoid type, close to square in format.

Height at withers : from 60.cm. up to 70 cm.

The coat is thick, vertically growing, two-layered with a dense undercoat with developed decorative hair around the neck.

The head is beautifully proportional, wedge-shaped, not damp, with neat, high-standing, well-furred ears.

The tail in a good mood is carried high in a proud plume with rich sickle-shaped hair above the back.

Colors : any with symmetrically colored all four paws, the tip of the tail, and the chest in solid white. White symmetrical markings on the muzzle, head, and belly are welcome. Small specks are allowed on white.

Personality : friendly, easy to train, has a bright voice, does not smell or get dirty.

Having wolf blood: 12-25%

Mandatory tests for driving in a harness.

You can contact us

Description and characteristics of other types of Wolfhounds

Hybrid animals, obtained spontaneously by mixing the blood of feral dogs and wolves, have existed in nature as long as dogs have existed. Following nature, people began to mix blood in pursuit of their mercantile or noble goals.

Today in the world there are several more or less stable hybrid breeds, including:

• American Tundra Shepherd;
• Saarloos Wolfhound;
• Sulimov's dog.

Important! Wolf-dog hybrids should not be kept in families that do not have the skills to handle large-breed dogs. They require discipline, early socialization and constant training.

Wild hybrid individuals are strong like wolves and are not afraid of humans like dogs. Wolfops, created by humans, have their own characteristics.

Some breed groups did not develop and ceased to exist, many hybrids are in the breeding stage.

Hybrids of the 1st generation: wolf-dogs from the Russian nursery Wolfriend - “Wolf-Friend”

American Tundra Shepherd

They began to breed it to meet the needs of the army. The work was carried out on behalf of the US government. They mixed the blood of shepherd dogs with tundra wolves. The first results were unsatisfactory. Instead of smart, obedient, hardy dogs, they got aggressive, difficult-to-train puppies. The program was closed.

But the breeders decided to continue their work. New hybrid dogs have become amenable to education and training. But their character as harsh tundra animals must be overcome from an early age. Dogs can be family companions, guards, guides, and rescuers. They have an excellent sense of smell and memory.

For your information! Now American Tundra Shepherds have gained great popularity in their country, but the breed has not been recognized by cynological organizations.

American Tundra Shepherd

Wolfdog of Saarloos

The breeding of Saarloos Wolfhund dogs began in Holland. Breeder L. Sarlos crossed a German shepherd with a she-wolf from the zoo. His first attempts did not bring the desired result, which is probably why he did not leave accurate data on all his selection operations.

After the death of the breeder, his business was continued by close relatives. In 1975, they managed to breed dogs whose qualities were recorded by the international FCI standard. Dogs of the breed have a wolf-like appearance, body structure, eye color, coat color, and life expectancy. They don't bark, they can howl at the moon. They are used as service dogs, they are able to find people buried in avalanches, and can work as guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Dogs of the Saarloss Wolfhound breed

Sulimov's dog

When breeding the breed, the needs of the security forces of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs were taken into account, which needed service dogs with an impeccable sense of smell to search for herbal drugs. For breeding work, dog handlers chose Central Asian jackals, whose diet half consists of berries and other plants.

For your information! The blood of cold-resistant reindeer herding Nenets Laikas was added to the blood of heat-loving jackals.

After seven years of work, dogs were obtained with strong bones, muscles, unusual agility and excellent search abilities. Puppies begin to be trained at 2 months of age. They are able to find explosives, drugs and substances with a subtle odor. They are actively used to inspect Sheremetyevo Airport and the vehicles located there.

Sulimov's dogs at work at the airport

What it is?

The wolfdog is a hybrid of a wolf and a dog, which is occasionally found even in the wild. Of course, it is not domestic dogs that take part in hybridization, but runaway and feral dogs. Wolves generally do not consider them competitors in their natural habitat. A typical hybrid is distinguished by the strength of a wolf, while being much less afraid of humans. Animal crossing has been practiced for a very long time, but old attempts did not produce stable enough results.

Of the previous crosses, the following are worth mentioning:

• Dutch Saarloos Wolfdog;
• Chinese Kunming Shepherd;
• Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.

Modern wolf-dogs were bred in Perm, at the Institute of Internal Troops. German shepherds were used for hybridization. Perm dog handlers claim that they have achieved the greatest controllability when compared with previous hybrids. And also the official description of the breed indicates such advantages in comparison with ordinary dogs, such as:

• more developed sense of smell;
• enhanced intelligence;
• great endurance.

In the 2000s, the qualities of the Perm wolf-dog were tested on the borders with Mongolia and the People's Republic of China. However, the crossbreeding program is now closed. Returning to the background of the issue, it should be noted that spontaneous hybridization occurred already in ancient times. A number of images survive, showing half-coyote, half-wolf, or half-dog (depending on the specific location).

In 1766, an attempt was made to crossbreed a wolf and a shepherd dog. The 9 puppies that appeared received the code name “Pomeranian dogs”. Some of the animals were sent to special menageries, while others were sold to aristocratic families.

Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Dutch researcher Lander Sarlos was able to develop a specimen that was recognized by the World Canine Federation. To obtain a cross, a German shepherd and a she-wolf were crossed. The next step was to cross the she-wolf with this hybrid. Saarlos's followers continued to work in the same direction. But in 1981, wolf-dogs were officially declared unsuitable for training and completely uncontrollable. This was not prevented even by the fact that no more than 10% of the genome remained in the share of wolf genes.

One of the most successful experiments was undertaken in the Czech Republic. Cynologist Karel Hartl, who worked in the nursery of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Defense in the city of Libejovice, managed to create a hybrid of a German shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. But even the Czech specialist managed to achieve success only with the second litter. The resulting animals turned out to be quite strong, physically strong and normally treated people.

Thick wool reaches great density. The undercoat is also thick, which significantly reduces the risk of hypothermia and respiratory diseases. Therefore, the wolfdog is able to endure severe frosts outside for a long time. In addition, this breed rarely needs preventive vaccinations. There are even a number of cases where vaccines had no effect.

The teeth of a mestizo are even visually more powerful than those of recognized fighting dogs. When properly trained, their powerful bite becomes an almost ultimate weapon. From their wild ancestor, wolfdogs inherit an exceptional sense of smell. In dogs of ordinary varieties it is much less developed. There are even legends about the wolf-dog’s ability to distinguish between the blood of cancer patients and healthy people. There are also stories about how this animal followed tracks left 5-7 days ago, and never made a mistake or got lost.

Whether this is true or not is difficult to say, but it must be pointed out that wolf-dogs also have weak points. Among them, breeders and dog handlers name the following:

• a tendency to the same ailments as German shepherds;
• unstable psyche (sudden transitions from friendly behavior to aggression);
• susceptibility to abnormal bone development (when bones are inherited from dogs, and ligaments and tendons from wolves, or vice versa);
• bite defects;
• danger of rabies.

Features of the breed and character of the Wolfhund

The Wolfhund is a very large dog with the characteristic external features of a wild wolf. This animal has the character traits of a dog and a wolf at the same time. The color of these pets can be gray, black or brown, with different shades of the original.

The coat is dense, with a thick undercoat, which allows the pet to withstand cold weather if the animal lives in an enclosure. In summer, when it’s hot, the dog’s undercoat is not so dense.

Due to the size of the individual, it is not recommended to purchase Wolfhounds for living in small spaces. It is better if the animal is more often in the fresh air, with the ability to move without restrictions.

Wolfhunds are very loyal dogs, but for submission, they choose one person from all family members as their master. The predominant wolf blood makes representatives of this breed very distrustful of strangers.

The appearance of a stranger in the area is always accompanied by a wary state of the animal, however, without the appropriate command, even in a state of alarm, the Wolfhund will not touch anyone.

Another character trait that is not typical for an ordinary dog ​​is the difficult relationship with sick and infirm family members, as well as with children. Dogs of this breed feel superior and can offend those who look weaker.

In other cases, you can rely on the Wolfhund dog in everything; they are devoted companions and friends. In no case should Wolfhund puppies be locked in enclosures for the first time, since the young animals must independently go through the adaptation stage, this is due to the natural instincts of wolves.

Health

The Sarloswolfhond is unpretentious and independent. From wolves, these dogs have excellent health and powerful immunity. Life expectancy can reach 20 years, on average they live about 15 years. They are resistant to a significant number of diseases. There are no hereditary diseases.

If health problems arise, antibiotics must be used with extreme caution, as they can cause serious complications. Some other medications can also cause unpleasant consequences, so you need to pay special attention to their use.

Saarlos's dogs have difficulty withstanding transport. If they need to be transported over long distances, they are immersed in light anesthesia.

You should not neglect periodically necessary vaccinations, as well as treatments with anthelmintic drugs.

Choosing a puppy

It is necessary to buy puppies only from specialized nurseries. You cannot purchase such animals by hand, as this is quite unsafe - you can buy an uncontrollable and aggressive dog.

When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to its appearance. Your pet shouldn't look sick

You also need to find out information about the puppy’s parents. You should not buy dogs that show aggression from an early age.

How to name

When choosing a dog name, you need to adhere to the following rules:

• you need to choose nicknames that will be well recognized;
• you should not choose a complex name, it should be one or two syllables;
• the name must not be similar to the name of a particular team;
• Don't call dogs by human names.

Important! The chosen nickname should be easy to pronounce.

Features of character and behavior

Despite the fairly balanced type of higher nervous activity, the South Russian Shepherd is not recommended for people with a soft, compliant character. Strong animals, capable of making independent decisions, these dogs must feel the unconditional leadership of the owner.

Considering the presence of an innate defensive reaction in an active form, as well as pronounced protective and watchdog qualities, a South Russian Shepherd puppy must be taught obedience from the first moments of its appearance in the house. Otherwise, by the time of puberty, the dog, especially the male, may become uncontrollable.

Some owners note that the genetic predisposition to protect their puppies in this breed sometimes transforms into a desire to protect small members of the human family. At the same time, security measures can be accompanied by aggressive actions and cross the boundaries of ordinary affection and care.

Contact of an animal that has not completed the OKD course with small children in the absence of the owner is excluded.

Advantages

“Southerners” have a lot of advantages. The main advantages of this breed over other species are the following characteristics:

• Exceptional security and protective working qualities, lightning-fast reaction, very sensitive hearing.
• High intelligence, ability to quickly and accurately follow human commands.
• Capable of performing guard duty.
• They are easy to train and smart.
• They have an innate desire for discipline.
• They are unpretentious, do not require special conditions, are able to survive for a long time without food and water, and are not influenced by the climatic environment.
• A pronounced protective instinct that must be controlled with the help of OKD and the strong, calm character of the owner. In the absence of these conditions, it turns into a strong disadvantage that poses a threat to the property and lives of others.

Flaws

The main disadvantages should be noted:

1. Wayward character;
2. Malice, aggressiveness, extreme distrust of strangers, can attack without warning;
3. Possible manifestations of aggression towards other animals;
4. with an insufficient level of control, aggressive reactions towards family members and others are likely;
5. Excessive excitability;
6. Not suitable for people with a soft character, impatient and unbalanced;
7. Not suitable for owners who have no experience interacting with service dogs; for families with small children; elderly people;
8. Cannot be kept in an apartment;
9. Requires significant daily physical activity of a high intensity aerobic nature; free range is preferred;
10. Regular OKD training is required; in the absence of regular training, the animal’s reaction to an unexpected, loud and suspicious sound is unpredictable and can pose a danger to those nearby;
11. Careful grooming is required.

Australian Shepherd personality

Cheerful, affectionate, quick-witted and agile - this is how you can describe any Australian Shepherd. By the way, this is one of the few breeds whose representatives, in a good mood, can “smile” with all 42 teeth and wag their butts at the same time. By nature, they are born shepherds, who are called upon to monitor the herd and return stray animals in time. This trait can also be noticed when walking with your pet: he will constantly make sure that no one lags behind the company and gather everyone together. Despite the constant desire to follow the owner’s commands, the dog in an emergency situation can make independent decisions.

Marble blue Aussie puppy

Aussies are very friendly and easily get along with both their relatives during walks and with other domestic animals - be it a cat or a hamster, a cow or a domestic goose. It seems that the words from the famous song: “He doesn’t bark, doesn’t bite, doesn’t rush at passers-by” were written about the Aussie. The dog behaves well at shows among barking brothers, on the street and at home. The Australian Shepherd is never the first to bully, but in case of unfriendly behavior of relatives, as well as in case of a threat to the owner or family members, he will always be able to give a worthy rebuff. For this, the animal has everything: developed muscles and strong teeth.

Aussie simply adores children and will become a tireless companion for them during outdoor games. The dog will be happy to accompany its owner while jogging or cycling, and will take an active part in various competitions or hiking trips. Representatives of this breed find it unbearable to sit all day in a confined space. They simply need physical activity to maintain muscle mass, good health and mood.

History of the South Russian Shepherd Dog breed

There is heated debate about the true roots of the Yuzhaks. Despite this, there is still no reliable information about which breed was at the origins of the Yuro clan. According to one version, the ancestors of the animals were Spanish mastiff-like dogs, which were brought to the southern regions of Russia to protect fine-wool sheep imported from the Iberian Peninsula.

The famous Russian dog handler Vsevolod Yazykov adhered to a different theory. In his own works, the researcher relied on a historical document, according to which in 1808 Russia purchased 1000 merino sheep from the Saxon kingdom. It turned out to be unrealistic to drive sheep over such a long distance with the help of shepherds, so German shepherds were involved in the task. When the Merinos arrived at their destination, their four-legged guardians also settled in Russian territories, mixing with local dogs and giving birth to a new breed.

In addition, the formation of the historical phenotype of the southerners was influenced by the decree of Nicholas I. In 1826, the emperor began to develop domestic sheep farming, attracting foreign farmers to work, whom he promised to exempt from all duties and taxes. As a result, shepherd dogs from other countries flocked to the southern provinces, taking along the road European shepherd dogs that made their genetic contribution to the exterior of the southern Russian shepherd dogs.

As for the factory breeding of Yuzhaks, it is attributed to the founder of the Kherson biosphere reserve “Askania-Nova” - Friedrich Falz-Fein. A well-known livestock specialist conducted breeding experiments and organized screenings of offspring, which made it possible to obtain dogs that were valuable for work. In 1904, Falz-Fein's South Russian Shepherd Dogs were exhibited at a Paris exhibition, but the breed's triumph did not last long.

After the revolution, the number of Yuzhaks in Russia decreased sharply. It was their own dedication to the cause that helped animals lose the war for their right to exist.

The YuRO bravely defended the sheep herds from gangs of “white” and “red” marauders, which in the conditions of the civil war left them no chance of life. Before the Great Patriotic War, the number of South Russian Shepherd dogs increased slightly, but the Germans who occupied Soviet territories did not like the protective dogs either, which led to the extermination of the breed

By the 50s of the 20th century, there were no worthy southern breeders left in the USSR, but dog handlers were obsessed with the desire to revive the unique white-haired dog. It was possible to give the South Russian Shepherd Dogs a second life by infusing the blood of “Caucasians” into its phenotype. As a result, Soviet breeders still acquired a valuable breed, although outwardly modern individuals differ from their relatives bred in Tsarist Russia.