Drahthaar dog - description, what it looks like, character features, comparison with shorthaired pointer

One of the frequent companions of hunters is the drathaar dog. Such dogs were specially bred to hunt a wide variety of game in difficult weather and climatic conditions. Their wonderful character and sharp mind allow them to be used in search and rescue work. With proper care, dogs get along well in an apartment as family friends.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Drathaar

Dry dog ​​food is a complete nutritious diet for a pet, developed taking into account the physiology and characteristics of the animal. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids in a balanced state. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. The product must contain fats of animal and plant origin and natural ingredients. This is what dogs should receive to be healthy and cheerful.

Nickname

The next step after purchase is to decide on the name of your four-legged friend. Each litter in the nursery has its own letter with which the nickname should begin. Purebloods usually have two names. One is the pedigree recorded in documents. It may be reminiscent of kinship with titled ancestors. The other is homemade, simple. The second name can be either a derivative of the first or different from it, arbitrary. It can talk about the noble German origin, behavioral characteristics, or the hot temperament of the student. The best way to name your pet is to observe him and his behavior for several days. Sooner or later, some dominant or entertaining character trait will help you make your choice.

The nickname should not remind the dog of any command, and should not coincide with the names of family members, friends or frequent guests at home. It should be liked by everyone who lives next to the dog, have many diminutive forms, and not become boring over time due to repeated use.

Not everyone can own and raise such a dog. This breed is for people who love hunting and an active lifestyle. A person with a phlegmatic character should prefer another pet.

Feeding

Veterinarians advise maintaining a balance between caloric intake and the content of nutrients, choosing premium or higher class food.
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If an animal has digestive problems, purchase a higher class of food, super-premium or holistic. The latter is almost 100 percent digestible and is suitable for dogs with allergies. The main component of any ready-made mixture is proteins.

High-quality nutrition does not use soy and other additives; proteins are obtained from dietary meats, chicken, turkey and fish. Supplement with eggs, vegetables, fish oils, brewer's yeast and other natural sources of vitamins. Seafood is included in the composition for healthy joints; fiber-rich foods improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

With age, food is changed to low-protein mixtures, containing no more than 25% protein.

Rules of care

The fur sheds twice a year. However, if the dog is kept in a room with warm and dry air, then the shedding season for him never ends. It is recommended to brush the coat 1-2 times a week with a stiff brush.

Bathing is allowed no more than 2 times a year, otherwise the stiffness and other natural qualities of the coat will be lost.

The eyes should be wiped once a week with a damp swab (chamomile, tea, etc.) to prevent possible inflammation.

We must not forget about the ears, which need to be ventilated regularly. To do this, you just need to wave them in different directions.

After every walk, check your four-legged friend’s paws for cuts, splinters and cracks. If the latter are detected, then this is evidence of an insufficient amount of fat in the body.

Undoubtedly, the price of drathaars is high, but the life of your pet will cost even more. Proper care, nutrition and timely veterinary care will help maintain your pet’s health in good condition.

Belcando Junior Maxi for large and giant breed puppies from 3 to 18 months (15 kg)

Many experts recommend Belcando Junior, made in Germany, for large dogs. Its composition is rich in a high content of poultry meat, in addition to easily digestible rice, which helps good digestion and absorption of useful components. The recipe contains carob fruits, which contain tannins and substances important for life that have an effect on proper digestion. Belongs to the super premium class.

pros

• A complete, balanced complex of nutrients.
• Healthy pet.
• Convenient, economical packaging.
• A wide range of.
• Availability.
• German quality.

Minuses

• Causes an allergic reaction.
• Not all dogs like it.
• Not sold in all Russian cities.
• Composition with sodium chloride.
• Large granules of strange color.
• Poor combination with vitamins and other products.
• There is a minimum of meat, but a maximum of cereals.

Exterior

Drathaar belongs to the group of gundogs, like the Hungarian Vizsla and Weimaraner .

Both exterior and performance qualities are assessed at tests and exhibitions.

- Movements are sweeping and smooth.

— The body is relatively square.

— The head is wedge-shaped, harmonious. The skull is moderately wide, with pronounced brow ridges.

— The muzzle is deep and long, with a slight hooked nose.

— Scissor bite, strong jaws.

- The eyes are preferably dark, not deep-set and not protruding. The look is attentive and expressive.

Drathaars are agile and agile dogs that can keep up with any prey, just like Weimaraner dogs.

- Ears are set wide and high, medium in size.

— The neck is slightly arched and muscular.

— The back and lower back are muscular and strong.

— The tail is of medium thickness, usually in hunting dogs it is docked in the same way as in the Doberman . If the tail is not docked, it should reach the hock.

— The front and rear limbs are straight, parallel. The paws are gathered into a ball.

— The coat is hard, short, emphasizing the contours of the body. There is a waterproof dense undercoat. The muzzle is decorated with a beard and eyebrows.

In addition to hunting, the drathaar can also be used to protect territory

Acana Puppy Large Breed, 11.4 kg

Acana Puppy appeals to every furry friend and turns into a favorite bowl. Transforms the animal's fur into smooth and silky, bones will be stronger, and more energy will appear. Thanks to these crackers, your beloved friend is provided with a balanced diet. Many breeders of our smaller four-legged brothers recommend them to everyone else. This is a holistic class.

pros

• Natural.
• Without smell.
• Large packaging.

Minuses

• High price.
• There is a fishy smell.

Which dog is better: Drahthaar or shorthaired pointer?

Often, novice hunters and lovers of continental pointers are faced with a difficult choice of one of two similar breeds: shorthaired pointer and drathaar. Both of them were bred specifically for hunting pine, field and swamp game. Smart, loyal and quick-witted. They also have some differences:

1. The Drathaar hunting dog has thick, coarse, medium-length hair. Even the name of the breed is translated as “wire wool”. Shorthaired pointers have a smoother and shorter coat, which makes them more suitable for city apartments and sensitive to bad weather.
2. Shorthaired Pointers have a more cheerful and easy-going disposition, while the Wirehaired Pointer has a strong attachment to one owner.
3. There are practically no differences in how much a drathaar dog costs, as well as a shorthaired pointer. The cost of a purebred puppy starts from $320.

Royal Canin Maxi Adult dry for large breed dogs, 15 kg

The animal receives a complete diet thanks to Royal Canin. It is designed for individuals weighing from 26 to 44 kilograms, aged from 15 months to 5 years. Its dry granules contain a unique complex of nutrients that helps the digestive system function optimally. They contain a lot of protein, creating a balance with dietary fiber. Royal has natural taste properties with an aroma that evokes excellent appetite in our smaller four-legged brothers. Category: premium.

pros

• Balanced composition.
• High quality.
• Promotes good digestion.
• Maintaining optimal shape and weight.
• Healthy coat, skin, teeth.
• Convenient, practical packaging.
• The pet likes it.
• Gives activity.
• The crackers smell nice.

Minuses

• The packaging is made of paper and does not close after opening.
• Unattractive looking bag of granules.
• Possible only from 15 months to 5 years.

Command training

Raising a drathaar puppy also involves learning commands. The very first of them are “Come to me”, “You can’t”. And for such a hunting breed it is also “Aport”. After all, one of the purposes of this dog is to bring prey. Under no circumstances should you hit the puppy or shout at it. But be sure to reward with your voice and treats for correct behavior.

The most difficult command to teach a dog is “Fetch”. First you need to interest the animal with a special object (for example, a stick). To do this, it is enough to give the opportunity to grab it, and then try to pick it up, holding the dog by the leash. When she lets go of the stick, spare no praise. You will have to repeat this lesson many times until the baby clearly understands that with the “Fetch” command he is required to bring a certain object. The main thing is not to overwork the puppy with training. The next step will be training to bring game.

Almo Nature Holistic beef 12 kg (for large breeds)

Italian crackers of excellent quality with meat additives do not violate European standards. They have the aroma of real meat, causing an excellent appetite in your beloved pet. They contain protein, but in minimal quantities. The animal receives adequate nutrition by consuming it regularly. Almo Nature belongs to the super premium category.

pros

• Dogs love its taste.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Wide range of tastes.
• Fresh natural ingredients.
• There are no artificial additives, dyes, preservatives, or flavors.

Minuses

• Sometimes causes hair loss.
• The pet may refuse to eat it.

What else do you need to know?

Many owners are so deeply imbued with love for dogs of this breed that some have a desire to start breeding them. But here you need to remember some features. Immediately forget about crossing a brown Drahthaar with a black and silver dog or two silver and black dogs . This decision was made by the German tribal regulations. The main reason is that the offspring of such dogs will be able to acquire their maternal forms, as a result they will be more similar to pointer poodles.

Although no one will control how you fulfill this requirement, still try to choose another parent for mating.

Purina Pro Plan Optiderma for Healthy Skin and Coat, Salmon with Rice, 14 kg (Large Breeds)

A healthy body and the well-being of an animal are the result of its optimal nutrition. Purina Pro Plan was developed by Russian veterinarians and nutritionists. The composition includes specially selected nutritional components for four-legged pets of different sizes, weights and ages. It suits even special preferences and keeps the animal in excellent condition. Belongs to the premium class.

pros

• Decent composition.
• Wide range for any age, size.
• Nutritious with all the vitamin complex.

Minuses

• Flavoring additive.
• Doesn't cause much appetite.
• Not available everywhere.
• Creates increased gas formation.

Brit Care lamb with rice 12 kg (for large breeds)

The food is produced in the Czech Republic. It is rich in protein due to the significant amount of natural meat and fish in the recipe. Rice is used, enriching the body with carbohydrates, including fish and chicken oil, which produce fatty acids. Brit Care is most useful for large breeds, because its components prevent joint diseases - a problem for many large four-legged pets. Premium and super - premium class.

pros

• Vitamins and minerals in balance.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Nice smell.
• Causes a huge appetite.
• Optimal size granules.
• High quality.
• For a healthy pet's body.

Minuses

• It smells strong.
• Unpleasant color.
• Too dry.
• Not suitable for all breeds.
• Insufficient bag volume - up to 12 kilograms.

Character and hunting qualities

Working and hunting qualities determine the character of drathaars. They have extraordinary endurance, can withstand bad weather well, and can live for some time without food. Hunting instincts do not force the drathaar to obey fleeting desires, these dogs will not rush at everyone, like some other dogs.

If you plan to use endurance and other character traits of the animal during the hunt, you need to properly train the puppy. Despite the innate instincts, hunting qualities should be further developed.

High intelligence is manifested even in small puppies, and develops more and more with age. A smart pet immediately understands its place in the house, recognizing the authority of the owner. Training and raising a puppy takes place in a relaxed atmosphere; they grasp information on the fly.

The optimal place for a pet to live is an enclosure in the courtyard of a private house. If necessary, the drathaar's docile nature will allow him to get along in an apartment. Representatives of the breed are excellent companions, they are friendly and love all members of the owner’s family, especially small children. In relations with a child, the drathaar shows patience, and also develops protective qualities and a sense of responsibility for the baby.

OUR DIET WITH BEEF, 15 kg

OUR DIET, produced in Russia, provides the body of four-legged pets with the entire complex of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are so necessary for health. The composition contains natural ingredients, probiotics that support the immune system. The dog is healthy and active all day long thanks to fatty acids, chicken and salmon fat. The listed components are present in the specified diet. Considered economy class.

pros

• Qualitative.
• The dog eats with pleasure.
• Gives activity to the animal.
• The fur shines and shines.
• Well absorbed.
• Choice of flavors.

Minuses

• Large granules.
• Cats eat.
• Only for large representatives of the breed.

Training and education

Training a puppy begins from the moment it arrives in the house. The first thing you should remember is your name, so it’s better to come up with it in advance so you can immediately start addressing your baby correctly. Common nicknames for boys of the breed are Nortis, White, Maurice, Walter, and girls are Viva, Dixie, Sheldy, Greta.

Deciding how to train a dog must be based on how it will be used. If a pet lives its entire life with its owners, leading a simple, measured life, it will not need hunting skills. First, the dog must remember the basic commands: prohibiting, calling, walking. Then you can choose one of the training programs by contacting dog handlers. Training of the drathaar, which will be used for hunting, also begins after learning a basic set of commands. If you have no experience in training hunting dogs, it is better to turn to professionals.

Pedigree for healthy skin and coat, beef, 13 kg (for large breeds)

PEDIGREE helps reduce the risk of tartar and plaque formation on your pet’s teeth. Provides him with normal digestion. It is preferable to feed your pet dry food in a container separate from wet food, and ensure the availability of fresh drinking water. This is quite healthy, tasty dog ​​food. It is produced taking into account the physiological needs of a large four-legged pet. The food is produced by a Russian company and is designed for the economy category.

pros

• Convenient packaging.
• Pleasant aromatic and taste properties.
• The pet eats with pleasure.
• No artificial flavors.
• High quality crackers.
• Comfortable in using.
• Lots of vitamins.
• The coat takes on a healthy, beautiful appearance.

Minuses

• Negative reputation.
• Missing useful components.
• Worse than normal nutrition.
• Doesn't do any good.
• Harmful to the health of the animal.
• The pet quickly gets used to this food and does not eat anything else.
• Increases salivation.

Hunting

Drathaar can hunt hare, wild boar, and other small and large animals and birds. Despite this versatility of the animal, experts note that its most relevant use is for catching waterfowl.

Hunting with a drathaar is possible due to the characteristics of the coat, body structure, and other anatomical factors. Coarse fur protects the animal from injury from dry branches, a thick undercoat protects it from insect bites, and powerful paws help it run quickly without getting tired. Representatives of the breed are also noted for their ability to move silently, which is beneficial during hunting.

To fully use a dog for hunting, you must choose only a purebred puppy. Not a single drathaar mestizo has such endurance, strength, or other positive character traits.

CHAPPI MEAT ABUNDANCE WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS, adults

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-drathaara.html

CHAPPI is produced in Russia for economy class. It contains cereals, which are considered the best sources of carbohydrates. Proteins are present in the form of meat and offal. Use vegetables, for example, carrots, vegetable oils. CHAPPI is convenient because there is no need to add vitamins to it; they are already contained in sufficient quantities.

pros

• Wide availability.
• Nutritious food.
• Does not cause constipation in the animal.
• Decent quality.
• Promotes healthy appearance of coat and teeth.
• Doggies like it.
• There are no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers.

Minuses

• Treatment of the animal after eating these dry granules.
• Bad composition.
• Allergic reactions.
• Hair falls out.
• Bloating.
• Not suitable for all individuals.
• Unattractive packaging.

Diseases

These animals are distinguished by good health, especially with properly organized care and nutrition. However, being active and mobile by nature, they are at risk for injuries, bruises, and muscle strains. Such health problems lead to costly treatment and lengthy recovery.

Another group of diseases is caused by dietary errors. This may include:

• volvulus;
• diabetes.

Volvulus is common in all large breeds. The first sign is bloating. In this case, it is impossible to do without proper veterinary care. Surgery may be needed.

Diabetes mellitus can develop due to poor diet or genetic predisposition. In this case, the owner should be alert to thirst, increased appetite combined with loss of body weight. It can be complicated by vascular diseases, decreased visual acuity, even blindness.

Cops often suffer from skin diseases. Among them:

• melanoma;
• licked granuloma;
• interdigital dermatitis
• eczema.

Other diseases that often affect drathaars include:

• dysplasia of the hip or elbow joint;
• hypothyroidism;
• otitis;
• aortic stenosis.

All of the above conditions, to one degree or another, worsen the quality of life of the animal. Some lead to disability or death. This is why it is important to have regular veterinary examinations. They will help detect the disease at an early stage and make treatment effective.

ALL DOGS (13 kg) Dry complete

ALL DOGS, according to many dog ​​breeders, is considered a complete diet for our smaller four-legged brothers of any breed, size, age and activity level. Each owner adjusts its portions according to the needs of their pet. Together with it, the pet receives a complex of essential nutrients for life. The food is produced in Denmark, based on the latest research on pet nutrition and international standards, which indicate recommended levels of nutritional content. It belongs to the economy class.

pros

• Suitable for almost all breeds.
• Quite popular due to its excellent composition.
• Induces pleasure while eating.
• Excellent oral hygiene and plaque removal.
• Does not contain GMOs, excess or artificial additives.

Minuses

• Not suitable for everyone.
• Insufficient amount of protein.
• You need to add vitamins and natural meat.
• Poor assortment from the manufacturer.

Most of the listed types of dry food, we recommend paying attention to Belcando Junior Maxi and Royal Canin Maxi Adult in the ranking of the best.

This food is based on natural ingredients. Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy body and excellent physical condition of any animal.

The price of these feeds is high, but it is worth it. Moreover, they contain all the useful components, including vitamins, and your beloved pet receives adequate nutrition.

Where to buy and price

The average price of a German Deutsch puppy with documents is 20,000-30,000 rubles. It is better to buy a dog from trusted kennels; the following have a good reputation: Vom Honeverg, Vedgetta, Von der Nebelau.

If you want to have a four-legged friend with a pronounced hunting instinct, the drathaar will be a suitable option. He is not picky in care, maintenance, nutrition, and can adapt to any conditions. High intelligence, endurance, and other positive character traits make him a loyal, intelligent dog.

Feeding recommendations for large breed dogs

Large dogs have no less appetite. Individuals with large dimensions have a slower metabolism, they need fewer calories and fat, and they require a higher protein content to maintain shape.

Dry food for large pets varies in granule sizes. For large animals, they are produced about one and a half centimeters in diameter. A smaller granule size will not provide the jaws with full function, which is important for the dog’s health.

Adult pets are fed twice a day, after morning and evening walks. Breakfast and dinner take no more than a quarter of an hour. The bowl is removed even if the food is not eaten. The animal should always have access to clean, fresh water.

The daily amount of food for animals is not the same for equal sizes. It depends on the load experienced by the pet since the last meal. If your pet actively trains or spends a lot of time walking outside, the serving size is increased by a third. If the load is reduced, the pet does not walk much, rests or sleeps more time, the portion is reduced by about 15 percent.

The main indicator of a proper diet is a healthy, well-fed, strong dog whose weight is within the normal range for its age.

Large active animals, service animals, workers, need high-quality nutrition. Suitable feeds marked “energy” or “active”, varieties of “super-premium” or “premium” classes. They contain enough calories, are nutritious, and help improve the digestive system. This diet includes vitamins, dietary supplements, proteins, and amino acids.

It is impossible to give the animal food before training, an active walk or immediately after. Large dogs are at much higher risk of developing volvulus or intestinal blockage than their smaller dogs. These situations are dangerous and require urgent veterinary intervention. After a significant load, you can give the animal to eat after about one hour.

Accustoming to water

Fearlessness is the main thing you should pay attention to when raising a dog like the Drahthaar. Puppies may not be particularly courageous at first and may experience fear of water, thickets and loud noises. All this can be overcome only through complete understanding and patience on the part of the owner. Rudeness and the use of force are unacceptable.

First, you can sit with the puppy on the shore of a pond. Let him come to the water himself. When he gets older, he needs to be taught to go into a river or lake after his owner. To do this, you need to very gently call the baby. And as soon as he decides to step into the water, immediately praise him and give him a treat. Drahthaar puppies from working parents are rarely afraid of water. It is outweighed by the genetically inherent desire to bring prey.

What vitamins are needed when feeding large breed dogs?

Vitamin complexes are an essential element of the diet of dogs fed boiled meat, offal and vegetables. But when feeding dry food, you may need to take additional vitamins. So that the supplement contains:

• Vitamin C is needed for the functioning of the immune system and ensures the full development of the muscular system, bones, joints, and teeth.
• Vitamin D - used for the formation of the skeleton, especially needed by puppies during the first year of their life.
• Calcium is absorbed along with vitamin D, used to form teeth, skeletal bones, and makes the coat beautiful and shiny.

For large dogs, vitamin complexes are suitable - Beaphar Top 10 Chondro Treat, Unitabs Immuno Complex and others.

Historical reference

German breeders, trying to create a universal hunter, used genetic material from existing breeds:

• pointer poodle;
• Airedale Terrier;
• Griffon Korthals.

Their closest relatives are the Shorthaired Pointers and Landhaars. Representatives of this breed are distinguished from other cops by their great strength, endurance and ardor. Such dogs are indispensable for hunting.

Recently, German wirehaired pointers have also been used in search and rescue services.

How to Feed a Large Breed Dog Puppy as opposed to an Adult Dog

A young animal cannot be fed in the same way as an adult pet. If the size of the puppy exceeds the height of a medium-sized dog, its bones, teeth, and gastrointestinal tract are in the development stage.

This imposes restrictions on the diet:

• Overfeeding and underfeeding a puppy will be equally harmful. But feeds usually contain tables that can be used to calculate the required volume of feed depending on the weight and age of the pet.
• The number of feedings depends on age. At 2 months, puppies are fed up to seven times a day, distributing food evenly throughout the day. By the age of one year, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, bringing it to 2 or 3 times a day. Sudden changes in the amount of food should not be allowed.
• Regardless of whether the pet eats dry food or natural products, it must have access to clean water or milk around the clock. This is especially important for puppies; when eating dry food, there is a high risk of dehydration.

When purchasing a puppy, it is important to discuss with the breeder what the animal ate before the move. It is impossible to abruptly change the diet from natural food to dry food or vice versa. This leads to problems with the stomach, which is sensitive in the young individual.

In case of food intolerance, puppies experience diarrhea or constipation, and allergic reactions are possible. Small dogs are prone to them; large breed puppies do not yet have strong enough immunity. The transition from one type of food to another or changing the brand of food is carried out smoothly and accurately.

Health

Drathaars are considered a healthy breed. Being a hunting breed, they went through strict selection, and weak dogs were removed from breeding. The average lifespan is 12-14 years, which is long for such a large dog. Death at an early age is more likely to be related to accidents than to health. This does not mean that they are immune to genetic diseases. They simply suffer from them less than other purebred breeds.

One such disease is von Willebrand disease, an inherited genetic blood disorder. Bleeding disorders lead to spontaneous bleeding from the nose or gums. Bitches can go into heavy heat.

In mild cases, this disease does not require treatment, but in severe cases it can cause death. This disease is especially dangerous because it is not diagnosed and appears during operations or injuries, when it is too late.

How to feed pregnant large breed dogs

A lack of nutrients in a pregnant bitch's diet will harm her and her puppies, as will an excess of them. Before mating, the dog is given high-quality dry food for adult animals. Once pregnancy is established, there is no sudden change in diet. Portions remain the same while the dog is in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive nutrition at this stage leads to obesity, which increases the risk of complications during childbirth and endangers the lives of the dog and puppies.

In the third week, the animal may refuse food for up to a week. Active development of the offspring begins in the fifth or sixth week, at which time the daily portion is increased. The serving size is increased by about one third.

As for the brand and class of food, there are groups of food for lactating and pregnant females. Some breeders replace them with puppy food. They contain many useful substances that the expectant mother needs: calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, C and D. It is acceptable to use food of the “holistic” and “super-premium” classes.

Supplements for pregnant bitches improve the well-being of the female and ensure the health of the offspring. Products such as “Quantum ICD Dog-Mama” relieve toxicosis, “Farmina Vit-Active for pregnant and lactating dogs” compensates for the lack of vitamins and minerals, “Unitabs MamaCare” is easily absorbed by animals thanks to its natural flavoring.

Origin story

The history of the breed goes back a long way. Dog handlers cannot determine exactly what types of dogs were used to breed it; their ancestors definitely included the German pointing dog, other hounds, and hunting varieties.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, broad-chested bird dogs were common in various European countries. They were good hunters of quail, pheasant, and other birds. The modern German Drahthaar has little external resemblance to that bird breed, but dog experts note that they were the carriers of the dominant hair gene.

The first Drahthaars were introduced at the end of the 19th century, and the official breed standard was approved in 1924. In the post-war period, active work was carried out to improve animals. The characteristics of the breed, in comparison with those initially established, have practically not changed, only minor nuances of appearance have appeared.