SHEPHERD DOGS

The Shepherd dogs breeds could be divided into various sub groups, depending on the tasks they are expected to fulfill (protecting or transporting the flock) and the type of flock they would have been in charge of (sheep or cows), since both factors influence in a decisive way the dog's character and aspect. The Cowherds for example, used to transport the cows biting any of them that would be left behind them in the heels. That is the reason why they often had short paws as the Welsh corgi, which allowed them to avoid the kicks in a better way. They also had to bring any separated cattle back and the initiative and the autonomy needed to fulfill these tasks have marked its character. Other remarkable cowherds are the Lancashire Heeler the Australian Cowherd and the Swedish Vallhund. Some Shepherd dogs descend from primitive shepherds that proceed from the North or the East of Europe that originally worked with reindeers. Among the shepherds, we should have to distinguish two big groups: the ones in charge of protecting the flock from thieves and wild animals and the Shepherd, properly said. The first ones should be robust and strong in order to be able to fight with such ferocious predators. As they usually worked in mountainous and far away areas they should be rustic and have inclemency prove coats because the weather was extremely hard any time of the year. Its autonomy from the Shepherd forced them to have initiative and fulfill their tasks just by using their instincts. Another trait of their character was their unconditional loyalty otherwise; the hunger would have forced them to eat part of the flock they were taking care of. They should have been such reliable animals that the cattle owner could be able to leave the flocks to them with the certainty that they would rather die than attacking one of their sheep or lambs. cheap dog clothes

Different from the protecting dogs, the conducting or Shepherd dogs used to work in very close cooperation with their masters, loyally obeying their orders. This is why they are currently so identified with their owners and feel a natural desire to please them. On the other hand, they should have had better manners than the Cowherds because the sheep are not as tough and strong as the cows and a strong bite would have caused them very serious injuries.

Some cattle owners needed shepherd dogs that could be able to protect the flock at the same time so they crossed their shepherds with flock guardians or Mastiff in order to obtain protector/shepherds. Many regions developed through the history the kind of Shepherd than better fulfilled their necessities: France for example, produced the Brie's Shepherd: Belgium, the four Belgian Shepherds; Germany, the German Shepherd; England, the Bobtail; Scotland, the Collie; the Shetland Islands, the Sheltie, just to mention some examples. Dog Gifts