Let's try to figure out which dogs are considered wolfhounds and why. Wolfhounds are dogs of very large breeds. This is a collective, generalized name for animals, which are distinguished primarily by their very large size, strength, fearlessness and the ability to engage in a fight with a predator to protect the owner, domestic animals, pastures and the territory protected by them. They must be devoted to their master and always obediently carry out all his commands. The breeds of wolfhounds are distinguished by strength and endurance.
Wolfhounds
The most common breeds of wolfhound dogs:
- Irish Wolfhound;
- Caucasian breed of wolfhounds;
- Russian canine greyhound;
- Armenian gamper;
- Bavarian Giant Schnauzer;
- Buryat-Mongol wolfhound;
- South Russian Shepherd;
- Kyrgyz greyhound breed Taigan;
- Kazakh greyhound breed of pots;
- Pyrenean Mountain Dog, or Pyrenean Wolfhound;
- alabai big.
Breed nuances
Each breed has its own distinctive features, but one thing unites them - they are all very large. The height at the withers of wolfhounds is at least 70 centimeters; they can weigh up to 80 kilograms or more. Such dog breeds were obtained in various ways.
Alabai is a great friend
We examined the features of large dogs. As you can see, there are various breeds of wolfhound dogs. Alabai, for example, was bred by popular selection. In this breed, the blood of the dogs of Tibet and the fighting dogs of Mesopotamia flows. The nomads who bred this breed lived in difficult conditions, they needed dogs capable of mercilessly tearing a predator, reliably guarding caravans, parking lots, pets and homes.
Dogs had to be hardy, able to travel long distances. Sometimes they were even used to transport goods. This huge dog is difficult to train. On neutral territory, she respects loyalty to people and other animals, but on her territory she is always ready to join the battle if she feels even the slightest danger to the owner or protected area. Only experienced dog breeders can keep such a wolfhound at home.
Friendly dogs
There is still an interesting breed. Irish wolfhound, in contrast to Alabai, on the contrary, is very friendly. Bred this breed specifically for the protection of flocks of sheep, they are considered the best shepherds. Irish Wolfhound loves to play with children. He does not tolerate loneliness at all and tries to constantly be with people. Well amenable to training. It treats other dogs amicably, does not suit fights. During walks, she does not like when adults and children are scattered in different directions and actively trying to bring everyone together.
Irish wolfhounds can be safely kept even by inexperienced dog owners. But in city apartments to keep it is not worth it. But for people living in country houses, an Irish wolfhound can become the best dog for protecting the house and for communication.
From the above examples it is clear that each breed of wolfhounds appeared not by chance. The conditions in which people lived forced them to breed the breed of dog they needed. It is the breed that was ideally suited for specific conditions. And it was not a whim. These were vital circumstances. The history of each breed is interesting and instructive in its own way.
Gamper - who is it?
Powerful and strong dog, for a long time he was considered a type of Caucasian Shepherd of the Armenian type. Gamper is a dog that requires special attention. Following the history of the Armenian wolfhound, scientists were convinced that this breed was formed in the first centuries BC and played a positive role in the life of the Armenian people. In honor of the gampres, a postage stamp has even been issued in Armenia. And this is no coincidence, because the breed is native, that is, local, tied to a specific territory, in this case, Armenia.
The character of gampra is very interesting. He decides whether to be friends with the owner and members of his family or not. If the dog is offended by the owner, then he will ignore him for a long time. More than a gamper master (dog) loves his children and family members. He protects them first. If gamper protects the herd, then first of all it protects young animals, kids or lambs, and only then rushes to protect adult animals.
In the service of man
Caucasian wolfhound is considered to be a service dog. He is able to conscientiously conduct guard duty, which is why he is often called the guard dog. Very distrustful of strangers, takes nothing from the wrong hands, will starve for a long time, until the owner feeds him. The Caucasian Wolfhound is better known as the Caucasian Shepherd. So most often it is called in our country.
The Caucasian (dog) lends itself well to training and is considered one of the smartest four-legged friends of man. The most vulnerable spot in the Caucasian wolfhound is the ears, fighting with a predator, the dog instinctively protects them. For this reason, it is customary to stop them.
In urban apartments, they usually prefer to keep a shepherd with short hair, but this is already a matter of taste for the owners. In country houses you can contain any Caucasians, they are excellent guards. The history of the appearance of the breed of Caucasian wolfhounds has not been fully established. There are several versions. But the main thing can be considered that during the conquest of the Caucasus, shepherds were actively involved in the protection of fortresses. It is possible that they were brought to the Caucasus from other places, but they came to Russia from the Caucasus.
Bavarian wolfhound
It is not worth opposing the breed of wolfhounds to each other. And if you do not like one breed, then look at the others. You may really like the Bavarian Wolfhound. The breed is called a Giant Schnauzer, that is, a giant schnauzer. Owners often call it simply rizen. Not to love this dog is simply impossible. Giant Schnauzer is very beautiful. Outwardly, it may resemble a curly poodle, but only of very large sizes. However, the comparison with the poodle is probably incorrect. His coat is hard, thick, when stroking it resembles a wire. The long hair on the face closes his eyes, which gives the impression that the dog smiles slyly and wants to say something affectionately. The color of the dog’s coat is most often pure black, but there is also a mixed black and white color which is called “pepper and salt”. This is a very noble breed. This wolfhound is distinguished by loyalty and restraint.
The birthplace of the Giant Schnauzer is Germany, more precisely the lands of Bavaria and Württemberg. The character of the dog is just wonderful. Sometimes it seems that she knows how to think like a person and make deliberate, balanced decisions. The dog is very devoted to his master. It is distinguished by special diligence, strength, endurance, prudence, and the ability to restrain emotions. The appearance of the Giant Schnauzer evokes a sense of respect rather than fear, which is why he is a reliable defender, which is better to be ignored than to cause a conflict.
Reliable guard
The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound is an indigenous breed of dogs that has formed on the territory of modern Buryatia, Mongolia and its surrounding areas. This is a real wolfhound, able to withstand predators and protect the owners. The dog is well adapted to the region of residence, unpretentious, resistant to disease. It is difficult to call this dog particularly beautiful, but rather, on the contrary. She looks like a stray dog of a terrifying appearance. But her soul is kind. The wolfhound dog was not accidentally considered a sacred animal at Buddhist monasteries.
The dog is well adapted to the protection of herds of livestock, camels and owners' dwellings. True, she does not know how to graze pets, but she is a reliable guard, companion and bodyguard. In addition, the Mongol-Buryat wolfhound revealed the ability to find a person during emergency situations, which helped to save a large number of people from death. Thus, this wolfhound can be considered not only a reliable guard, defender, skilled hunter, but also a good rescuer.
Some greyhounds are perceived as breeds of wolfhound dogs, in particular the Russian canine greyhound, the Kyrgyz greyhound taigan and the Kazakh greyhound basin. Such dogs are considered hunting. They can only drive a full-grown wolf, direct a hunter at him. But with a young predator, due to their size, courage and strength, they are able to cope easily, therefore they are considered full-fledged wolfhounds.
Breeding
Breeding such serious dogs is not an easy task, whatever the breed. Wolfhound requires special attention and control. You just need to understand that any female will instinctively protect her cubs. And if the dimensions of this female are commensurate with the dimensions of the calf, then the consequences of a person’s contact with the mother of wolfhound puppies can be very sad for him. Wolfhounds are usually bred in special nurseries. At home, only experienced dog breeders can breed dogs. It is better to buy puppies in specialized institutions.
Wolfhound puppies
They need to be educated as soon as they were taken from their mother. Keep in mind that in the first days of puppies' life, the mother managed to convey to them the very first survival experience. And the kitten will be guided by this experience, instinctively defending his right to life. But the owner of the puppy must affirm himself as a leader, make it clear that he is the main thing.
Checking the puppy is very simple. It is enough to pick up dishes with food from a hungry beast. Instinctively, the puppy must protect its food. And if he growls and even rushes at the owner, trying to fight off food, then there is clearly no contact. But if the puppy obediently yields food to the owner, then he unequivocally recognizes him as a leader. This means that the owner received a loyal friend, a reliable defender and a loyal comrade. But different characters are different breeds of wolfhounds. You need to be extremely careful with them.
Eating Little Dogs
Puppies must be properly fed. Their diet should contain meat containing proteins, as well as everything that contains carbohydrates, essential minerals and vitamins. Food should be given in small portions, but often so that the puppy is not swollen and does not have problems with the tummy. In principle, it is possible to feed wolfhound puppies with dry food, but only if this food is made by well-known and reliable manufacturers. And this food should be intended for feeding puppies of giant breeds. Using the product for ordinary puppies and dogs will cause the wolfhound to grow underdeveloped.
An adult dog can be fed 2 or 3 times a day. But remember, the amount of food that the dog absorbs is not small at all, but they cannot be reduced. Fresh pure water from wolfhounds must be mandatory and constant. It is the quality of water that can cause some ailments and diseases of wolfhounds.
A wolfhound dog is primarily a friend of a person, his assistant, guard and companion. It can not be taken into the house just to play, and then throw it away. If you decide to have a wolfhound, then you need to realize the entire measure of responsibility that you assume. These dogs will not tolerate self-neglect. And it doesn’t matter, a Caucasian dog or a huge alabai. The main thing is to love and respect your pet. Then he will also reciprocate.