What Level Of Grooming Does A German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound Require
As this mixed breed has a double coat, you can expect a fair amount of shedding. If your pup takes after their German Shepherd parent, you will have to contend with a lot of shedding.
Your dog may also blow their coat a few times a year. At this point, the shedding will increase for a short time. Then, your dog will grow a new coat for the new season.
Despite all this, the grooming techniques for a German Shepherd Elkhound are rather simple. Regular brushing is key here. Normally, brushing your dog three times a week or so should help to keep the shedding under control.
When your German Shepherd Elkhound blows their coat, try to brush them every day. There will be less of a mess around their house.
For the best results, use three different types of brushes. A slicker brush helps to get rid of matting and most of the loose fur. This can be used for each brushing session. An undercoat rake works to get rid of loose hair in the coat closet to the skin this can be used more occasionally.
A de-shedding brush is a great tool to have during the shedding season. It makes it easier to get rid of large amounts of loose hair in a shorter time.
The German Shepherd Elkhound doesnt have to be bathed very often. If your pup takes after their Elkhound parent, you will find that their fur is highly resistant to dirt and grit.
How Do They Reproduce
Like most mammals, German Shepherds reproduce sexually. A male German Shepherd dog is sexually mature around the age of two years while the female experiences the first heat cycle when she is around six months. However, a female German Shepherd should have puppies only after she has experienced her second heat cycle. Though female German Shepherd dogs experience heat cycles every six months, breeding is advised only once a month to have healthy German Shepherd puppies.
Are German Shepherds Smart
According to the author of The Intelligence of Dogs,, Stanley Coren, Ph.D., ranks the German Shepherd as the third smartest dog breed. This study took a look at more than 100 dog breeds as they were judged by 200 dog obedience judges while learning new commands. Dogs were ranked based on their ability to perform commands 95% of the time or better based on less than five command repetitions.
The incredible level of intelligence in the German Shepherd, a level only bested by the Border Collie and the Poodle, makes this breed incredibly versatile. An ability to quickly pick up new commands and an intense desire to please its master means that this breed is the perfect candidate for any number of professional positions available to canines. This trait is perhaps why this is the breed of choice for both military and police work worldwide.
When theyre serving professionally, the German Shepherd can take part in police work, guard dog work, sheepdog work, service dog work, military work, and search and rescue work. German Shepherds also frequently participate in dog sports, including obedience, tracking, flyball, ring sport, and agility.
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The Ancient Chow Chow Chinese Breed
The lineage of the gorgeous Chow Chow can be traced back to Mongolia, China. Said to be one of the oldest dog breeds still alive today, Chow Chows were used in hunting in ancient China.
One Chinese Emperor was alleged to have kept more than 5,000 of these dogs!
Queen Victoria also loved Chow Chows, even carrying her beloved bet with her wherever she went.
However, this was frowned upon, so a stuffed version of the Queens Chow Chow replaced the real thing, leading to the creation of what some believe to be the very first teddy bear.
While Chow Chows serve their role as guard dog well, they are not overly aggressive, and in fact, their personalities are quite similar to that of a cat.
Fiercely independent, the Chow Chow is quite happy to be left to do his own thing. However, this reserved and smart temperament can also make this breed quite stubborn.
These adorably fully dogs are one of the few breeds in the world to have a blue tongue.
History Of The German Shepherd
The first German Shepherd was presented at Hanover, Germany, in 1882 after being bred in Karlsruhe. The objective was to produce a dog that was as handsome as it was responsive and obedient. Many different breeds combined to create the German Shepherd, including various local farm and herding dogs. The sheer variety in coat length and texture resulted in variation along the Shepherd lines. Originally, the Shepherd had longer hair, and in 1889 the first short-haired Shepherd was presented in Berlin.
The first dog recognized as a German Shepherd was registered in April of 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz. They continued to be shown as a wire-haired and a long-haired breed up until 1915. These days, only the short-haired German Shepherd is shown. In 1908, the German Shepherd became an American Kennel Club-recognized breed in the herding class.
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Full Report On The German Shepherds Temperament And Personality
German Shepherds are often described as being full of self-confidence. Theyâre smart and fearless to boot. This makes them extremely trainable dogs â and they learn quickly too. Itâs not surprising for your German Shepherd to recall a new cue after only a few training sessions.
They have a naturally protective instinct, so they make great family pets â though German Shepherds are also described as âaloof.â Because they are so loyal to their families, donât expect them to give a warm, tail-wagging welcome to strangers, but once theyâre your friend, that bond cannot be broken.
The saying âa tired dog is a good dogâ is especially true for these easily-bored pups. If a German Shepherd spends too much time alone or without stimulation, you can expect to see the evidence in a shredded couch or ripped up carpet. They love to work, so giving them something to do helps tire them out and keeps them well-behaved.
What Type Of Work Do Czech German Shepherds Excel At
Given that this working line was developed by the Czechoslovakian military to protect its borders, its no surprise that these dogs are most useful in assisting military and law enforcement.
Czech German Shepherds are excellent at sniffing, tracking, and herdingall the roles GSDs generally excel in. However, this working type is best suited for even more demanding work.
Along with their stronger and leaner bodies, the focus and intense drive that was selectively bred into the Czech GSD make them incredibly effective dogs for patrolling and assisting in criminal apprehension.
Their incredible protective instincts also make them useful in guarding spaces from intruders, stopping people from escaping, and protecting their handlers from any physical harm.
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How To Keep Your German Shepherd Feeling Their Best
When it comes to making your dogs daily life comfortable, there are a number of ways in which you can help them feel their best. Some examples include:
- Feed them a healthy diet that nourishes their body.
- Keep them at a healthy weight.
- Give them a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise.
- Give them daily dental chews to keep their teeth healthy.
- Implement basic obedience training to improve their behavior and boost their confidence.
- Establish a routine veterinarian in which you can see yearly, or if any illnesses occur.
- Consider joint supplements to keep their joints and bones strong.
- Keep up with their daily and monthly grooming needs.
- Adjust your home to fit their needs as they age.
- Offer them plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them occupied.
Decreased Mobility And Balance
A loss in mobility and balance means that your dogs muscles are growing extremely weak upon old age, more so, the absence of its natural fun and outgoing behavior may only imply the nearing end of its life. Soon, youll notice that your dog will find it challenging to move from one place to another it will only feel unsteady on its feet hence, youll find it resting on the ground more often than not.
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Where Does A German Shepherd Live
Where does a German Shepherd live? The German Shepherd can live outdoors in cool or temperate climates, but enjoys living indoors too.12 Sept 2008
Can a German Shepherd live in a house? Yes, German Shepherds can live in apartments as long as the owner is responsible and provides the dog with its basic needs. Many German Shepherds all over the world thrive in apartments. Keeping big energetic dogs in small spaces boils down to management by the owner.
What 2 breeds make a German Shepherd? A brief insight into the development of the breed
The breed was actually created by the cross breeding of working sheep dogs from rural Germany by an ex cavalry officer called Max von Stephanitz whose aim was to create a working dog for herding which could trot for long periods.
Where do German Shepherds like to be pet? Its important to remember that all German Shepherds are different , but dogs generally like to be petted on the shoulders, chest, and base of the neck.
Temperament: Is A German Shepherd Chow Mix Aggressive
The playful nature of the German Chow makes them the right choice for families with older children, and while not aggressive, they might not be as tolerant of rough play from young kids.
They also will become bored and destructive if left alone by themselves for too long and can suffer from .
This protective breed will also watch over its family and are wary of strangers, without being overly noisy.
While this can lead to them being aloof with new people, the German Shepherd Chow mix will get along famously with other people, children, and dogs alike with the proper socialization.
All that said, the Chow German Shepherd mix is a highly trainable dog that will thrive on positive reinforcement. New dog owners may struggle to tame their independent steak.
Still, experienced dog owners will find a loveable, hard-working pet whose stubborn nature is a quirky part of their personality.
This makes the intelligent Chow Shepherd both an excellent guard dog and a fantastic family pet.
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Are Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Breeders Easy To Find
No, these breeders arent easy to find as this isnt a very common mixed breed. You may need to search out of state, although its best to find such breeders online. Remember to always choose a reputable breeder.
They will do extensive genetic testing on both parents to reduce the likelihood of genetic issues cropping up in the puppies.
Do German Shepherd Mixes Have Problems
German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life.29-Jul-2020
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Ideal Human For A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are active dogs. Think: running at full speed across a field as much as youll let them. They prefer space to exercise at peak capacity and plenty of outdoor time. The ideal home for a German Shepherd would be a home with a large backyard for running around, and thats not counting all of the walks, runs, and adventures theyd like to go on with you.
German Shepherds can also make great family dogs and do fine with children as long as they are properly socialized.
Can You Find A German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound In A Shelter
It is unlikely to find this dog in a shelter as they are an expensive designer breed. You may want to focus your attention on shelters that only handle German Shepherds or Norwegian Elkhounds to improve your chances.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhounds:
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For How Long Should You Exercise A Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd
This mixed breed is usually high-energy and does need quite a bit of exercise. Depending on what parent your pup takes after, your dog may need between an hour to two hours of exercise a day.
For the most part, a long, brisk walk may be enough to work off your dogs excess energy. Remember to never let your dog off its leash, however, especially around wide-open spaces or wooded areas. Elkhounds tend to roam and this instinct may be strong in your pup as well.
If your dog appears to have lots of energy after your daily walks, it may be time to increase how much exercise they get. Do this in 15-minute increments and monitor your dog closely afterward.
If they still seem to be hyper, they probably need more exercise. If they are calm, you have found the right time stretch. In case your German Shepherd Elkhound is tired after your workouts, you may be overdoing it and need to cut back.
Dont be afraid to switch things up, either. You can play fetch with your dog and throw a Frisbee around too. You will also find that this mixed breed responds well to swimming and water sports.
What Affects Life Expectancy
Many factors influence the life expectancy of German Shepherds:
- Animal size and build
Not all German Shepherds have the same weight and height. Commonly, larger dogs live 1-3 years less. For example, a dog with a weight of 88-99 lbs and height of 25 inches will live less than an animal of the same breed with a bodyweight up to 77 lbs and height up to 23 inches .
- Lifestyle
Many German Shepherds are kept all their lives on a chain or in a roofed doghouse outside. But here, too, conditions can vary. A dog lacking walks and constantly chained on a short chain ) will live less than an animal that regularly goes out for a walk and is kept on a long leash ). The same applies to pets living at home. A dog with an active lifestyle will live longer than an animal that is only taken out for a walk for 1 hour a day.
- Gender
There is an opinion that males live 1.5-2 years less than females, but it depends not only on the sex but also on the size .
- Diet
Persistent lack of minerals and vitamins leads to metabolic disorders and the development of diseases that can shorten the life span. That is why it is crucial to make the proper diet for your pet.
- Psychological environment and communication with the owner
GSDs need constant contact with humans. Animals lacking this are under continuous stress, and this has an impact on their lifespan. Shepherds that live in continual isolation die earlier than pets that have constant contact with the owner.
- Genetic diseases
- Weight
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How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost
Before anything else, when it comes to having a German shepherd, the first thing that comes into our mind is the price tag and whether we can afford it or not.
On average, the initial cost may vary from $1000-$3,000 however, it rises up depending on several factors such as breed line, qualities, and age. When adopting a shepherd puppy, the initial cost will be less, ranging from $300-$800. But keep in mind that raising a puppy requires additional cost afterward.
Apart from the initial cost, you also have to consider other expenses such as food, training, and professional grooming.
At the end of the day, its all worth it bearing in mind the qualities and attributes of a German shepherd.
What Is The Difference Between Straight Backed German Shepherd
German Shepherd no slope backs and straight backs are from the working line. Most GSDs from the show line are sloped backs. According to some breeders and some GSD clubs, having sloped backs and angulated hind legs will give GSDs more force in their gait, allowing them to function better than straight backs.
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Modern Utilization Of The German Shepherd
German Shepherds are seen as working dogs everywhere. The breed is well known for its police work, mostly used for narcotics detection, tracking criminals, and other types of detection. The ability to handle these tasks also make the breed a good candidate for the military. German Shepherds in the military detect items such as mines and explosives.
What Is Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia refers to a health problem mainly involved with the hip socket. Its where the socket is deformed. As a result, the ball in the joints isnt completely covered and therefore cannot position itself normally.
This health issue can slowly develop in German shepherds. Hip dysplasia signs will then become more obvious as time passes by.
It can be developed by many species, including humans. However, German shepherds and hip dysplasia goes hand-in-hand most of the time.
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Signs Of Overheating And Dehydration
Keep a close eye on your GSD during hot weather. If it is exhibiting any of the following signs or behaviors, you need to make sure that you take it indoors and provide it with fresh, clean water immediately.
- Thicker than normal saliva
- Generally tired with low energy
- A dry nose and gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
If you take your dog inside and these symptoms or behaviors do not improve quickly, then you need to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Intervention at this stage is critical to avoid a potentially life-threatening issue.