Homestead: Dogs...Part 2

Here is the continuing list of dog breeds we have looked into. There are a lot of wonderful breeds out there and so many fill our list of needs. We need good overall dogs that will work at what we want them to do, be healthy and require as little vet care as possible. They have to be rugged and strong and be able to handle weather in all sorts of extremes.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. Malinois are shorthaired, fawn-colored dogs with a black mask. They are one of four types of Belgian herding dogs, and have been shown in the U.S. as a separate breed since 1959.

Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, Malinois have a great deal of stamina and truly enjoy working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and in performance events, such as agility.

People who are not familiar with the Malinois often confuse him with the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), but there are significant differences in the body structure and temperament of the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. They stand with their weight well on their toes, which gives them a square body profile, while today's GSD has a long, sloping back and carries his weight flatter on his feet.

Malinois are fawn-colored, red, or brown, and the tips of their hair are black, while the GSD is usually tan with a black saddle. Additionally, the Malinois has a more refined, chiseled head that the GSD and smaller, more triangular ears. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. Malinois are shorthaired, fawn-colored dogs with a black mask. They are one of four types of Belgian herdinng dogs, and have been shown in the U.S. as a separate breed since 1959. Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, Malinois have a great deal of stamina and truly enjoy working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and in performance events, such as agility. People who are not familiar with the Malinois often confuse him with the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), but there are significant differences in the body structure and temperament of the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. They stand with their weight well on their toes, which gives them a square body profile, while today's GSD has a long, sloping back and carries his weight flatter on his feet. Malinois are fawn-colored, red, or brown, and the tips of their hair are black, while the GSD is usually tan with a black saddle. Additionally, the Malinois has a more refined, chiseled head that the GSD and smaller, more triangular ears. Many think that the Malinois is more alert and quicker to respond than the GSD. They're also very sensitive dogs that don't respond well to harsh training methods. Some Malinois are friendly and assertive, but others are reserved and aloof with strangers. They should never have a fearful or aggressive temperament. Because of their energy level and sensitivity, Malinois are recommended only for people who have previously owned dogs and have experience with dog training. Malinois are very intense dogs who like to be included in all of the family activities. If you have decided that the Malinois is the breed for you, you should expose yours to many different people, dogs, other animals and situations as early as possible. Puppy Kindergarten are recommended for your Malinois puppy, followed by obeidience class. Malinois are quick learners and eager to do whatever their people ask of them. They excel are obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund and other protection sports, search and rescue, and police work. Trainers describe them as having a high "play drive," which means that they love to play, and about anything you ask them to do is play to them.

But the Malinois' owner should never forget that this is a breed that was developed to protect and herd. Poorly bred Malinois or ones that have been poorly socialzed may be aggressive out of fear or shyness. Additionally, although well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing.

Males are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Females are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Belgian Malinois are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Malinois will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. HipDysplasia: This is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Just don't make it a habit to move the furniture around. Reputable breeders have their dogs' eyes certified annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist and do not breed dogs with this disease. Elbow Dysplasia. This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. It's thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog's elbow, causing joint laxity. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication to control the pain. Anesthesia Sensitivity. Belgian Malinois are very sensitive to anesthesia. They have a higher than average rate of death when put under anesthesia because of their muscle to fat ratio. Be sure your vet understands this sensitivity before allowing your Malinois to have surgery or even have its teeth cleaned.

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Central Asian Shepherds

The Central Asian Ovtcharka (CAS) is a very large, muscular, Mastiff-type dog. Docking of the tail and ears is optional, depending on the country in which you live. Some countries like France, Netherlands, Australia, etc., and many more ban cropping and docking. There is no real stop from forehead to muzzle. The body is a bit longer than tall. The dense coat comes in two varieties, long and short. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors. The CAS should be rugged in type with big bones, a large chest and wide back. The well-boned forelimbs have powerful shoulder muscles. The skin on the face is thick and may form wrinkles. The thighs are powerful. The back is strong and moderately long.

Height: Males 27 - 32 inches (65 - 78 cm)     Females 24 - 27 inches (60 - 69 cm)
Weight: Males 121 - 176 pounds (55 - 79 kg)    Females 88 - 143 pounds (40 - 65 kg)
Some males are even larger. There is NO maximum height or weight for this breed.

The CAS is a 4000-year-old breed. Not much is known on the true origin, but many believe the Tibetan Mastiff is a forefather due to the nomadic lifestyle of the people who have CASs. They are found in areas of Russia, Iran and Afghanistan to Siberia. Five more countries that share this area are Kazakstan, Kirghizastan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This independent and aloof breed has protected nomadic herdsmen and their flocks for centuries. Similar dogs may have accompanied the Mongols when they invaded Eastern and Central Europe, and were probably the source of Europe's herd-protecting sheepdogs. This breed is seldom seen outside the Central Asian Republic; in Russia it is in decline, losing favor to the larger Caucasian Sheepdog. The CAS is beginning to be bred in the USA.

The Central Asian Ovtcharka is a calm, fearless flock gardian. Independent, they stand their ground and do not back down. They are good with all members of their own family, however, they should be supervised with children. Outside the home they may try to dominate other dogs and are wary of strangers; they are guardians and will act as such. They like to bark at night and this may present a problem if you have close neighbors. 

Socialization is a must for the Central Asians, unless they are being used as flock guards. They get along with cats and other non-canine animals and other dogs, as long as the dog is not a threat to their charge. The CAS lived its life with the Family of Turkmen thus they are family dogs that want and seek interaction with daily life. This flock guardian is not for everyone. They need an owner who understands the flock guard type and the temperament that comes along with it. This is not a breed for the timid or meek owner. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. 

Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. 
They may appear to be lazy when they are lying down watching their property, but they can be up and running in a split second.

Traditionally their ears and tails are cropped. This is preemptive to injury when attacking wolves and predators.

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Australian Shepherd

The Aussie, as it is known, is a medium-sized, robust, well-balanced, rustic dog. The ears are set high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. The coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. The quantity of undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of the ears, front of the forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of the forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full. There is a moderate mane and frill, which is more pronounced in male dogs than females. The Aussie has a natural or docked bobtail.

 

Height: Males 20 - 23 inches (52 - 58cm) Females 18 - 21 inches (46 – 53 cm)
Weight: Males 50 - 65 pounds (25 - 29 kg) Females 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg)

The gene for the beautiful merle coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor . This may be expressed only in merle/merle crosses. Be sure to check the hearing on merle puppies. Natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings can result in some offspring with serious spinal defects. Major concerns: cataract, CEA. Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, iris coloboma. Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM. Suggested tests: hip, eye. Some are prone to hip dysplasia. This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that are otherwise okay to give another dog, but if tested positive for this gene can kill them.

This energetic working dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, mentally and physically, or better yet, some real work to do. Very intelligent and craving a good challenge, they need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become destructive. 

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Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a small, low to the ground, but sturdy dog. The head is rather long with a muzzle that looks square when viewed from the side, with a well-defined stop. The nose and lips are black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The oval-shaped, medium-sized eyes are dark in color. The ears are rather mobile, and firm from the base to the tip. The tail is either naturally long, stub, or bobbed, but is also sometimes docked. The neck is long and muscular. The legs are short, but powerful. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The oval-shaped feet are medium in size, pointing straight ahead. The dog has a tight, harsh, medium length outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat. Coat hairs are slightly longer on the neck, chest and the back of the hind legs. Coat colors include gray, red-yellow, red-brown and gray-brown. May have a small amount of white markings. The dogs can have a well-defined mask with lighter hair around the eyes, muzzle and under the throat.

Height: 12 - 16 inches (30 - 40 cm)
Weight: 25 - 35 pounds (11 - 15 kg)

The Swedish Vallhund is a responsive and even-tempered companion. It is intelligent and affectionate. He loves attention and instinctually craves leadership. Owners are never disappointed in his multi-faceted ability or his spontaneous sense of humor. Extremely active and devoted little dog.  These dogs sometimes try to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can be trained not to do this. The Swedish Vallhund makes a good alarm dog, but should be told to quiet down after it has already given off its warning bark. This breed makes a great companion and can be used for herding and ratting.

The hard, tight, medium-length coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. Naturally active little dogs, they should always be encouraged to remain so. They live about 12-14 years.

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This set of dogs breeds has been whittled down from hundreds of choices. Now we just have to find that perfect property and get it purchased. The size and shape and neighborhood will have some impact on our final selections. If we go with a smaller property the larger dogs may not be appropriate and if there are neighbors the guardians dogs night watching and barking may  be an issue. The climate has to be considered and the breeds adapability to the weather.

We want these dogs to grow up with our livestock so they know them and are used to the ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, goats and pigs. Our dogs really have to be all purpose, guards, companions, herders and just generally stay at home pooches! When looking into dogs do the research and be prepared to become the alpha dog and have civilized well mannered dogs that you can enjoy. Talk to the local vet and look into obedience classes. Talk to breeders and find out about the breed you choose and if your looking for a good farm dog realize he does not have to be a show dog! The time you take will be well worth it when you come home to see 'Rover' happy to meet you and the livestock safe and sound!