Whether you want to have a working dog, family farm dog, or just an adorable pet, sheepdog breeds are the best. They look so cute with their messy coat. Their personality makes them cuter than ever.
If you have seen a Belgian shepherd or other sheepdog breeds and would like to have one in your home, there are some great things that you should know about herding dogs today.
Overview of Sheepdog Breeds
There are many things you should learn about sheepdog breeds. Some of the basics that you may want to know about these dogs include the following:
- Known as herding dogs
- Adult size (males) 22 inches or taller and (females) 21 inches and taller
- Usually weigh between 60 and 100 pounds
- Double coat can be white/grey, merle, grizzle, or blue-shaded
- Usually live to be between 10 to 12 years
Now that you know the basics of the sheepdog breeds, there are some other interesting facts that you may want to know about the English sheepdog and other herding dogs.
Sheepdog Breed Characteristics
If you are looking into getting a new dog, there are many characteristics and temperament that you may want to look for. Some of the most desirable characteristics in dogs are the following:
- Friendly
- Great with other pets
- Adorable
If you are looking for these characteristics in your new dog, getting a sheepdog would be perfect.
Caring for Sheepdogs
No matter what type of dog you get, it is important to know how to best care for them. When it comes to sheepdogs, there are some care tips that can help you to give them the best life. Some of these tips include the following:
- Allow them a daily opportunity to exercise (daily walks and playing fetch are great options)
- Socializing these dogs early on with kids and other pets will make them behave better later on
- Behavior train as a puppy (if you get a sheepdog when they are older, start behavior training right away)
- Groom your sheepdog daily to prevent tangles and matting
- Bath your sheepdog once a month (more often if they get excessively dirty)
With these tips, you can help to provide the best care for your Belgian shepherd, English sheepdog, or other sheepdogs. In addition to caring for your sheepdog in these ways, you should also make sure they have a healthy diet.
Balanced Diet
If you are going to have a sheepdog in your home, you should make sure they have a balanced diet. A balanced diet is very important for a dog's overall health and daily lifestyle. There are many dog food brands out there today. It can be tough to choose the right one for your dog. Most of the time, sheepdogs do best with the following in their diet:
- Lean meats (turkey and chicken are great for the main ingredient in dog food)
- Sweet potatoes, carrots, and other whole foods in the ingredient list
- Water available at all times
- Minimal fat content
Many dog owners have a tough time deciding whether to feed their dogs dry or wet food. This can be a difficult choice for you, as well. Most of the time, wet food is better for a dog’s digestive system. However, dry food can help to keep your dog’s teeth healthier.
You may want to talk to your dog’s veterinarian about whether to feed your sheepdog dry or wet food. You can ask the veterinarian what dog food brand they recommend the most for your dog, as well.
Getting a Sheepdog
If you have decided that a sheepdog would be the best dog for you and/or your family, there are different places you can get one of these dogs. It is best to get a sheepdog from a reputable breeder. You should find a breeder that has AKC-certified sheepdogs. If you don’t want to work with a breeder, you might be able to find a sheepdog from a shelter or from a rescue. You can talk to any of these people to find out more about the specific sheepdog you are hoping to adopt.
Before getting a sheepdog, be sure you have space for your new dog to run around and play. Sheepdogs can live in an apartment or small house. However, if this is where you live, be sure you take your dog for walks in the neighborhood daily. It would also be a good idea to take your dog to a dog park, if possible.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to learn more about sheepdog breeds. There are different types of sheepdogs that you can bring into your home.
A Belgian shepherd and an English sheepdog are just two of the options you have. No matter what sheepdog you get, you can expect them to be adorable and friendly.
They are usually great with kids and other pets. Now that you have all of this information, you can go looking for your new sheepdog.
Comments
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