Old German Herding Dogs: Expert Working Dogs and Family Pets

Old German herding dogs have a rich history as expert working dogs and loving family pets. They originated in Germany over 400 years ago.

These dogs were bred to herd livestock, and their intelligence, athleticism, and strong work ethic made them well-suited for the task. Their ability to think on their feet and respond to commands is still evident today.

With proper training and socialization, Old German herding dogs can thrive as family pets, providing companionship and protection to their loved ones. They are naturally loyal and loving, making them a great addition to many families.

If this caught your attention, see: Black and White Herding Dog

The Old German Shepherd Dog is a hard-working, reliable, and loyal dog that is constantly on the alert and makes an excellent watchdog. They are also highly independent, which is a wonderful trait for a working and herding dog to have.

The Old German Shepherd Dog is highly intelligent, ranking third on the planet according to Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs". They can learn commands in five repetitions or fewer and obey them 95% of the time or better.

These dogs form powerful bonds with their owners and are supremely loyal, with a protective nature that is unwavering and may even be problematic at times.

Discover more: Working Bull Terrier

The Old German Shepherd Dog is a highly intelligent breed, ranking third in Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs" along with its descendant, the modern GSD.

These dogs are incredibly intelligent and able to learn complex multi-step tasks, making them perfect for rescue work and high-stress situations.

Their intelligence allows them to form powerful bonds with their owners, who are often amazed by their ability to learn and adapt quickly.

The Old German Shepherd Dog is a hard-working, reliable, and loyal dog that is seemingly constantly on the alert and makes an excellent watchdog, thanks to their natural protective nature.

Their independent streak can present challenges in a more urban setting, but with proper socialization and training, they can thrive in any environment.

The Old German Shepherd Dog is a highly alert breed, always on the lookout for potential threats and ready to defend their family at a moment's notice.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice for families and working roles, but it's essential to remember that they require consistent training and socialization to reach their full potential.

A different take: Giant Schnauzer Working

Dogs have a unique nose print, just like human fingerprints, and no two dogs have the same nose print.

Their sense of smell is incredibly powerful, with some dogs having up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only 6 million in humans.

Dogs can hear sounds at frequencies as high as 40,000 to 50,000 Hz, which is much higher than humans, who can only hear up to 20,000 Hz.

Their ability to detect sounds at such high frequencies helps them pick up on ultrasonic vocalizations from other animals, like mice squeaking.

Take a look at this: Bull Terrier Nose

Owning a dog can be a truly rewarding experience, especially if you're considering bringing an Old German herding dog into your family. They're incredibly intelligent and active dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Old German herding dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and other livestock, so they have a strong instinct to chase and herd. This means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Recommended read: Herding Dog Lifespan

These dogs are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Old German herding dog to obey basic commands and even learn more complex tasks.

Old German herding dogs are generally good with children, but they can be wary of strangers and may require some time to warm up to new people. Socialization is key to helping your dog feel comfortable around new people and situations.

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coats. A daily brushing session can help keep their coat healthy and looking its best.

Old German herding dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

A fresh viewpoint: Bull Terrier Health Problems

Old German herding dogs require regular grooming to prevent their coats from becoming unmanageable. They need to be brushed daily or every other day to prevent shedding hair from getting all over your home.

Their long coats will shed plenty of hair all year round, but they'll especially release tons of hair during the spring or fall. Regular brushing will help minimize the effort required to keep their coats under control.

To prevent dental disease, it's essential to brush their teeth at least once a week. You should also trim their nails every 6-8 weeks if necessary, especially if you hear them clicking on the floor.

If your Old German herding dog gets dirty, a quick spray with clean, warm water will usually be sufficient. But be prepared for a lot of hair – you can literally watch it fall off in clumps during shedding season!

You might like: Short Hair German Shepherds

Exercise is essential for your Old German Shepherd's happiness and health. They need daily physical stimulation to prevent boredom and undesirable habits like chewing, barking, and aggression.

Your Old German Shepherd will need at least 2 hours of exercise per day, although more is better. Just be mindful with younger GSDs, as over-exercise while they're still growing can harm their joints.

Old German Shepherds love to run, go on leisurely walks, hike, or simply play in the backyard with a ball. They'll certainly enjoy any exercise method you choose.

On a similar theme: Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise

To ensure your Old German Shepherd Dog gets the nutrients they need, it's essential to provide high-quality food that meets their specific requirements.

Old German Shepherds are extremely active and require a high protein diet with real meat like chicken, turkey, or fish. This type of diet will help keep them energized and focused.

You should aim to give your dog 2-3 cups of dry kibble a day, split into two or three portions, to prevent bloat or gastric torsion.

A good quality dry food should have meat listed in the top three ingredients, preferably the first, and be tailored to your dog's age. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults, so choose a food specifically formulated for them.

To promote a shiny coat and reduce swelling, look for brands that provide omega fats. Probiotics can also help balance your dog's digestive system and boost their immune system.

Recommended read: What to Do for Your Dog's Birthday?

Grooming is a crucial part of caring for your Old German Shepherd Dog. They have longer coats than modern GSDs, so you'll need to brush them daily or at least every other day to prevent matting and tangling.

Regular brushing will also help reduce the amount of hair that ends up all over your home. Without it, your home will be covered in their shed hair all year round.

They don't need frequent baths, but a spray with clean, warm water will be sufficient if they get dirty. They'll even enjoy it!

In addition to brushing, you'll need to regularly brush their teeth to prevent dental disease. This should be done at least once a week.

Nail clipping is also essential, but it's not always necessary. You'll need to clip their nails every 6-8 weeks if you hear them clicking on the floor.

If you're not up for the task of brushing their teeth and clipping their nails yourself, consider taking them to a professional groomer. They can help minimize the effort required to keep your Old German Shepherd Dog looking and feeling their best.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Images of Long Haired German Shepherds

Old German herding dogs are a unique breed, and as such, their health and conditions are not as well-documented as some other breeds. They are the ancestors of the German Shepherd, but were not selectively bred for appearance, which may contribute to their relatively good health.

Discover more: What Causes Dogs to Stop Eating

One thing to consider is that Old German herding dogs may suffer from similar conditions to their modern cousins, but at a much lower frequency. Their genetic health is not well-studied, but it's believed they don't suffer from the same inherited conditions as German Shepherds.

Allergies, obesity, colitis, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, bloat, and gastric torsion are all potential health issues that may affect Old German herding dogs.

Here are some of the specific health concerns that may affect this breed:

Old German Shepherd Dogs make fantastic pets for families large and small.

They enjoy playing with children and being part of family activities. With proper training and socialization, they can be a wonderful addition to any family.

Old German Shepherds are known to be more mellow and easier-going than their modern counterparts, making them perfect for families with young children. However, they should still not be left unsupervised with kids.

Proper training is essential to keep their prey drive in check, especially when introducing them to smaller pets. Socialization from an early age can help prevent problems with other animals.

Old German Shepherds can get along with other pets if socialized properly, but they may still try to herd or chase small animals. This can cause problems, but they usually get used to each other quickly.

Their loyalty and eagerness to please their owners can sometimes overshadow their instinct for chasing, making them a great breed for families who are willing to put in the effort to train them.

Old German Shepherds make fantastic watchdogs that will help keep your family safe, but they may nip and scare small children if they try to herd them. With plenty of training and socialization, this behavior can be reduced.

Take a look at this: Small Dogs That like Water

If you're considering bringing home an Old German Shepherd puppy, be prepared for a significant upfront cost. You can expect to pay a lot for your Old German Shepherd puppy, depending on where you live and what breeder you choose.

Old German Shepherd puppies are much less uniform in appearance than standard GSDs, and their ability to herd has long been the most important factor in breeding. This focus on capability rather than appearance has made the breed less predisposed to some health conditions.

These dogs are working animals and need far more exercise than even standard GSDs. They will not simply be content with a stroll around the neighborhood once a day.

Old German Shepherd puppies can be purchased already trained, which can increase your purchase price by several thousands of dollars. If you don't purchase breeding rights, you will need to get the dog spayed or neutered as part of your contract.

Intriguing read: Bull Terrier before Breeding

Old German Shepherd Dogs are expert working dogs, bred for centuries to excel at herding.

Their ability to herd has long been the most important factor in breeding them, making them highly skilled at their job.

Unlike standard GSDs, Old German Shepherd Dogs are not bred for appearance, but rather for their physical ability.

They have been bred to be working animals, and as such, they require far more exercise than even standard GSDs.

Old German Shepherd Dogs were originally bred for herding, and their physical ability is what sets them apart from standard GSDs.

They need to be exercised regularly, not just taken for a stroll around the neighborhood once a day.

Their breeding focus on capability rather than appearance has made the breed less predisposed to some of the health conditions suffered by modern GSDs.

Take a look at this: Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier