The phrase "The dog is the best friend of man" has already managed to become aphorism. And no accident. This expression emphasizes the faithful and devoted character of the four-legged pet. To date, there is a huge number of diverse breeds of dogs in the world, in addition, breeders continue to withdraw all new and new subspecies.
Special attention deserves the breed of dogs, known called Icelandic Shepherd. In today's article, we will consider all the features and characteristic features of this breed, study the history of origin, as well as read the rules of the content and principles of care for individual individuals.
History of origin
The history of the emergence of an Icelandic dog is quite interesting for its unusual details. Initially, the shepherd dog of the specified breed appeared in Iceland (hence the name of the breed). This event of historians dates differently, obviously one thing - it happened in the first century of our era in the interval between 874 and 930. At that time, this type of dog was the most common and popular.
Ancient people used dogs as guards and defenders (even despite the small size of the shepherd). The latter, in turn, justified the hopes of their owners, served them faith and truth. In this regard, the shepherds and farmers have imbued with real love towards Icelandic dogs, many perceived four-legged animals not only as assistants and friends, but also as full family members.
Stories are known for the period of distribution worldwide virus plague. Subjected to this disease and Icelandic shepherds, the population of which has decreased significantly in these years. However, there is no humus without good.
The widespread disease was the reason that individual individuals were exported from Iceland, and in this way the breed was spread throughout the globe. A few years later, active work began on breeding and breeding dogs of this breed, and in 1969, Icelandic shepherds were recognized as part of the cultural heritage of Iceland. A little later, the breed was recognized as an international level and attributed to the category of northern watchdogs and shepherd animals.
However, even despite all this breed called Icelandic Shepherd is considered rather small.
Breed characteristics
With regard to the Icelandic Shepherd, as in relation to the absolute majority of other officially recognized breeds of dogs, international standards have been adopted, which must be consistent with both newborn puppies and adults.
So, first of all it is important to note that Icelandic shepherds have a rather powerful and strong case. The chest is wide, and the back is distinguished by strong addition. The tail does not have outstanding indicators, it is usually average for its length. Special strength differed dog limbs. They are rather straight in their structure, but at the same time well developed. All the torso four-legged pet is characterized in proportion. It is not an exception and head, which in its anatomical structure is quite wide.
Dog bite type Scientists refer to the category "Scissors".
Of particular interest in the appearance represents the wool of the Icelandic shepherd. Generally speaking, An animal can be both short-chest and long-grazing. Anyway, the hairproke has a sufficiently high density and resistant to water and moisture. Regardless of whether it is a separately taken part of a long-haired or short-circuit, on the paws, ears, skull and face wool will be much shorter compared to the hairproof length throughout the other torso. On the other side, Increased fluffiness is distinguished by the tail of the dog.
As for the color of the wool, it can be very diverse. Thus, admissible colors, according to international standards for the Icelandic Shepherd, include shades of white and beige, golden, brown, gray and black.
How to choose a puppy
If you decide to start a purebred Icelandic dog, contact the nursery. Since the breed is small, representatives in Russia are not so much. Most often, puppies are brought from Sweden and Denmark.
When choosing a kid, first of all, pay attention to how he reacted to your appearance. Healthy puppy Icelander is inquisitive, sociable and not aggressive . His tail must be raised above his back like a flag. Also, do not forget that the conscientious breeder will never sell a puppy without the vaccinations and supply vessels. The age of the kid should be at least 2 months.
Character and behavior
If you try to characterize the Icelandic Shepherd by several words, first of all it is worth mentioning such features like cheerfulness and peacefulness. Animals show friendliness in relation to others (both people and other animals). They go well on contact even with young children.
Icelandic shepherds do not endure long loneliness, as they love to constantly be in the company of their own owner.
Aggression animals are able to show only in response to evil and aggressive behavior or if they feel dangerous.
Content and care
First, it should be noted that scientists, veterinarians, as well as experienced breeders, are not recommended to contain a person belonging to this breed in an apartment. This environment is discomfort for an animal and can cause stress. To the urban medium, Icelandic shepherds are not completely adapted.
It is in connection with such features of the animal It is recommended to contain only in the conditions of a private house with its own facilities or purchase territory. The dog must have enough space in order to run and sprinkle its energy. The minimum allowable time that your four-legged pet should spend on the street - this is 2 hours a day.
Icelandic Shepherd has Pronounced adaptive characteristics and can stand almost any weather conditions. So, as for the northern areas for which frost are characterized, the animal is saved from low temperatures due to its thick wool that helps keep heat. In the arid and hot climatic conditions, the dog's wool protects the animal from exposure to direct sunlight and does not allow to overheat. In addition, as mentioned above, the hair cover of the Icelandic Shepherd is able to push moisture, so the dog is not afraid of precipitation.
However, the animal wool has not only positive properties. Should consider the fact that The dog is prone to molting, so it must be regularly deducting . Especially intensive molting process takes place in spring and autumn, so during these periods, your pet needs to be increased attention towards care. Also for leaving activities can be attributed. However, it is not necessary to abuse this procedure - wash the animal should only be polluted and if necessary . Separately veterinarians and necessity Regular claws.
Nutrition
In general, it is noted that animals belonging to the Icelandic breed are not demanding in relation to the diet. However, even despite this, it is impossible to neglect the planning of the facilities of food by your four-legged friend and feed it with union from the master's table. It should be remembered that anyway, But the animal food must be useful and balanced. Try to saturate it with the maximum possible amount of useful components that will ensure the active growth and development of the animal.
As the basis of the nutrition of your pet, you can choose the prepared dry mixes and feeds that are sold in pet stores and in zoological markets. This option may seem more convenient and comfortable for those who do not like to cook and want to make it easier for themselves to make themselves in part of the nutrition of their pet.
However, if you chose this option, then before buying one or another feed, It should be consulted in advance with a specialist and clarify whether it will suit the specifically to your pet . In addition, in this case you will need to purchase various nutritional supplements and vitamins necessary for the organism of the animal.
The second option is considered more budget, but it is expensive in temporary. So, you can feed the Icelandic shepherd by natural products that themselves eat. The diet of the dog should consist of croup, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, as well as low-fat meat and fish. Remember that choosing natural nutrition, you must prepare dog foods separately. They should be fresh and high quality. In no case, the pet cannot be given overdue, spoiled or non-freight products. Also should not feed it with disbuilding from your table.
From time to time to please your four-legged friend, special delicacies can be purchased for a dog that are sold in zoological stores. Do not forget to also observe the water balance. Besides, It is important to systematically wash and clean the bowls with water and eating an animal, since there is a risk of malicious organisms in them or the development of infections.
The optimal amount of food receptions per day - 2 times. Moreover, feed the dog is preferably after walking, training or active games.
Education and training
Scientifically proven, and also noted in practice that the Shepherd of the Icelandic rock is perfectly leaving for training and learning. In addition, these processes are for animals of a kind of game, so they with a big hunt submitted to the owner, fulfilling and remembering all his commands and requirements.
Of course, learning is worth starting with the very Azov, from the most basic teams . However, it is worth remembering that possessing rather high mental abilities The dog is able to absorb and more complex tricks that are not included in the generally accepted program. . In this sense, a positive role is performed by the anatomical structure of a dog, which allows it with ease to overcome obstacles or demonstrate a dexterity and grace.
In addition, it is important to note that the training and education of Icelandic shepherds are rather physiological and intellectual necessity, and not a whim.
Thus, we were able to make sure that the Icelandic Shepherd was in nature is a rather nontrivial animal, which has a number of original features and signs. If you adhere to all necessary recommendations for care and clearly follow the instructions of the specialists, then you can provide a long and happy life to your pet. The average life expectancy of Icelandic Shepherd - 15 years.
In the next video you will find more information about the Icelandic dog.