Cow dog
| Cow dogs (old German herding dogs) | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Not from the FCI recognized | ||
| Origin : | ||
| Alternative names: |
Westerwälder and Siegerland cow dog |
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| Withers height: |
45-55 cm |
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| Weight: |
matching the size |
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| Varieties : |
Westerwälder / Siegerland cow dog |
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| List of domestic dogs | ||
The Westerwald and Siegerland cow dog is a type of dog from the eponymous regions. He is one of the old German dogs that have been working on herds for centuries. In Nassau'schen Weisthum, a collection of old customary laws, these dogs were mentioned as guardians of herds of cows as early as 1465.
description
Like other old dog lashes from work lines, they were not bred for appearance but for performance. Nevertheless, a uniform type has emerged with the cow dog: built rather square, agile, with a size of around 45 to 55 cm. The fur can be a single color, sand-colored to reddish brown, also darker colored at the ends of the hair, "sooty". There are dogs with or without a dark mask, also with white markings on the head, neck, chest and legs. The ears are mostly tilted, less often standing or hanging. The head is usually stocky and short, with a medium stop (forehead base). The back of the front legs is "feathered", so it has longer, fringed hair. "Pants" are formed on the hind legs. The tail is long and more hairy. As with the other lofts of the old German dogs, there are also animals with short tails, so-called natural stumpers, among the cow dogs .
Essence
The Arbeitsgemeinschaft zur Zucht Altdeutscher Hütehunde (AAH) describes cow dogs as "precocious, intelligent, assertive, persistent, resilient, frugal, affectionate and loyal". You inherit a good instinct for herding, which, due to its independence, can come to light without an order. The upbringing of the dog requires clear leadership and consistency, as the cow dog usually strives to take on the highest position.
use
Fox-colored cow dogs were used to herd cows in the Westerwald and Siegerland until the second half of the twentieth century. With the aim of producing efficient and reliable dogs that they needed for their work, the cowherds also ensured the pure breeding of the breeds. While the Siegerland cowhounds tended herds of cows in the oak coppice forest and specialized in this work, herds of cows in the Westerwald were herded onto their own plots on dirt roads where they were tended. Today cow dogs are mainly used for dairy and nursing cows. They drive the herd and protect the people who work with them.
Hazard and protection
The Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Pet Breeds eV (GEH) lists the Westerwald cow dog in the Red List of Endangered Breeds as extremely endangered and therefore in Category I. The Association for the Breeding of Old German Herding Dogs is committed to preserving the breed. She keeps a herd book for the breed. In 2006, according to the GEH, only 30–40 largely pure-bred specimens of the breed were preserved.
The Harz fox was also originally a cow dog from the Harz region . Over time, however, this developed into a sheep dog through crossbreeding with red sheep dogs. To avoid a similar progression, the Westerwälder and Siegerländer may only be bred according to the rules of the AAH; in particular, they may not be paired with other old Germans.
gallery
Very hairy tail, not a natural stumper
Middle stop
Square, compact structure
Different fur structures
See also
Web links
- Westerwald / Siegerland cow dog (website of the working group for the breeding of old German herding dogs)