Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ancient Shepherd Dog:
Advantages:
- Intelligence and Honesty: The Ancient Shepherd Dog is intelligent and honest. While its obedience may be lower and excitement during training may be subdued, it is not accurate to label them as having low intelligence.
- Steady Temperament: The breed is characterized by a good temperament, avoiding nervousness common in some small dog breeds. It tends to remain calm, not exhibiting temperamental outbursts, making it generally quiet.
- Attention-Grabbing Appearance: Taking an Ancient Shepherd Dog for a walk is an attention-catching event. Their large and beautiful appearance attracts the curiosity of passersby, especially males, increasing the likelihood of striking up conversations.
Disadvantages:
- Coat Maintenance: Dealing with the coat of an Ancient Shepherd Dog can be troublesome. Regular and careful grooming is necessary, including daily brushing, the use of coat-nourishing supplements, and applying coat moisturizers. Neglecting this can result in tangled and matted fur, leading to a grooming disaster, especially during shedding periods.
- Bathing Challenges: Bathing an Ancient Shepherd Dog is a considerable task, requiring time and effort. The long coat can easily get dirty, especially after playing with other dogs, necessitating frequent baths. Bathing, including washing and drying, can take up to two hours. Additionally, there may be costs involved if opting for professional grooming.
- Puppy Mischievousness: Ancient Shepherd Dog puppies can be exceptionally mischievous. The breed’s destructive tendencies, combined with their large size, can pose challenges. It is recommended to use a crate when leaving them alone during their puppy stage.
- Eating and Excretion: Ancient Shepherd Dogs are known to have hearty appetites and produce significant amounts of waste. Feeding them can be costly, and cleaning up after them involves managing substantial quantities of urine and feces.
- Health Issues: Being a non-native breed, Ancient Shepherd Dogs may have weaker resistance to local diseases. Their large size can also result in higher veterinary costs if they fall ill.
It’s essential to be prepared for the challenges associated with the Ancient Shepherd Dog breed, balancing their impressive qualities with the commitment required for their care.
