Criteria for Identifying and Selecting Purebred Ancient Shepherd Dogs:
- Good Mental State:
- The dog should exhibit a positive and alert mental state.
- Healthy Appetite:
- The dog should display a good appetite, indicative of overall well-being.
- Moderate Body Condition:
- The dog should maintain a balanced and proportional body condition, with appropriate weight and symmetry.
- Inspecting Coat and Skin:
- Check the overall coat condition, ensuring no dandruff, parasites, red spots, rashes, extensive hair loss, or other abnormalities.
- Examine Facial Features in Puppies:
- Ensure moist and cool nostrils, normal smelling ability, clean ears without odor or sticky substances, and a mouth free of frothy secretions.
- Examine Eyes:
- Healthy eyes should be clear without redness, eye discharge, or excessive eye crust. Redness, swelling, or injuries may indicate ear issues or ear parasites.
- Examine Stool:
- Monitor the dog’s stool for signs of diarrhea, as loose stools may indicate digestive problems or infectious diseases.
- Observe Limb Movement:
- Encourage play and observe the dog’s gait, checking for normal movement without limping or abnormalities in limb alignment.
- Check Paw Pads:
- Ensure the paw pads are cool, not overly warm, and have a soft and smooth texture.
Differences Between Ancient Shepherd Dog and Long-Coated Shepherd Dog:
The Ancient Shepherd Dog and the Long-Coated Shepherd Dog (also known as the Highland Shepherd Dog) share similarities but have distinct characteristics:
- Ancient Shepherd Dog:
- Hair is slightly curled and relatively shorter.
- Typically white-headed with a black back.
- Hair is generally shorter and lies close to the body.
- Long-Coated Shepherd Dog:
- Hair is straight and longer, with a more pronounced coat.
- Often has black markings on the sides of the eyes.
- Features longer, straight, and more adherent hair across the body.
Note: The Long-Coated Shepherd Dog and the Ancient Shepherd Dog are essentially the same breed, with the latter being an alias. Both are described as brave, vigilant, and agile working dogs, forming strong bonds with humans over the centuries. The translation emphasizes the breed’s natural and unaltered characteristics.
