Feeding and Grooming Tips for the Ancient Shepherd Dog:

Grooming for the Ancient Shepherd Dog:

• Daily brushing or combing is essential to maintain the coat. Use a brush or slicker brush, working from the roots to the tips to prevent matting. Regular brushing keeps the coat loose, soft, and free of tangles.
• After outdoor activities, promptly remove any dirt or debris from the coat and trim the nails regularly.
• During spring and fall, bathe the dog every 2-3 weeks, increasing the frequency in summer while avoiding daily baths. After each bath, ensure the coat is thoroughly dried to prevent catching a cold.
• Clean the ears and paw pads every 3-5 days, and wash the eyes with warm water regularly to prevent eye issues.
• Initiate training early to discourage behaviors like tearing clothes and establish cleanliness and designated elimination habits.

Bathing Considerations for the Ancient Shepherd Dog:

1. Bathing Frequency:

• Bathe the dog once a month, and more often in the summer.
• Ensure the dog’s coat is completely dry after bathing, especially in winter.

1. Bathing Process:

• Use dog shampoo and thoroughly rinse the coat.
• Brush the dog’s teeth during bath time.
• Towel-dry the dog after the bath to remove excess water.
• Use a blow dryer on a low setting to dry the coat, avoiding close contact to prevent fur burning.

Facial Grooming:

• Trim the drooping whiskers to prevent them from getting wet.
• Cut the hair around the eyes, allowing it to naturally hang down or be braided using rubber bands.

Paw Maintenance:

• Trim the hair around paw pads to 1/4 inch for cleanliness and to prevent ice balls in winter.
• Maintain proper nail length, not too long or too short.

Tail and Rear Grooming:

• Trim the hair around the anus to 1 inch for hygiene.

Ear Care:

• Use hemostatic forceps to remove hair from the ears.
• Clean the ears regularly with ear cleaning products after hair removal.

Choice of Shampoo:

• Use dog-specific shampoos rather than human shampoos.
• Consider dry cleaning for less dirty dogs using powder to remove excess oils and enhance coat color.

Note: Proper grooming contributes to the health and well-being of the Ancient Shepherd Dog, ensuring a clean, comfortable, and visually appealing coat. Regular maintenance is key to preventing health issues and fostering a strong bond between the dog and its owner.