The South Russian Shepherd has luxurious, thick, long hair that requires painstaking constant care. Since the bangs grow quite quickly and cover the dog’s eyes, they need to be trimmed periodically so that the animal can see better.
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Breeding and caring for shepherd dogs of the South Russian breed
Wool.In winter, a thick, warm undercoat helps the dog not to freeze, even if it is kept outside. She is not afraid of any cold. However, with the onset of spring, this undercoat must be combed out so that by summer it does not become matted in sloppy tangles, and the dog does not have to be cut bald. After such extreme measures, the hair will only be able to fully grow within two years.
The coat itself, long and sometimes slightly wavy, also needs to be combed so that the dog has a beautiful appearance. And you need to do this every day. Therefore, you need to accustom your dog to brushing from childhood.
Hygiene.Dog hygiene also includes regular cleaning of the ears and trimming the hair in them. This avoids ear infections, so your dog will feel better after such procedures. The claws on the paws need to be trimmed periodically to prevent the dog from getting injured.
The South Russian Shepherd must be washed several times a year. At least three times. However, in summer you can bathe your dog more often. All hygiene procedures will ensure the health and beauty of the South Russian Shepherd.
Physical exercise.This breed of shepherd is very active and needs constant physical activity. Therefore, it is better to get South Russian Shepherds for people living in private houses with large plots. These dogs should only be kept in wide enclosures, and in no case on a chain. This is a very independent and freedom-loving breed, so it must have its own territory, which can and should be protected.
How and what to feed the South Russian Shepherd Dogs
Although South Russian Shepherds are very active and large in size, they are nevertheless unpretentious in food. They don't require too much food. Although, portions and a dog’s daily diet directly depend on the degree of physical activity.
Feeding regimen.There are different opinions regarding the feeding regimen, as well as the feed used. Most often, it is recommended to feed the dog twice a day - morning and evening. The size of the portion, in addition to physical activity, also depends on the individual parameters of the dog, in particular, on its weight.
Feed composition.Certain standards for the content of microelements in a dog’s diet have been adopted, namely:
- For every kilogram of weight of the South Russian Shepherd, there should be about 50 g of liquid food and 30 g of any recommended dry food. That is, a dog needs about 450 g of carbohydrates, 60 g of fat and 250 g of protein per day. It is worth considering that under increased loads, for example, if the dog is a service dog, it needs to increase the portion size in order to provide the necessary energy supply.
- The dog should receive from 1 to 3 liters of water per day, depending on activity.
- The diet should contain approximately 40 g of fiber daily, this will ensure the normal functioning of the dog’s digestive system.
- All these standards are accepted when calculating the diet of an adult dog. Naturally, growing puppies will need less food.
Feed or natural food.As for the food itself, different breeders have different opinions on this issue. Some people prefer to feed their pets exclusively commercially produced dry food that is recommended for consumption and properly certified. These foods are perfectly balanced and contain the entire range of substances and microelements necessary for a dog, so no additional complementary foods are required. Another part of dog breeders prefer to feed their pets only natural food, independently selecting a set of ingredients.
When raising puppies, their diet can include low-fat cottage cheese, a variety of grain porridges with the addition of meat, as well as unsalted boiled vegetables.
It is worth noting that South Russian Shepherds are distinguished by good health and longevity. With proper care and proper nutrition, physical activity and a good psychological atmosphere, these dogs can live for 15 years.