ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISTimber sheperd
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog timber sheperd!
Here, you will find all the useful information about timber sheperd. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Timber Shepherd, also known as the "Woodland Shepherd," is a fascinating and relatively new dog breed developed to combine the characteristics of herding dogs and wolves. Let's explore together the history, distinctive traits, and attributes that define this unique breed.
The Timber Shepherd is the result of selective breeding between German Shepherds and North American wolves. The goal was to create a dog that possesses both the working qualities and intelligence of a herding dog and the wild and resilient traits of a wolf.
Its ancestors are mainly German Shepherds and North American wolves. The initial crosses were carefully conducted to preserve desired traits while avoiding behavior issues inherent to wolves.
The Timber Shepherd exhibits a distinctive morphology that reflects both its canine and wolf-like heritage. Its coat can vary, ranging from traditional wolf colors to patterns more reminiscent of German Shepherds. Its tail is often bushy and carried low, similar to that of a wolf.
On average, it weighs between 23 and 41 kg (50 to 90 pounds), with a shoulder height of 56 to 66 cm (22 to 26 inches).
The coat colors of the Timber Shepherd can be diverse, from gray and black to white, sand, and red shades. These colors are typically inspired by those of wolves.
The Timber Shepherd is known for its loyalty to its family, high intelligence, and strong protective instinct. Although it may exhibit wolf-like behavioral traits, such as wariness of strangers and a territorial tendency, it is usually well-socialized and can be an excellent pet for experienced owners.
The breed is still in development and is not recognized by traditional breed clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States, the CKC in Canada, or the FCI, the world's largest canine organization. Nevertheless, dedicated breeders are working to establish consistent lines and promote this unique breed.
Currently, the Timber Shepherd has not achieved official recognition status by leading canine organizations worldwide. However, selection and promotion efforts continue, and it's possible that the breed could be recognized in the future.
Although not yet widely recognized, it has piqued the interest of many dog enthusiasts who appreciate its striking appearance and the unique blend of wolf and herding dog traits. It's important to note that creating a new breed requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of breeding ethics. Devoted breeders are working to balance canine and wolf-like attributes while ensuring these dogs can harmoniously integrate into households and communities.
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Origins
The Timber Shepherd, or Wood Shepherd, is a fascinating and recent breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of the German Shepherd and the North American wolf. This hybridization was designed to combine the intelligence and working skills of the German Shepherd with the resilience and wild characteristics of the wolf. Breeders carefully selected the most desirable traits to create a dog capable of serving as both a loyal companion and an effective guardian, while respecting the natural instincts inherited from its lupine ancestors.
History
The Timber Shepherd's history is relatively short but intriguing. The first crosses were undertaken with the aim of creating a breed that combines the working abilities of herding dogs and the wild qualities of wolves. This project started a few decades ago, when passionate breeders saw the potential of combining these two distinct lineages. Through rigorous selection, they succeeded in producing dogs that possess the loyalty and maneuverability of the German Shepherd, while retaining the endurance and striking appearance of the wolf.
Standard
The breed standard for the Timber Shepherd includes a dog of medium to large size, measuring between 56 and 66 cm at the withers, and weighing between 23 and 41 kg. The body is well-muscled and proportionate, with a smooth and agile gait. The coat can vary, including colors ranging from gray, black, white, to shades of sand and red, often inspired by the natural hues of wolves. The tail is bushy and generally carried low. The ears are erect and pointed, and the eyes are piercing, often a deep brown or amber, reflecting the wolf heritage.
Physical characteristics
The Timber Shepherd has a morphology that reflects both its canine and lupine ancestors. Its dense and often double coat offers effective protection against the weather. The fur colors vary widely, ranging from gray to black, with patterns reminiscent of wolves. The head is broad with a long and powerful muzzle. Its piercing eyes and pointed ears contribute to its wild and majestic appearance. The body is athletic and well proportioned, with defined musculature and a bushy tail often carried low.
Character
The Timber Shepherd is known for its loyalty and intelligence. It is a protective dog with a strong guard instinct, often wary of strangers but very attached to its family. Its territorial nature requires early socialization to prevent aggressive behavior. Due to its intelligence, it learns quickly but can also show some independence. With consistent and firm training, it can become an exceptional and reliable companion. Its balanced personality makes it suitable for experienced owners who understand and respect its unique needs.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Timber Shepherd generally ranges between 12 and 15 years, similar to that of the German Shepherd. To maximize this lifespan, it is crucial to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care. Although it is robust and resilient, this breed may be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Regular veterinary monitoring and special attention to its overall health, especially joint problems and common diseases in large breeds, can help ensure a long and healthy life.
Exercise and activity needs
The Timber Shepherd is an energetic breed that requires a lot of daily exercise to maintain its physical and mental health. He enjoys long walks, hikes, and stimulating activities such as agility and interactive games. Due to his wolf heritage, he has a strong hunting instinct and enjoys environments where he can run freely. Regular exercise also helps channel his energy and prevent destructive behaviors due to boredom. An active environment is therefore essential for his overall well-being.
Recommended diet
To maintain its vitality, the Timber Shepherd needs a diet rich in high-quality proteins, essential to support its muscles and energy. Premium kibbles, formulated for large active breeds, are recommended. It can also benefit from nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids for the health of its skin and coat. Meals should be balanced, including vegetables and whole grains. Monitoring its weight is crucial to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems. Consistent hydration is also essential.
Training and obedience
The Timber Shepherd, thanks to its intelligence and receptiveness, responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, its independent nature and sometimes stubbornness require firm and consistent training. Early socialization is crucial to prevent distrustful or territorial behaviors. Group training classes can be beneficial in developing its social skills. Due to its protective instincts, an experienced owner is recommended to ensure proper training, focusing on patience and perseverance.
Behavior with children
The Timber Shepherd, well socialized from a young age, can be an excellent companion for children. His protective and loyal nature makes him attentive and sometimes even vigilant towards them. However, due to his size and energy, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to prevent unintentional accidents. It is essential to teach children to interact respectfully with the dog, avoiding rough play. With proper socialization, he can become a loving and protective member of the family.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Timber Shepherd can coexist with other pets, but it largely depends on early socialization. Due to its wolf-like instincts, it may have a tendency to chase small animals. A progressive and controlled introduction is recommended to promote a harmonious coexistence. With other dogs, it may display dominant behavior, especially towards males. Continuous supervision and proper training are essential to ensure good compatibility with other animals in the household, reducing the risk of conflicts.
Grooming needs
The Timber Shepherd has a dense double coat, requiring regular maintenance to stay healthy. Weekly brushing is essential to remove dead hair and prevent knots. During shedding periods, daily brushing may be necessary. Baths should be given as needed, using appropriate products to avoid skin irritations. It is also important to regularly check and clean the ears to prevent infections, and brush the teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
Health
The Timber Shepherd is generally sturdy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Common issues include hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and some autoimmune diseases. Regular veterinary exams and a balanced diet are essential to maintain its health. Due to its size, it is also important to monitor for signs of joint problems and provide appropriate exercise to prevent obesity. Strict monitoring and preventive care can help ensure a long and healthy life.
Average price
The price of a Timber Shepherd puppy can vary considerably depending on the breeder, the puppy's lineage, and health tests performed. In general, the average price ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 euros, which is approximately 1,700 to 3,300 US dollars. Puppies from lineages with particularly sought-after characteristics or champion parents may cost more. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who practices ethical breeding, conducts health tests, and provides a pedigree to ensure a healthy puppy.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a Timber Shepherd include food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories. On average, you can expect to spend between 1,200 and 1,800 euros (1,300 to 2,000 dollars) per year. This includes high-quality kibble, vaccines, veterinarian visits, parasite control products, and accessories such as leashes, collars, and toys. Grooming fees may also be added, especially if you opt for professional services. Planning an adequate budget is essential to ensure comprehensive and healthy care for your dog.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for your Timber Shepherd can be a fun adventure. "Luna" evokes the moon, symbolizing a connection with nature. "Thor" means the Norse god of thunder, reflecting power. "Echo" brings to mind nature and vast spaces. "Raven" evokes the intelligent and mysterious bird. "Koda" means "friend" in Native American dialect, symbolizing loyalty. "Zephyr" is the light breeze, perfect for an agile dog. "Freya" is the Norse goddess of love. "Blaze" means flame, symbolizing energy. "Shadow" for its mystical appearance. "Aspen" brings to mind mountains and wild nature.
Legislation and regulation
In general, the Timber Shepherd is not subjected to specific legislative restrictions in most countries. However, due to its wolf ancestry, some jurisdictions may impose specific regulations regarding hybrid dogs. It is essential to check local and regional laws on owning such dogs. Owners must also ensure that the Timber Shepherd receives all necessary vaccines and meets licensing requirements. Proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure that it becomes a well-integrated member of the community.
Official recognition
The Timber Shepherd has not yet achieved official recognition status by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) or other major cynological organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). However, efforts are underway to establish consistent lineages and promote this unique breed. Dedicated breeders are working with breed-specific clubs to define and maintain standards. The development of this breed is primarily through networks of dedicated breeders and informal clubs, pending official recognition.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees available for the Timber Shepherd are generally provided by independent breeders and breed clubs specific to the breed, rather than by large international dog organizations. These pedigree documents trace the dog's lineage over several generations, ensuring the purity of the breed and health standards. When purchasing a puppy, it is important to ask for and verify these pedigrees to ensure the authenticity and quality of the breeding. Reputable breeders often offer detailed pedigree certificates to guarantee transparency and trust.
Destination and usage
The Timber Shepherd was developed to be a versatile working dog, capable of fulfilling various roles such as guard dog, companion dog and sometimes even therapy dog. Its intelligence and agility also make it excel in canine sports like agility and obedience. Due to its wolf-like traits, it is also appreciated for its ability to adapt to natural environments and demanding tasks. Its protective nature makes it an excellent guard dog for families and properties.
Prohibitions
To date, the Timber Shepherd is generally not prohibited in most countries, but it is important to check local regulations regarding hybrid dogs. Some countries or regions may have specific restrictions on owning dogs with lupine ancestry due to concerns about their behavior or management. It is crucial for potential owners to research local laws and ensure they can provide a suitable environment that complies with regulations for this unique breed.
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