Harzer Fuchs Breed description: Character & Co

Harzer Fuchs dogs are only suitable for families under certain conditions. Although they are considered to be fond of children, caution is required, especially when dealing with small children. In order to integrate the dogs into a family without any problems arising, there is a lot of preparatory work to be done beforehand. This includes consistent, lifelong training starting at puppy age. If these conditions are not met, the dog will test its owner's patience time and time again, since it is not a particularly obedient dog by nature. Only by stating clear rules will it be possible to teach this self-confident dog basic obedience. Dog schools can be of help here, which is also important for the socialisation with other dogs. The top priority in keeping and training is a healthy balance between activities and resting periods.

Bored and underchallenged dogs of this breed often react with

• undesirable behavioural problems,
• like licking wounds,
• barking and
• other nervous disorders and then cause their owners problems.

If the dog is kept in an apartment it is recommended to regularly do sports with your dog, something that challenges the dog both physically and mentally. On the other hand, if the dog is not working to its full capacity, psychological problems such as hyperactivity and nervousness are often the result.

Regarding nutrition, you should pay attention to a higher meat content. It doesn't make a difference whether this given to them in the form of wet, dry or mixed food. Bones made of cowhide are suitable as a small treat in between meals, which are also useful for cleaning their teeth. The active dogs should take a rest after feeding, because otherwise they tend to develop stomach torsions, just like many other dogs. This dangerous disease is particularly promoted by them doing intensive exercise and playing around after feeding.

Typical diseases of the Harzer Fuchs

The breed is very healthy and not prone to developing specific diseases. Since the dogs were bred exclusively as herding dogs and external characteristics were not important, no overbreeding has been taking place. By crossing the dog with other breeds of similar type, there still exists a healthy and varied gene pool. Genetic diseases are therefore practically non-existent. But even this robust breed is not completely immune to typical dog diseases. In particular, hip diseases, such as hip dysplasia or joint problems, can cause the animals problems. With a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and plenty of exercise, however, dogs generally remain fit well into their old age.

Interesting facts about the Harzer Fuchs breed

There are not many breeders of this old German herding dog breed anymore. Mainly in the east of Germany there are still breeders who, with the help of state subsidies and support of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft zur Zucht altdeutscher Hütehunde (AAH), want to preserve this type of dog by performing targeted breeding and saving it from extinction. The safest way to buy a Harzer Fuchs dog is therefore through the AHH. Here you can easily buy a Harzer Fuchs puppy and at the same time contribute to the surviving of these great dogs. If you are generally interested in old German herding dogs, there are other breeds similar to the Harzer Fuchs:

• Gelbbacke
• Altdeutscher Tiger
• Sheep Poodle

All these breeds are facing extinction.