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.