Photos and development of Drahthaar puppies from 1 to 12 months

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Drathaar

Dry dog ​​food is a complete nutritious diet for a pet, developed taking into account the physiology and characteristics of the animal. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids in a balanced state. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. The product must contain fats of animal and plant origin and natural ingredients. This is what dogs should receive to be healthy and cheerful.

What else do you need to know?

Many owners are so deeply imbued with love for dogs of this breed that some have a desire to start breeding them. But here you need to remember some features. Immediately forget about crossing a brown Drahthaar with a black and silver dog or two silver and black dogs . This decision was made by the German tribal regulations. The main reason is that the offspring of such dogs will be able to acquire their maternal forms, as a result they will be more similar to pointer poodles.

Although no one will control how you fulfill this requirement, still try to choose another parent for mating.

Feeding

Veterinarians advise maintaining a balance between caloric intake and the content of nutrients, choosing premium or higher class food.
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If an animal has digestive problems, purchase a higher class of food, super-premium or holistic. The latter is almost 100 percent digestible and is suitable for dogs with allergies. The main component of any ready-made mixture is proteins.

High-quality nutrition does not use soy and other additives; proteins are obtained from dietary meats, chicken, turkey and fish. Supplement with eggs, vegetables, fish oils, brewer's yeast and other natural sources of vitamins. Seafood is included in the composition for healthy joints; fiber-rich foods improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

With age, food is changed to low-protein mixtures, containing no more than 25% protein.

Belcando Junior Maxi for large and giant breed puppies from 3 to 18 months (15 kg)

Many experts recommend Belcando Junior, made in Germany, for large dogs. Its composition is rich in a high content of poultry meat, in addition to easily digestible rice, which helps good digestion and absorption of useful components. The recipe contains carob fruits, which contain tannins and substances important for life that have an effect on proper digestion. Belongs to the super premium class.

pros

• A complete, balanced complex of nutrients.
• Healthy pet.
• Convenient, economical packaging.
• A wide range of.
• Availability.
• German quality.

Minuses

• Causes an allergic reaction.
• Not all dogs like it.
• Not sold in all Russian cities.
• Composition with sodium chloride.
• Large granules of strange color.
• Poor combination with vitamins and other products.
• There is a minimum of meat, but a maximum of cereals.

History of the origin of the breed

The first specimens of the Drahthaar breed were bred in Germany in the 19th century. Then the breeders set themselves the goal of creating a purebred dog with hunting skills that could maintain strength for a long time. To obtain the required look, several breeds had to be crossed: Stichelhaar, Pointer Poodle and Shorthaired Pointer . And the breeders made the right decision when they decided to take such a step - they managed to create a completely new breed with unique hunting skills, which has been highly popular in many countries for quite a long time.

Acana Puppy Large Breed, 11.4 kg

Acana Puppy appeals to every furry friend and turns into a favorite bowl. Transforms the animal's fur into smooth and silky, bones will be stronger, and more energy will appear. Thanks to these crackers, your beloved friend is provided with a balanced diet. Many breeders of our smaller four-legged brothers recommend them to everyone else. This is a holistic class.

pros

• Natural.
• Without smell.
• Large packaging.

Minuses

• High price.
• There is a fishy smell.

Royal Canin Maxi Adult dry for large breed dogs, 15 kg

The animal receives a complete diet thanks to Royal Canin. It is designed for individuals weighing from 26 to 44 kilograms, aged from 15 months to 5 years. Its dry granules contain a unique complex of nutrients that helps the digestive system function optimally. They contain a lot of protein, creating a balance with dietary fiber. Royal has natural taste properties with an aroma that evokes excellent appetite in our smaller four-legged brothers. Category: premium.

pros

• Balanced composition.
• High quality.
• Promotes good digestion.
• Maintaining optimal shape and weight.
• Healthy coat, skin, teeth.
• Convenient, practical packaging.
• The pet likes it.
• Gives activity.
• The crackers smell nice.

Minuses

• The packaging is made of paper and does not close after opening.
• Unattractive looking bag of granules.
• Possible only from 15 months to 5 years.

Almo Nature Holistic beef 12 kg (for large breeds)

Italian crackers of excellent quality with meat additives do not violate European standards. They have the aroma of real meat, causing an excellent appetite in your beloved pet. They contain protein, but in minimal quantities. The animal receives adequate nutrition by consuming it regularly. Almo Nature belongs to the super premium category.

pros

• Dogs love its taste.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Wide range of tastes.
• Fresh natural ingredients.
• There are no artificial additives, dyes, preservatives, or flavors.

Minuses

• Sometimes causes hair loss.
• The pet may refuse to eat it.

Purina Pro Plan Optiderma for Healthy Skin and Coat, Salmon with Rice, 14 kg (Large Breeds)

A healthy body and the well-being of an animal are the result of its optimal nutrition. Purina Pro Plan was developed by Russian veterinarians and nutritionists. The composition includes specially selected nutritional components for four-legged pets of different sizes, weights and ages. It suits even special preferences and keeps the animal in excellent condition. Belongs to the premium class.

pros

• Decent composition.
• Wide range for any age, size.
• Nutritious with all the vitamin complex.

Minuses

• Flavoring additive.
• Doesn't cause much appetite.
• Not available everywhere.
• Creates increased gas formation.

Education in the first months

First of all, the owner of a drathaar should understand that raising a child and raising a dog are completely different things. The child will imitate and repeat the actions of his father or mother, and the puppy must understand what is required of him at the level of instincts and habits.

From the first months, a drathaar puppy should begin to be taught not so much to commands, but to ensure that it grows up fearless. Fearlessness of water and loud sounds, lack of fear of dense thickets - these are the things that you should first pay attention to.

This can only be achieved with complete mutual understanding and patience on the part of you, that is, the puppy’s owners. Training to overcome fear of water often requires considerable effort. Drathaar is very good when it comes to duck hunting. Some owners boast that their dog immediately climbed into the water without any fear. Well, we can consider them lucky. But what to do when the dog completely refuses to even go near the water, let alone get into it?

Training in such cases can become a certain difficulty for the owner. You need to remember that no brute force or shouting at your pet should be used. Only tenderness, praise in the form of treats or stroking, but not screaming and, God forbid, blows. For example, you can simply go to the shore of a pond and sit down next to it.

The puppy will explore the world around him and will definitely come to the water. It is quite possible that he will immediately become a little scared. You should not interfere with him, let everything happen according to his will. Such trips to a pond will first accustom him to the simple understanding that there are still “wet” places in the world. When the puppy grows up, you need to teach him to go into the water. Don’t expect him to swim across a river or pond with the first training, and even bring you a ball. Go into the water about knee-deep and call the puppy to you. If it fits, praise it; if not, stay in the water for a while.

Drathaar needs time to get used to it, to understand it. When the dog begins to enter the water without fear, go into the water a little further and call the puppy. Sometimes you don’t even have to call - the smart and loyal drathaar will rush after its owner.

Accustoming your dog to the sound of a gunshot is the most important step. If a drathaar instinctively senses that it should stalk, stalk, or fetch prey, it has no information in its genes for loud stimuli.

The best way would be the following: shots should be fired at a distance of about 150-200 meters from the dog. In the meantime, let another person (this must be the owner) observe the dog’s behavior. If he feels some anxiety, then he should either increase the distance, or at the moment of the shot, distract the drathaar with an unrelated activity. Then, most likely, having played too much, the dog will only raise its head in the direction of the shot, but is unlikely to try to escape. By gradually reducing the distance, you can completely rid your dog of fears of the sound of a gunshot.

Brit Care lamb with rice 12 kg (for large breeds)

The food is produced in the Czech Republic. It is rich in protein due to the significant amount of natural meat and fish in the recipe. Rice is used, enriching the body with carbohydrates, including fish and chicken oil, which produce fatty acids. Brit Care is most useful for large breeds, because its components prevent joint diseases - a problem for many large four-legged pets. Premium and super - premium class.

pros

• Vitamins and minerals in balance.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Nice smell.
• Causes a huge appetite.
• Optimal size granules.
• High quality.
• For a healthy pet's body.

Minuses

• It smells strong.
• Unpleasant color.
• Too dry.
• Not suitable for all breeds.
• Insufficient bag volume - up to 12 kilograms.

OUR DIET WITH BEEF, 15 kg

OUR DIET, produced in Russia, provides the body of four-legged pets with the entire complex of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are so necessary for health. The composition contains natural ingredients, probiotics that support the immune system. The dog is healthy and active all day long thanks to fatty acids, chicken and salmon fat. The listed components are present in the specified diet. Considered economy class.

pros

• Qualitative.
• The dog eats with pleasure.
• Gives activity to the animal.
• The fur shines and shines.
• Well absorbed.
• Choice of flavors.

Minuses

• Large granules.
• Cats eat.
• Only for large representatives of the breed.

Care and maintenance

In theory, the Drathaar is an unpretentious breed and there should be no problems with care. The dog tolerates both the cramped conditions of a city apartment and being in a private house. Of course, for a free existence, he could use his own garden or vegetable garden, but in the absence of such, the dog will be content with walks in the fresh air.

Dog fur has a unique ability to self-clean, so frequent bathing procedures are not recommended for this breed. It is best to comb your four-legged friend once every two days.

During shedding periods, you should pick up a brush and comb more often. Dog experts also recommend taking your dog to the groomer for a haircut from time to time. It's better if this happens in the summer. At the same time, the groomer will treat the dog’s claws and ears.

At home, the ears and eyes are treated with a damp sponge, and the claws are trimmed. If the Drathaar is well cared for, the dog will delight its owners from 12 to 25 years. This breed is a long-livers.

Pedigree for healthy skin and coat, beef, 13 kg (for large breeds)

PEDIGREE helps reduce the risk of tartar and plaque formation on your pet’s teeth. Provides him with normal digestion. It is preferable to feed your pet dry food in a container separate from wet food, and ensure the availability of fresh drinking water. This is quite healthy, tasty dog ​​food. It is produced taking into account the physiological needs of a large four-legged pet. The food is produced by a Russian company and is designed for the economy category.

pros

• Convenient packaging.
• Pleasant aromatic and taste properties.
• The pet eats with pleasure.
• No artificial flavors.
• High quality crackers.
• Comfortable in using.
• Lots of vitamins.
• The coat takes on a healthy, beautiful appearance.

Minuses

• Negative reputation.
• Missing useful components.
• Worse than normal nutrition.
• Doesn't do any good.
• Harmful to the health of the animal.
• The pet quickly gets used to this food and does not eat anything else.
• Increases salivation.

CHAPPI MEAT ABUNDANCE WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS, adults

CHAPPI is produced in Russia for economy class. It contains cereals, which are considered the best sources of carbohydrates. Proteins are present in the form of meat and offal. Use vegetables, for example, carrots, vegetable oils. CHAPPI is convenient because there is no need to add vitamins to it; they are already contained in sufficient quantities.

pros

• Wide availability.
• Nutritious food.
• Does not cause constipation in the animal.
• Decent quality.
• Promotes healthy appearance of coat and teeth.
• Doggies like it.
• There are no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers.

Minuses

• Treatment of the animal after eating these dry granules.
• Bad composition.
• Allergic reactions.
• Hair falls out.
• Bloating.
• Not suitable for all individuals.
• Unattractive packaging.

ALL DOGS (13 kg) Dry complete

ALL DOGS, according to many dog ​​breeders, is considered a complete diet for our smaller four-legged brothers of any breed, size, age and activity level. Each owner adjusts its portions according to the needs of their pet. Together with it, the pet receives a complex of essential nutrients for life. The food is produced in Denmark, based on the latest research on pet nutrition and international standards, which indicate recommended levels of nutritional content. It belongs to the economy class.

pros

• Suitable for almost all breeds.
• Quite popular due to its excellent composition.
• Induces pleasure while eating.
• Excellent oral hygiene and plaque removal.
• Does not contain GMOs, excess or artificial additives.

Minuses

• Not suitable for everyone.
• Insufficient amount of protein.
• You need to add vitamins and natural meat.
• Poor assortment from the manufacturer.

Most of the listed types of dry food, we recommend paying attention to Belcando Junior Maxi and Royal Canin Maxi Adult in the ranking of the best.

This food is based on natural ingredients. Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy body and excellent physical condition of any animal.

The price of these feeds is high, but it is worth it. Moreover, they contain all the useful components, including vitamins, and your beloved pet receives adequate nutrition.

Character

Drathaar is a very active, energetic creature. Sitting still for a long time is an impossible task for them. Lack of daily physical activity leads to increased irritability and disobedience. The animal refuses to follow commands, barks, and damages property. Walking, cycling next to the owner, and outdoor games bring great pleasure to the pet.

A feature of the character of this German is his innate low aggression towards people. Animals are friendly towards all family members, highlighting the owner. They love to be the center of attention, so they do not tolerate competition with other pets well. They don't like loneliness. They find some difficulty in relationships with children.

Representatives of the breed are endowed with a pronounced territorial instinct. They are distrustful of strangers and can become aggressive. Courage and the ability to make decisions independently turn this dog into a watchman and bodyguard. He will selflessly protect the home and property of the owners.

Hunting with a drathaar

The main purpose of the animal is hunting. In this regard, his abilities are universal. They will be able to help you catch both pheasant and wild boar, both in water and on land. When accompanying a hunter, the drathaar must perform the following actions:

• detect prey;
• notify the person using a “stand”;
• distract potential prey by barking;
• bring the owner to a large wounded animal;
• if necessary, find and deliver already shot game from hard-to-reach places (for example, a lake or dense thickets).

The most prestigious titles in competitions of hunting breeds are often taken by the Drahthaar dog. Photos and detailed reports about events can be found on the websites of hunting societies and breeding clubs.

Chasing the beast gives German cops incredible pleasure. This way they can realize their need for movement and satisfy their inherent instincts. If hunting is not the owner's preference, the animal will need alternative activities that require a lot of time (running, swimming, long walks). Lack of physical activity causes behavioral changes in character (depression, apathy, irritation, anger).

Feeding recommendations for large breed dogs

Large dogs have no less appetite. Individuals with large dimensions have a slower metabolism, they need fewer calories and fat, and they require a higher protein content to maintain shape.

Dry food for large pets varies in granule sizes. For large animals, they are produced about one and a half centimeters in diameter. A smaller granule size will not provide the jaws with full function, which is important for the dog’s health.

Adult pets are fed twice a day, after morning and evening walks. Breakfast and dinner take no more than a quarter of an hour. The bowl is removed even if the food is not eaten. The animal should always have access to clean, fresh water.

The daily amount of food for animals is not the same for equal sizes. It depends on the load experienced by the pet since the last meal. If your pet actively trains or spends a lot of time walking outside, the serving size is increased by a third. If the load is reduced, the pet does not walk much, rests or sleeps more time, the portion is reduced by about 15 percent.

The main indicator of a proper diet is a healthy, well-fed, strong dog whose weight is within the normal range for its age.

Large active animals, service animals, workers, need high-quality nutrition. Suitable feeds marked “energy” or “active”, varieties of “super-premium” or “premium” classes. They contain enough calories, are nutritious, and help improve the digestive system. This diet includes vitamins, dietary supplements, proteins, and amino acids.

It is impossible to give the animal food before training, an active walk or immediately after. Large dogs are at much higher risk of developing volvulus or intestinal blockage than their smaller dogs. These situations are dangerous and require urgent veterinary intervention. After a significant load, you can give the animal to eat after about one hour.

Peculiarities of behavior and character of drakhtaars

The character of a dog is most directly related to the hunting purpose of the pet. He is a real hunter at heart. It is also worth noting the most basic advantages of these animals:

• sharp mind;
• flexible character;
• courage;
• contact abilities;
• good relationships with children;
• self confidence;
• almost complete absence of aggression;
• distrust of strangers;
• loyalty to his master.

As for the main negative aspects of this breed, it is that the animal simply cannot exist without proper training, and also that if it is not provided with the necessary space, it will begin to destroy everything around it.

Based on the foregoing, it is worth noting that the Drakhtaar is a breed that is quite docile and can, if necessary, protect both its owner and his child. The animal by its nature is an excellent hunter, which will become an excellent companion and will make the whole process of hunting game as enjoyable as possible. Also, the character of the dog means that it is inherently very docile and has absolutely no aggression.

What vitamins are needed when feeding large breed dogs?

Vitamin complexes are an essential element of the diet of dogs fed boiled meat, offal and vegetables. But when feeding dry food, you may need to take additional vitamins. So that the supplement contains:

• Vitamin C is needed for the functioning of the immune system and ensures the full development of the muscular system, bones, joints, and teeth.
• Vitamin D - used for the formation of the skeleton, especially needed by puppies during the first year of their life.
• Calcium is absorbed along with vitamin D, used to form teeth, skeletal bones, and makes the coat beautiful and shiny.

For large dogs, vitamin complexes are suitable - Beaphar Top 10 Chondro Treat, Unitabs Immuno Complex and others.

How to Feed a Large Breed Dog Puppy as opposed to an Adult Dog

A young animal cannot be fed in the same way as an adult pet. If the size of the puppy exceeds the height of a medium-sized dog, its bones, teeth, and gastrointestinal tract are in the development stage.

This imposes restrictions on the diet:

• Overfeeding and underfeeding a puppy will be equally harmful. But feeds usually contain tables that can be used to calculate the required volume of feed depending on the weight and age of the pet.
• The number of feedings depends on age. At 2 months, puppies are fed up to seven times a day, distributing food evenly throughout the day. By the age of one year, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, bringing it to 2 or 3 times a day. Sudden changes in the amount of food should not be allowed.
• Regardless of whether the pet eats dry food or natural products, it must have access to clean water or milk around the clock. This is especially important for puppies; when eating dry food, there is a high risk of dehydration.

When purchasing a puppy, it is important to discuss with the breeder what the animal ate before the move. It is impossible to abruptly change the diet from natural food to dry food or vice versa. This leads to problems with the stomach, which is sensitive in the young individual.

In case of food intolerance, puppies experience diarrhea or constipation, and allergic reactions are possible. Small dogs are prone to them; large breed puppies do not yet have strong enough immunity. The transition from one type of food to another or changing the brand of food is carried out smoothly and accurately.

Drathaar: description of the breed

These dogs are very versatile, because they are equally effective at hunting in the forest and on the water. They are very good swimmers, so they can easily retrieve game that has fallen far from the shore. A valuable quality is a solid and balanced character , so they unquestioningly carry out commands and are instantly ready to rush in search of prey after a shot. No game can cause them fear; they will pursue it until they find a rabbit or duck.

According to the description, the drathaar is a wire-haired animal whose coat is 2–4 cm long. Therefore, there are no problems with caring for it. These dogs have a developed mind and cope well with the role of a guard, because they easily learn all commands and are ready to carry out any order of the owner without hesitation.

Adults of this breed are 60–69 cm tall and can weigh up to 35 kg. The size of the head correlates perfectly with the body. Although this animal is incredibly powerful , when walking or running, this four-legged hunter's assistant makes very smooth and graceful movements. A distinctive feature of dogs of this breed is a strong jaw with well-developed teeth. Their muscular body also attracts attention, so it is very difficult to see wrinkles in it. Traditionally, purebred representatives of this breed are a mixture of brown and white or black and white.

How to feed pregnant large breed dogs

A lack of nutrients in a pregnant bitch's diet will harm her and her puppies, as will an excess of them. Before mating, the dog is given high-quality dry food for adult animals. Once pregnancy is established, there is no sudden change in diet. Portions remain the same while the dog is in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive nutrition at this stage leads to obesity, which increases the risk of complications during childbirth and endangers the lives of the dog and puppies.

In the third week, the animal may refuse food for up to a week. Active development of the offspring begins in the fifth or sixth week, at which time the daily portion is increased. The serving size is increased by about one third.

As for the brand and class of food, there are groups of food for lactating and pregnant females. Some breeders replace them with puppy food. They contain many useful substances that the expectant mother needs: calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, C and D. It is acceptable to use food of the “holistic” and “super-premium” classes.

Supplements for pregnant bitches improve the well-being of the female and ensure the health of the offspring. Products such as “Quantum ICD Dog-Mama” relieve toxicosis, “Farmina Vit-Active for pregnant and lactating dogs” compensates for the lack of vitamins and minerals, “Unitabs MamaCare” is easily absorbed by animals thanks to its natural flavoring.

Development table

Below are the standard parameters of drathaars by month.

The development of drathaars is completely completed by the second year of life. Average parameters of an adult animal:

1. Boys. Height (at the withers) – 60-65 cm, weight – 25-30 kg.
2. Girls. Height (at the withers) – 55-65 cm, weight – 20-30 kg.

All indicators are averaged. A slight deviation upward or downward is not pathological - each puppy develops individually.