Kurtzhaar

History of the Kurtzhaar breed

Initially, dog handlers believed that the ancestors of the Kurtzhaars inhabited the territory of Germany since time immemorial. Then they were kept by representatives of the German and Austrian nobility for hunting on their lands. However, the facts increasingly indicate that the progenitors of the breed were brought to Germany from the Mediterranean, where they got, in turn, from the countries of sunny Asia.

The invention of firearms was a turning point, after which the attitude of Europeans to hunting dogs changed. Before that, the breeds were divided into three types. So, greyhounds were used for baiting large game: wild boars, wolves or deer. The hounds were ideal for hunting medium-sized prey capable of great speed: hares or rabbits. The cops were valued for their ability to find wild birds and other small animals in dense thickets.

It was the latter type of hunting dogs that included the Bracco Italiano and the Spanish pointer (Perdigero Burgos) – the ancestors of the Kurtzhaars. The first breed came to the territory of Germany in the XV century and immediately became a favorable ground for crossing with the Hanoverian hound. From the last kurtzhaara inherited a uniform coffee color and excellent hunting skills for game of any size.

Perdigero burgos, the "Spaniards" who were bred to hunt partridges, had no less influence. These dogs came to Germany three centuries later, but still managed to make their contribution. The union of the Spanish pointer and Bracco Italiano became the Old German Wurtenberg cop – the closest ancestor of Kurtzhaar.

There is an assumption that not only Bracco Italiano and Perdigero Burgos participated in the breeding of the breed. Among the possible progenitors of Kurtzhaar are the English pointer, the Weimar cop, the Hungarian vyzhla, dalmatian and German hounds. At the same time, the exterior was not considered the main criterion for selecting specimens for mating. More important were the working qualities: at that time, capable dogs with excellent flair were almost more expensive than a thoroughbred horse.

At the beginning of the XVIII century, European countries were overwhelmed by a "wave of standardization" – the desire of breeders to create pedigree dog books and develop criteria for local breeds. At the same time , drathaar also appeared is the result of crossing wire-haired dogs with German pointers. To distinguish the latter from the Drathaars, the breeders decided to give a new name to the breed. So the German smooth-haired pointer became a Kurtzhaar. Since the second half of the XIX century, breeders of a new breed have begun to create breeding books. Already in 1872, Kurtzhaar was included in the lists of the GKC – the German Cynological society.

Representatives of the breed increasingly appeared at exhibitions, however, only as service dogs. Hanoverian Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld gave generous rewards to many breeders of beloved animals. On his own initiative, at the end of the XIX century, the "Breeding Book of the German Kurtzhaar" was published. It included detailed information about the breed, its description, the first standard and a list of hunting "tests" with which these animals cope without difficulty.

Reliable information regarding the appearance of the Kurtskhaars of that time has not been preserved. It was only in 1912 that the breed standard was officially fixed. Crossing with pointers made the dogs more refined and fast, which had a positive effect on the hunting process.

In 1925, representatives of the breed saw the lands of the USA for the first time. Charles Thornton, one of the American breeders, was captivated by the appearance and working qualities of the Kurtzhaars. This prompted him to take several representatives of the breed with him and actively engage in their breeding. Already in 1930, the American Kennel Club recognized and registered Kurtzhaars. The peak of their selection falls in the middle of the XX century. The breed is increasingly found at dog shows, and some of its representatives are also on the pages of book works.

The same cannot be said about the breeding of kurtzhaars in Europe. The Second World War jeopardized the further development of the breed. Together with the acquired goods, the breeders exported the best hunting dogs to Yugoslavia. This greed almost interrupted the German branch of the Kurtzhaars: the Iron Curtain restricted the access of German breeders to worthy representatives of the breed. In this regard, the breeders were forced to restore the number of kurtzhaars with the help of those dogs that were at their disposal.

In 1948, the English Kennel Club registered the breed, referring it to the friends. Twenty years later, Kurtzhaars have become one of the most common hunting dogs. Even at the beginning of the XXI century, this breed occupied the sixteenth position in the AKC list.

Russia was no exception and also submitted to the charm of the Kurtskhaars. Hunters appreciated the universal working qualities of the breed, which allow them to track down any game. However, now Kurtzhaars are mostly made as devoted and active friends. The popularity of hunting has disappeared, and with it the need for a fast companion with excellent flair. The only thing that remained unchanged was the desire of the Kurtskhaars to have plenty of fun in the fresh air and to please the owner with a properly performed exercise.

Video: Kurtzhaar

Kurtzhaar's appearance

Kurtzhaar refers to large breeds of dogs. He is built gracefully and athletically. The body of the animal is characterized by strong muscles, but at the same time it seems light. Every broad and harmonious movement of Kurtzhaar emphasizes his nobility.

The difference in height between males and females is insignificant. According to the FCI standard, the height at the withers is 62-66 cm and 58-64 cm, respectively. The criteria for body weight are also defined. Males weigh 29-32 kg, while females weigh 20-27 kg.

Head and skull

The size and volume of Kurtzhaar's head corresponds to the dimensions and looks harmonious. It has a pronounced outline and a dryish structure. When examining the animal from a certain angle, the wedge-shaped shape of the head is noticeable. The bones of the skull are relatively wide and give it a slight roundness. The bump on the back of the head is moderately pronounced. The distinct brow ridges contrast with the shallow furrow on the forehead.

Muzzle

The elongated and very wide muzzle of the Kurtzhaar gradually tapers to the nose. More pointed in bitches, while males are distinguished by a "humpback nose". The stop is smoothed; the nose protrudes slightly. Its lobe is colored brown, black (in black-roan or black individuals) or beige (in white dogs). Marble pigmentation is also acceptable. The lips are not feathery, but they create a crease in the corners of the mouth.

Ears

The dog's flat hanging ears are positioned high and wide apart. They have rounded tips that reach the corners of Kurtzhaar's lips. They represent the "golden mean": not too thin or fleshy. The front part of the ears is adjacent to the cheeks of the animal, if it is not in an excited state.

Eyes

Kurtzhaar's eyes are set obliquely, differ in average size. The eyelids fit snugly, creating an oval incision. The iris of the eyes is pigmented with a dark brown shade (in young animals - light).

Jaws and teeth

The strong jaws of the animal form a scissor bite. The teeth "sit" vertically, the incisors close tightly. A complete dental formula is available.

Neck

Kurtzhaar's neck is quite long in order to harmonize with the appearance of the dog. It expands smoothly and is placed at an angle of 40°. It bends in its upper part, has a convex nape. The skin on the throat does not sag.

Housing

Kurtzhaar has a muscular back, so the processes of the spine are not palpable. The croup is sloping in the direction of the tail, rather wide and long. Kurtzhaar's chest is deep and developed. The elbow joints are located at the level of a moderately long sternum. The ribs form a vault. The bottom line is smoothly curved, turning into a taut stomach.

Tail

Tapers to the tip, being thick at the base. It is set high, it is docked by 50% for kurtzhaar's participation in the hunt. When moving, the tail is held horizontally, but hangs vertically when the animal is calm.

Forelimbs

The limbs are located under the body of the dog, parallel to each other. The sloping muscular shoulder blades fit snugly to the chest, forming angles of 100° together with the shoulders. The elbows are deep under the torso, forming a small gap. Straight forearms are distinguished by strong bones and musculature. The pasterns are not hanging. Paws can be oval or round in shape. The fingers end in claws and rough pads.

Hind limbs

Characteristic feature – pronounced angles of the joints. Kurtzhaar's thighs are very muscular and wide. The lower legs are twice as long as the metatarsals. The latter turn into parallel arched paws. The fingers are assembled, ending in strong claws. The pads are stiff.

Manner of movement

Kurtzhaar moves with a flourish, pushing off with his hind legs and moderately throwing out his front ones. When walking and running, the dog retains a proud posture. Ambling – simultaneous ejection of the hind or forelimbs – is unacceptable.

Wool cover

The breed is characterized by a short and stiff coat that evenly covers the body. The length of the hairs on the body of the animal reaches 1.5-2 cm. The dog's head and ears are covered with softer and shorter (up to 1 cm) hair.

Color

The standard provides for the following colors of kurtzhaar:

• white with brown speckles;
• coffee with gray;
• coffee speckled;
• solid coffee;
• coffee piebald;
• black and white.

The darker the color of kurtzhaar's coat, the better.

Possible vices

Among the common defects of the breed are:

• the absence of one or two incisors or molars;
• too thick or thin lips;
• short or long ears;
• light pigmentation of the eyes;
• pronounced tail bend;
• breasts too deep;
• solid white color;
• slight hump;
• shortened croup;
• short muzzle;
• clubfoot;
• suspension.

Kurtzhaar's disqualifying vices are as follows:

• yellow or green color of the iris;
• impaired sexual dimorphism;
• cowardice or aggressiveness;
• undershot or overshot jaws;
• enlarged dental formula;
• flat and/or short neck;
• undeveloped chest;
• sharp belly lift;
• solid white color;
• wavy type of wool;
• rectangular stop;
• cryptorchidism.

kurtzhaar's photo

kurtzhaar's character

The German Kurtzhaar breed is unique in every way. This is not only a great hunter, but also a vivid illustration of the proverb: "A dog is a man's best friend." Kurtzhaars are strongly attached to their family and do not like to leave the owner for a long time. Reading a book, taking a bath or just cooking dinner – be prepared for the fact that the animal will take an active part in any activity.

It is worth noting that Kurtzhaar's strong loyalty can also become a problem. Staying alone for a long time, the dog will not miss the chance to occupy himself with spoiling furniture or howling for hours under the apartment door. Make a choice in favor of a different breed if you plan to stay late at work.

The lack of timely socialization will make Kurtzhaar timid and cowardly. The dog may avoid new family members for a long time, but eventually becomes attached to them. The same character trait affects outsiders as well. Kurtzhaar does not show aggression towards strangers; on the contrary, the dog is playful and friendly (but in moderation). For this reason, representatives of the breed are not the best option for protection. The animal will raise a loud bark, noticing a stranger, but will not be able to bare its fangs and protect the territory entrusted to it.

If you are looking for an active and cheerful friend for a child, pay attention to kurtzhaar! These dogs get along well with children and are ready to play with them until they drop, suffering accidental pokes or too strong hugs. However, it is not necessary to leave a small child alone with an animal. Despite the elegant appearance, kurtshaars are strong enough and can accidentally knock the baby off his feet.

Representatives of the breed, with the exception of poorly socialized, get along well with other pets. These dogs are not characterized by a desire to demonstrate their superiority and take the alpha's place in an improvised pack. The only exception is males, who can defiantly growl at each other, clarifying the relationship.

Feel free to leave kurtzhaar alone with a cat or another dog, if you consider him well-mannered. However, the company of rabbits, decorative rats and other small animals should be avoided. You can't guarantee that your hunting instincts won't wake up at the most inopportune moment. The dog will regard your pet as a toy or prey – and the loss will become inevitable.

Kurtshaars are very energetic and active animals. This characteristic sounds from the lips of all dog owners. Provide your pet with daily physical activity for several hours. At the same time, a leisurely walk is not enough: Kurtzhaar likes to stretch his paws and therefore prefers to explore the surroundings without a restrictive leash.

It is logical to assume that this breed does not always get along in cramped apartments. Kurtshaars are more suitable for keeping in private houses with spacious courtyards. A heated booth, delicious food and the opportunity to run through your "possessions" at any time of the day will make your pet the happiest on the planet! By limiting Kurtzhaar's freedom and activity, you will get an unbalanced dog with unstable behavior and shattered health.

When bringing an animal into a spacious yard, do not forget to cut off all escape routes. Kurtzhaars tend to run away from home, obeying their natural desires to study an unfamiliar smell. Even a fence won't stop dogs. They will easily make a tunnel or jump over an obstacle at all – anything to achieve the goal. In this case, Kurtzhaar's developed intelligence is not a virtue, but a problem. The dog can develop a detailed escape plan even from the fenced area, so do not leave the pet unattended. Of course, the animal will find its way home, but it's better not to risk your four-legged friend.

Education and training

Kurtzhaar is one of the most intelligent and easily trained dog breeds. It is important to adhere to the basic rules – and then pet training will not become an exhausting test.

Contrary to the opinion that you should start training as early as possible, in the case of kurtzhaar, you should not hurry. From the first day of the puppy's appearance in the house, take the time to establish friendly contact with him. Introduce your baby to new people, animals, smells, and surroundings – and then he will grow up balanced and obedient.

Principles of kurtzhaar training – "from simple to complex" and "all at once". It sounds contradictory, but in fact it is easy. It is recommended to start with basic commands and move on to more intricate ones. At the same time, repeat what you have already learned with your pet: kurtshaars tend to forget what they used to do with a bang.

Despite the fact that representatives of this breed rarely show stubbornness, they are very demanding of training. You must be a leader for your pet, otherwise your words will remain without reaction. Kurtzhaars already tend to be distracted from the training process, feeling a curious smell and wanting to find its source. This inattention is only aggravated if the dog does not consider you an unconditional leader.

Do not stick to one plan while training an animal. Kurtzhaar will quickly get bored with monotonous classes, and you will face a wall of indifference and unwillingness to follow commands. Take control of the situation and prepare a set of various exercises so that the pet can exercise its intellectual and physical abilities to the fullest.

If you don't plan to train your dog to hunt, replace these specific commands with more familiar activities. Running with obstacles and chasing frisbees are the best options for Kurtzhaar. At the same time, it is important to make it clear that the treat-reward still needs to be earned. This will only consolidate your position as the head of the family in the eyes of Kurtzhaar.

Care and maintenance

Since the Kurtzhaar belongs to short-haired dog breeds, it does not require regular grooming. Caring for the animal's fur is limited to combing it once or twice a week. Use a massage glove or a stiff bristle brush. During the period of seasonal abundant molting, it is recommended to carry out the procedure more often.

Bathing is not included in the list of mandatory activities. It is enough to bathe Kurtzhaar once a month or as needed. Frequent "bath days" will entail the loss of a healthy shine of the coat and its fat cover, which acts as a barrier against heavy pollution. Use special shampoos for dogs or try "dry cleaning". This will help your pet to maintain an attractive appearance. After bathing kurtzhaar, make sure that there are no drafts. The animal may catch a cold (especially in winter).

Dust and dirt often accumulate in the dog's ears: not only after hunting, but also after an active walk, so they also need care. Kurtzhaar's ears should be clean and dry. To achieve this result, arm yourself with a cotton pad or a wand. As an auxiliary tool, use special solutions that can be found in pet stores. It is recommended to clean the ears every day to prevent infectious diseases and inflammation.

A cotton pad and a "strong" tea brew are enough for eye care. Carefully remove any secretions. Excessive tearfulness and sour eyes are alarm bells for contacting a veterinarian.

Energetic and active kurtshaars grind their claws naturally, but you should not refuse to purchase a claw cutter for large breeds. Once a month, "help" your pet to shorten the claws so that they do not cause discomfort. Smooth out the sharp edges with a nail file and regularly lubricate the pads of the paws with vegetable oil – and the pet will definitely thank you (though in the dog's "language").

Kurtzhaar's teeth need no less care. It is necessary to carry out a hygienic procedure twice a week, using a special paste and brush. A finger attachment will also work. It is important to teach the dog to hygiene from puppy age, then your pet will not snap in response to the procedures and will be glad to have the opportunity to spend time with the owner once again.

Kurtzhaar is a hunting breed that requires a certain diet, in particular animal protein in large quantities. It can be boiled meat, cut into pieces. Offal and cartilage are no less important. Puppies should eat foods with a high content of calcium: milk, cottage cheese, kefir. Thanks to them, the baby will grow up with healthy teeth and bones. By the age of three months, the amount of dairy products must be reduced.

In the diet of kurtzhaar, it is worth including porridge cooked in broth (except pearl barley). Please note that it is highly undesirable to add salt. Dilute the bland taste of porridge with products containing fiber: pumpkin, squash, carrots.

Do not feed your pet:

• fruits with pits;
• raisins and grapes;
• tubular bones;
• yeast dough;
• garlic and onion;
• minced meat;
• raw eggs;
• fatty meat;
• river fish;
• sweets;
• mushrooms.

Puppies up to six months old must be fed five times a day, while giving out small portions. After six months, the number of feedings is reduced to three. Kurtzhaar must have constant access to drinking water. Use bottled or tap water, letting it brew for 6-8 hours beforehand.

Kurtzhaar's Health and Diseases

The breed is characterized by endurance and strong immunity, so dogs rarely bother the owner with their malaise. However, some diseases occur most often in Kurtzhaars. Among them:

• joint dysplasia;
• ear infections;
• iodine deficiency;
• inversion of the intestines;
• pyroplasmosis;
• inversion of the eyelids;
• epilepsy;
• melanoma;
• cataract;
• arthritis;
• otitis.

The number of genetic diseases in kurtzhaars is small in comparison with other dog breeds. The exception is von Willebrand's disease, a blood–related ailment.

How to choose a puppy

If you want to become the owner of a healthy and harmoniously developed baby, do not buy it from breeders with a dubious reputation. It is not worth going to bird markets, chasing a low price. This savings will result in constant visits to the veterinary clinic in the future.

Specialized nurseries – that's where you should go in search of kurtzhaar. Pay attention to the sex of the baby: males are more wayward and freedom-loving. To escape from under the nose of the owner is not a problem for them. Males are less amenable to training due to stubbornness, but it all depends on the nature of a particular dog. Bitches are more devoted and affectionate, rarely feel the desire to follow an unfamiliar smell and leave the "father's house".

The ideal age for acquiring a kurtzhaar puppy is 2-6 months. The baby's psyche is already quite stable, and there will be no problems with adapting to a new family at all. Before you get acquainted with the litter, ask the breeder to show the parents. Their shortcomings are most often reflected in the offspring.

When choosing a future pet, pay attention to the most playful and active puppy. Shiny fur, perky eyes, moderate fatness – all these are indirect signs that the baby will not get to the veterinary clinic the next day. And, of course, do not forget to listen to your own heart: it will never let you down!

Photos of kurtzhaar puppies

How much does kurtzhaar cost

Since time immemorial, the Kurtzhaar has been one of the most expensive breeds – largely because of the magnificent instincts of the hunter. Now prices are more democratic. A pet-class dog will cost the future owner in $150 - $250. You will have to pay from $300 to $400 for a tribal kurtzhaar. As for the exhibition copies, the price has no limits. The lower limit starts at around $600 and above. Think about what you expect from your future pet – and act! In any case, the acquired kurtzhaar will become your best and most loyal friend.