The Harzer Fuchs is one of the least known dog breeds of the world. In fact, this German breed is on the verge of extinction.
Of course we hope that breeding efforts can prevent this and now introduce this dog to you in detail.
In the following breed portrait you will find out everything you need to know about keeping, training, health & Co.
Harz fox profile
Size Male & Female: 50 to 60 cmWeightMale & female: up to 28 kgColorsShades of red, cream/redLife expectancy11 to 15 yearsOriginGermanycharacter/temperamentPlayful, courageous, independent, independent, loyal, perceptive, willing to work, active, spiritedFCI groupnot recognized as a breed by the FCI
Look
At first glance, the Harzer Fuchs is reminiscent of a long-haired German shepherd dog.
That’s why the breed is too known as the Old German Shepherd Dog.
This dog has a well-proportioned, toned, and lean body supported by slender, long legs.
The narrow head with the mostly amber-colored and almond-shaped eyes can be completed by both standing and tipped ears.
The Harzer fox’s tail is long and bushy and is usually carried downwards.
Height Weight
With a shoulder height of between 50 and 60 centimeters for males and females, the Harzer Fuchs is a large dog breed.
Despite its impressive size, it tips the scales at up to 28 kilograms.
Females can also be lighter than 28 kilograms here – that’s just the nature of the thing.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
The colors of the Harzer Fuchs are allowed or appear in this breed: shades of red and cream/red.
The Harz fox also owes its name to these shades.
These colors are found in a long stick hair accompanied by a dense and soft undercoat.
History & origin of the Harz fox
The Harzer Fuchs is one German dog breed that has been threatened with extinction for several years is.
Originally bred as a herding dog for cattle and sheep herds, this task became less and less important over the centuries.
Fortunately, there are breeders trying to get this breed off the Red List of Endangered Dog Breeds.
The breeding goal here should be to make the Harzer fox more family-compatible.
Interesting
Incidentally, the FCI has not yet recognized the breed.
Essence and character of the Harz fox
The Harzer Fuchs has one quite demanding character and temperamentwhich can present an inexperienced dog owner with one or the other challenge.
The Harzer Fuchs is considered to be very playful and can also be affectionate. But actually, this breed is better known for its independence and independence.
That doesn’t mean that this four-legged friend doesn’t form a bond with his human or that he doesn’t stand by his side faithfully and loyally.
Rather, it means that he is not dependent on his people 24/7 and can and wants to stay alone sometimes – that’s not the right thing for every dog lover.
The Harzer fox is also known for its alert nature and high level of intelligence.
The working dog is quick on the uptake and loves being given and completing tasks.
As a herding dog, he also has a strong protective instinct. Once he accepts you as the new alpha animal, you definitely have a good companion.
attitude & upbringing
Let’s take a look at which ones in the following lines The temperament, nature and size of the Harzer Fuchs play a role in its husbandry and training play
Upbringing
The Harzer Fuchs is a classic working dog with a strong hunting instinct – and these factors affect its training.
In addition to consistency, tact and patience, you also need to know which tasks you can use this dog well and properly.
You should also start – for example in a dog school – with the puppy to get the hunting instinct under control in order to avoid later problems.
attitude
As a herding dog, the Harzer fox would like to live in a large house with an even larger garden – as long as it is not allowed to move straight into a farm or sheep farm.
Living in an apartment is extremely unsuitable for this breed. And the Harzer fox does not necessarily have to have conspecifics in its environment.
In fact, this dog seems to be one of those furry friends who are quite content with themselves.
This can also play a role in socializing with people and other pets. The Harzer Fuchs can be a family dog, but does not necessarily have to have this role.
Living together as a family can work if the puppy is used to (small) children and pets from a very early age and accepts them as part of its new pack.
Leave Harzer Fuchs alone?
If the puppy is trained to stay alone, it is possible to leave the Harzer Fuchs alone. The breed is very independent and can also take care of itself.
Health & Care
May the Harzer fox have one enjoy robust health without problems? Find out – because now we take a look at the health and care of this furry friend.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of a healthy Harzer fox is 11 to 15 years.
Health
There are no known predispositions to diseases in the Harzer Fuchs. Only hip dysplasia/HD can become a problem with this breed.
The following important things also have a positive influence on the health and thus the life expectancy of the Harzer Fuchs:
- Annual routine check-ups by your veterinarian
- All-round protection against all endo- and ectoparasites
- All-round vaccination protection with all important booster vaccinations
General Grooming & Grooming
Health problems can arise not only from viruses and parasites, but also from bacterial infections or mycoses (fungal diseases).
They like to look for the following sensitive parts of the dog’s body, which you should therefore check regularly:
- Anus
- mouth & teeth
- eyes & ears
- Paws & Claws
You should also check the coat for uninvited passengers, especially in summer, after every walk – for example mites, ticks, fleas and biting lice.
Grooming is also a bit more complex and should take place several times a week. Daily brushing is then a must when the coat is changing.
Is the Harzer Fuchs right for me?
Before you start looking for a Harzer Fuchs breeder, first answer the following question: «Is the Harzer Fuchs right for me?»
We hope that the following statements will give you the right answer for both of you.
- You are looking for a herding dog to watch over your farm and livestock.
- You have enough time to deal with your Harzer Fuchs.
- You know that a dog comes with years of responsibility.
- You know that the Harzer Fuchs can be a great family member.
- You have dog experience and trust yourself to have this strong character.
As a dog newbie, however, you should look around for another breed, because training belongs in the hands of people with dog experience.
Fun facts about the Harzer Fuchs
We conclude our breed portrait of the Harzer Fuchs with further exciting fun facts.
Harzer Fuchs puppies from a reputable breeder will cost you between €1,000 and €1,500.
If the Old German Shepherd Dog does not come from the Harz region, it is also simply called a fox.
In addition to the FCI, the VDH has not yet recognized the Harzer Fuchs as a breed.
The beginnings of the Harz fox lie in the early Middle Ages.
Considered a landrace or natural breed, the Harzer Fuchs is a domesticated dog breed that has adapted to its natural environment over the years.
Would you like to share more fascinating facts about the Harzer Fuchs with us? Then we look forward to reading them in our comments soon. 😊