The Short-haired German Arm
The short-haired German arm is a versatile hunting dog that is highly appreciated for its size and physique. The International Cynological Federation (FCI), responsible for the recognition and classification of breeds, qualifies it as a sample dog. In the following lines, you will learn more about this animal.
Origins of the short-haired German arm
Although the history of this animal is not well known, it is believed that it is descended from German dogs destined to prey hunting. With the arrival of other breeds from the Mediterranean to Germany, a multifaceted dog was created.
At the time, they were looking for a sample dog, that is, one capable of capturing and then showing the prey to its owner, with more skills. The invention of the double-barreled shotgun in 1750 made the existence of a versatile breed even more necessary.
Therefore, Prince Albrecht de Solms-Braunfels decided to lay the groundwork for the classification of this breed. The most important document to date is his Book of the Origins of the Short-Haired Arm.
Characteristics and morphology
The short-haired German Braco’s body is athletic and harmonious. Its musculature is strong and defined, prepared for intense crossings and long hunting days. Thanks to his style, he is able to continue his hunting activity until old age. The most common colors of this breed are usually:
- Brown, with or without white spots
- white with brown head
- black
- brown rwan with brown head
Morphologically, it’s kind of a large size. The height and weight in males is around 59 and 64 centimeters and 25 and 32 kilos, while females measure around 53 or 59 centimeters and weigh between 20 and 27 kilos.
Its back is strong, with marked musculature, its neck is proportional to the body and its tail is medium length, and it tapers to the tip. It should be noted that, for the use of the short-haired German Arm in hunting, the tail is usually cut in half.
Since March 2017, it is prohibited to cut the tail of dogs throughout Spain. This decision, unanimously approved by Congress, was taken during the ratification of the European Agreement for the Protection of Pets.
In its Article 10, this international treaty specifically prohibits “surgical operations on animals whose aim is to modify the appearance of the same”. Although some experts claim that this cut is beneficial, especially in hunting dogs, the scientific community does not agree with the practice.
Temperament and care
The short-haired German Arm is a hunting breed by nature, used to the outdoors and especially fond of intense exercise. His protective instinct makes him a perfect guardian dog.
It should be created by an active person or family who can give you the hours of exercise you need. Otherwise, the short-haired German Arm is likely to get nervous and cause trouble.
We’re not talking about a very dominant dog, but he won’t respond well to an owner who doesn’t naturally show some authority. It needs some consistent norms of behavior that impose a series of limits.
It is a dog that needs to have a structure in its routine. Without proper attention and authority, the short-haired German Arm can experience separation anxiety and be destructive.
Regarding possible physical health problems, this breed is prone to suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy and some types of cancer. Their life expectancy ranges between 12 and 15 years.
To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is advisable to brush it regularly, especially after long walks in the countryside. The presence of weeds and mud in their fur can cause parasites to appear.
The nutrition of the short-haired German Arm will depend on how much physical exercise it does. If used for hunting, high-energy rations and meat will be your animal’s allies. Any changes in your diet need to be gradual to allow you to adapt to your gastrointestinal tract.
