QUESTIONS
1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
I have been involved with the GS mittel since 1985 as a breeder, conformation exhibitor and obedience trial competitor.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
Germany. The breed was used as a companion and alert dog on German farms and used to accompany merchants to town, running alongside the horses and at times being carried on the horses backs. The breed was further developed in the UK . The first imports to Oz came from the UK in1987 to Elhamra Kennels, SA. There are two Breed standards: the FCI and our ANKC one adopted from the KC. The ANKC standards allows for all colours and variations of colour.
3. How common is it in Australia?
The mittel is not a rare breed. The number of them exhibited at any one time varies however. Owners are scattered over a wide ranging area of OZ, but seeing large numbers of them at prestigious shows ( such as Royals, and the Spring Fair NSW ) is a wonderful sight with all their different colours which is one of the hallmarks of the breed and makes them so entertaining and different.
4. What is the average lifespan?
Abut 12 to 15 yrs...sometimes more.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
This is a happy, athletic, independent yet adoring, intelligent companion dog that is capable of reaching the highest levels of obedience work as well as participating in all types of dogsports. I must add that they do not suffer fools gladly!! Some of them are natural retrievers and are a joy to work with in scent discrimination exercises for example. Their ability to jump very high from a standstill makes them ideally suited to agility and games competitions. THey are devoted to their family and if you want a continual shadow( despite them being independent ) you will have a constant one. Their independence is shown in their intelligence rather than their physical behaviour.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
A walk a day. They are self exercising.They are VERY playful but they tune in with their owners moods and accommodate very easily. A pack of GS will play with each other all day , even when they are aged.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Yes, provided the owner knows how to be a benevolent dictator !! The mittel will boss you if you dont do it first. Personally I would prefer a new owner of this breed to be prepared to look after their glamorous coats and to provide them with mental stimulation. They have a wicked sense of humour and will display this as well as selective hearing at times when you would rather they didnt !!
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
I have never had one of the breed on their lonesome.. They are so devoted to their family that I would think it unjust to leave them on their own for a long period of time.
9. How much grooming is required?
They are low maintenance.A good grooming when they are shedding (twice a year generally) and perhaps once a week going over thoroughly. They should never be clipped as the coat is their insulation against heat and rain and cold. Like any double coated breed they will shed their undercoat seasonally to adjust to higher temperatures.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
I do not have children . Someone with children can answer this. The mittel is an "interactive" dog but it will also leave you alone and hang out on its own within sight of you if you want it that way. Some mittels do like to jump on you however and this could become a problem for frail, elderly people or with smaller children. But the breed is cerainly NOT too boisterous and can be easily trained to behave itself. All education of this breed must be with positive reinforcement as they resent being forced. Besides you should never have to force the GS.They are very cooperative and pleasing their loved ones seems to make them very happy indeed.
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