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| Above photograph courtesy of Anna Bratton and the Colombian Park Zoo Lafayette, IN  | Description NGSDs Average 17 inches at the shoulder and 25 pounds. Their short double coat has a crisp feel. The underside of the tail carries a thick brush. NGSDs are golden red or black and tan with white markings on the underside of the chin, the feet and tail tip. Some also have white on their face, chest and necks, but never on their sides or backs. Wide cheekbones, narrow muzzles, tulip-[petal shaped ears that curve forward and triangular, obliquely set eyes give their faces a distinctive appearance. Their Joints and spine are extremely flexible for a canid. Adapted to hunting in very steep, thickly vegetated terrain, they climb and jump like a cat, a trait that makes them a challenge to keep confined. When their eyes reflect in low light they glow bright green. Their carnassial teeth are large, usually equal to or greater than 10% of their skull length, a trait common in wild canids but not in domestic dogs. The NGSD has several unique vocalizations. The howl they are named for is similar to a wolf howl with overtones of whale song.When in a group, one animal starts and then others join on different pitches, each with its own unique voice. Some NGSD vocalizations resemble birdcalls. They also whine, yelp, bark ( a short "woof" like that of a wolf) and scream ( a drawn-out yelp). | |
