Wäller

		Wäller
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The Wäller is one of the German dog breeds not recognized by the FCI.

The Wäller is a newly created dog breed, but still under construction. Breeding began in 1994 under the direction of Karin Wimmer-Kieckbusch. The name refers to the Westerwald, whose inhabitants are called "Wäller" in the local dialect. It is a cross between Briard and Australian Shepherd. In 1995, Germany's 1st Wäller Club was founded.

Particular emphasis is placed on the character, health and performance of the dogs. Beauty is secondary in this sense, subordinate to other ideals. Although the number of breeding animals is still low, "parentage", i.e. inbreeding, is avoided, so that the appearance of the breed varies considerably. All adult Wällers intended for breeding must have passed the breed's entrance examination, which consists of a health test, obedience and work performance.

The breed is not yet fully consolidated, currently measuring up to 60 cm and weighing up to 30 kg. Even the coat is still very different from shorthair to shaggy coat, everything is represented, judged reinforced the dogs that have a moustache to use in breeding. All coat colors, as well as tilting or hanging ears, are permitted.

The Wäller is a sporty family dog, easy to manage, healthy, long-lived and well-motivated. Like its ancestors, the Wäller is a dog that loves to work, but needs a job, both mentally and physically. He is medium-tempered, but not nervous, absolutely strong in nature, faultless and very tolerant of children. He is sometimes a little cautious with strangers, but he shouldn't be mean.

Wäller is affected by the MDR1 defect. Until 2011, no homozygous occurrence of the defect was known in a Waller, but affected animals can develop hypersensitivity.

Another hereditary disease that occurs in Wallers (and Australian Shepherds) is cataract, a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is caused by a mutation in the HSF4 gene.