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A black German Shepherd and a brown and white calf resting nose to shoulder in the straw inside a wooden barn. 5 / 36

In the Corner of the Barn, a German Shepherd Had a Very Small Roommate

AI imagegerman shepherdcalfbarn

The barn smells of hay and old wood, and in one corner a black German Shepherd and a brown-and-white calf are tucked in side by side. His tongue is out in a relaxed grin, with his big upright ears turned toward the doorway. The calf leans in with her pink nose almost touching his chest and her white front legs folded under her. Behind them a bit of bright yard is visible through the open door.

Barns are good for dogs when a few basics are covered. Straw makes a warm, dry bed, but loose hay can hide splinters, and dusty bedding may irritate some noses, so check where your dog settles. Farm dogs also benefit from fresh water nearby, and the barn floor should be kept clear of tools, wire and anything sharp.

German Shepherds were originally developed as herding dogs, so being close to livestock is not entirely strange for the breed. They tend to watch, follow and keep a quiet eye on the animals around them. A well-trained, calm shepherd often takes that job seriously, even when the animal he is watching is mostly asleep.

Corner spots feel safe to just about every animal because there is a wall at their back and a view of the door. It is a very good place to rest, and Clover clearly agrees.

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