Rhenish German Draft
calm, good-natured, willing to work
Origin
Rhineland, Germany
Withers height
158–170 cm
Draught workDrivingForestryLeisure
Traits & strengths
- ✦very heavy, compact type with high pulling power
- ✦notably good-natured and people-oriented
- ✦frugal for its body mass
- ✦usable in forestry where machinery would damage the ground
Breed-typical predispositions
PSSM1 (GYS1)
Disease →common in German draft populations; low-starch ration, fat as an energy source and daily movement
Pastern dermatitis
Disease →feathering and heavy pasterns encourage trapped moisture — dry housing is decisive
Chronic progressive lymphoedema (CPL)
Disease →described in heavy breeds with strong feathering — early recognition and consistent care slow the course
Latest findings
Conservation breeding in a small population
ongoingThe breed is on the red list; conservation programmes work with mating planning and cryoconservation against the loss of genetic diversity.
Source · GEH — red list of endangered livestock breeds