This is a beautiful dog, but large, so dont make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. Be sure to bookmark us. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. Doesnt have a courage or desire to explore beyond our property. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They are typically comfortable living outdoors (although they should still be provided with a dog house or shelter). These huge, fluffy dogs are protective and tenacious making them excellent livestock guardian dogs. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. In fact, this is another LGD breed that is well-suited for guarding a variety of different farm animals, ranging from sheep to chicken to ducks. These include: Bloat is a condition that occurs mostly in deep-chested dogs. It is thought that they only arrived in Europe about 5,000 years ago. Their tail is bushy and may curl, typically reaching the hocks. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. The Karakachan is a seasonal shedder that will benefit from daily brushing during a shed. This breed also varies in their reactivity some will bark at anything that passes and will chase off any predator while others stay closer to their charges and use less aggressive techniques to keep their livestock safe. The Maremma has always been used to guarding sheep, and today even though he is looked upon as a wonderful, friendly companion dog, he also makes an excellent watch dog, being brave and courageous. There is a broad range of temperaments in the breed ranging from submissive to dominant and low to high reactivity toward threats. 'Animal Watch' is not responsible and does not independently verify for accuracy all of the claims and opinions expressed in the episodes. Nail clipping is not always required in working dogs as their nails naturally file down. There are a bunch of different livestock guardian breeds you can choose from, but the following ones are some of the most popular. While this dog may look funny with its long cords of hair, it is not one to tolerate threats to its herd. On the whole, they are accepted as being a generally healthy breed of dog that lives into its early teens. For more information on livestock guardian dog lifespans, what to expect from puppies, and how to care for older dogs, see my article, What is the Lifespan of a Livestock Guardian Dog. The breed is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent. They prefer to bark away threats and will only attack if the predator is insistent. The large breed usually lives anywhere from ten to thirteen years and weighs anywhere from 120-240 pounds. For advice on how to properly feed your Karakachan, check out these resources: Karakachans and Food: What to Feed, When, and Problems to Avoid. They will bark to warn of predators and strangers, and will chase off wolves (up to 2 kilometers!) cream, White, white with patches of light tan or grey, Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial, Samoyed vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Boxer - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Akita - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Africanis - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Goldador - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Bandog - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison, Samoyed vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Presa Canario vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Labrador Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Argentine Dogo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Giant Schnauzer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Goldador vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Dogo Cubano vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Dogo Sardesco vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Central Asian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Mackenzie River Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, German Longhaired Pointer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Pyredoodle vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Lurcher vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Sarplaninac vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Himalayan Mastiff vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Mountain View Cur vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Native American Indian Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Greenland Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Komondor vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Bulgarian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison. Below, well discuss some of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise. The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. Unfortunately, they will not necessarily obey commands that they do not agree with. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. It is painful for your dog and it can be debilitating, leading to arthritis too and making it difficult for your pet to get around and to get up from lying down. Pyrenean Mastiff A huge Spanish dog, they weigh 120-150 pounds or more. However, prospective Karakachan owners should be aware that although these dogs are sweet-tempered and well-mannered with their own families, they still have guardian instincts and will become highly protective. Karakachans will also need quite a bit of training. In contrast to the size of their head, their eyes (which may be brown or hazel) are relatively small and deep-set. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Karakachans typically work best in at least twos or threes, if not more. These nomadic people put great emphasis on animal breeding, and . The Saint Pyrenees usually does not live longer than 10 years. Either sex can work as an effective livestock guardian dogs.Generally, males will roam the perimeter of the farm or enclosure more while females will stay closer to the flock. They are considered moderately reactive in how quickly they escalate from barking to attacking a perceived threat. Well also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! The size of the Great Pyrenees dog makes it an imposing guardian; however other characteristics include: Males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. With his role as guardian of sheep, he has learned to be loyal and patient and will make a loyal ad loving family pet he takes his role as guardian very seriously. For the most specific information regarding your Karakachan, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them the perfect livestock guardian dogs. They prefer to live outside and are very much a working dog. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water. Later generations of the Pyredoodle may shed little if at all, but earlier generations are still likely to shed somewhat. The akbash lives about 10 years and weighs anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. Many Karakachan caretakers can attest to their dogs protective, but sometimes silly, and always loving nature. As a landrace breed, the Karakachan comes in a wide variety of colors and types. He tends to drool so it's handy keeping a damp cloth close by just to give his face area a wipe down. ds. Anneka revisits the UK's largest Caucasian Shepherd Maximus and one of the largest male Pyrenean Mountain Dogs Jacko and examines size, weight, ferocity, niceness to strangers, trainability and the ability to be dangerous to both humans and animals. The Spanish mastiff is a huge breed that is known for its kind and intelligent nature. Positive reinforcement works best with the Karakachan and reprimanding them will only lead to more undesired behaviours. They do not need regular bathing, which is a blessing, as this can be a mammoth task in such a large dog! For those interested in owning a Karakachan as a companion animal, it is important to note that these dogs were bred to work. The Great Pyrenees is such a calm, independent, serious, well-mannered dog who loves to be around his human family and to please them. These are large dogs with large appetites, but you want to keep them lean and active. He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first. Karakachan Dog This dog is from Bulgaria, developed by the Karakachan nomadic people. He makes a wonderful companion and although he loves indoor life as much as outdoor life, he is much happier settling into life in the country or the suburbs as opposed to life in the city and a tiny property. But livestock guardian dogs, commonly referred to as LGDs, can help protect your animals and reduce the risk of predation. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. During the mid 1600s, the dog's numbers dwindled but the French developed kennel clubs where the dog could be bred and its numbers restored. The dog was used to defend flocks from predators but its lineage goes a long way back, thousands of years in fact. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. They are known for their courage when confronted with such threatening predators, like bears and wolves, and will not hesitate to defend their flock. Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. They have a broad back, well-muscled body with a deep chest and long, rough tail. Both Great Pyrenees and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. The Karakachan is a double-coated breed and will need to be brushed multiple times per week. To properly groom your Karakachan youll need a pin brush, comb, and a deshedding brush. Training this breed can be a bit of a challenge. Some have natural bobbed tails, some have short tails, and still others have long-plumed tails. With the proper training and socialization, any dog can become a loyal and well-behaved family companion, including a Karakachan dog. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being. Minimally, youll want to address and remove any mats present before they become problematic. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. During the mid 1600s, the dog's numbers dwindled but the French developed kennel clubs where the dog could be bred and its numbers restored. They bond with the animals, living with them and protecting them from goat predators. This large, white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 110 pounds. Even if a mastiff is innocently playing around, his large weight could easily injure a small child if he is not properly trained. Maremma Sheepdogs are a bit smaller than other livestock guardian dogs, with an average weight of 77 to 99 pounds. A post shared by Yamstick Farm (@yamstickfarm). Absolutely. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! They are gentle with their charges and do well with children and other pets. They bond strongly with their owners but if left alone too much will become overly protective against all humans. Required fields are marked *. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The Kangal can make a great farm dog or family guardian in addition to livestock guardian. Females grow to about 26-29 inches (68-74 cm) and can. They think their territory is as far as they can roam, and they'll constantly test the limits. Akbash dogs are working dogs and want a job to do. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. Found all the basics I wanted to know about LGD breeds. It is important to Stick to simple, nutritious food. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. While they are lower energy, they react and escalate quickly when threatened. In any case, Karakachans are always alert and observant and can be seen patrolling and guarding their charges constantly. Even when the greater Bulgarian culture began to change, the Karakachan people retained their own language and their own breeds of animals. However, temperaments and reactivity levels They often mark their territory very deliberately. Unfortunately, during the 1950s, the local government devised an agricultural plan that focused on the production of foreign breeds, as they were thought to be superior to their Bulgarian counterparts. Males can require between 2260 and 5480 calories per day, and females will typically need between 2070 and 5175 calories. Long daily walks, access to a large and secure garden, and lots of mental stimulation can keep a Karakachan content in the absence of herding duties. The Karakachan comes with a variety of tail styles. They are always alert, patrolling and guarding their flock. His huge size will require that he be trained because when he is indoors he can knock things over and he must be able to respond to you telling him to lie down. When trained and socialized, your big dog is social, active and loving. As with all working dogs and/or dogs with floppy ears, you will need to check and clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections and dirt build up. Ends as a draw, both still friends. Theyre very similar dogs in many ways, which leads some authorities to consider them the same breed. The breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. Three European and Asian breeds are better at guarding U.S. herds than local dogs. Remember to include some raw meat as well as cooked chicken, vegetables and brown rice into his kibble and always ensure fresh, cool water is available. All dogs have special talents that make them well-suited for different activities or jobs. Around that time, a small collection of American farm owners started to import Karakachan dogs. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. . jx. The Karakachan dogs have truly made their comeback and have become an important symbol of the Bulgarian people. Bo. As a companion you will also appreciate the many excellent qualities he possesses. Karakachan vs great pyrenees. You actually noted the color connection to their name, just got the pic itself incorrect. There are a number of treatment options offered by your vet. It is better if they have a well-fenced yard to play and roam around in, in addition to long, daily walks or runs. 11 min read Additionally, livestock guardian dogs work to deter predators in a number of ways before engaging in any physical confrontation. However, these dogs dedication to their families and their ability to protect is increasing their popularity daily. Your Great Pyrenees isn't going to be a dog leaping around you demanding a game or walk like what you get from some energetic dogs. Affectionate with those they know, they are typically cautious in the presence of strangers, and have the potential to act aggressively. This problem can cause your pet to be in pain and he can also become lame, battling to walk and play and battling to get up after lying down. The hypothesis: these larger, bolder breeds will fend off wolves and bears more effectively than common dogs like the Pyrenees and akbash. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. uv com. Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Guide to 93 Guardians, Herders, Terriers, and Other Canine Working Partners. Young has chosen the transmontano and two other obscure breeds the karakachan, from Bulgaria, and the kangal, from Turkey to serve as subjects in a new Wildlife Services study. He isnt the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. They are highly reactive to threats, keeping predators well away from the herd. A pup that has been raised by another working dog is a good investment, but will still likely need supervision either from you or an adult LGD until it has demonstrated maturity., Your email address will not be published. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. Urbigkit, Cat. 00 each. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. The breeds independent and brave nature makes them great protectors for livestock and families, and they often work well with a variety of different livestock species. This breed is not for inexperienced owners. He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. Unfortunately, there are no health studies available relating to the Karakachan breed, and very limited anecdotal evidence exists regarding which diseases actually affect them. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned with special ear-cleaning lotion and his nails will also need to be trimmed. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program. Any large-breed dog is more susceptible to an array of orthopaedic problems, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans and osteoarthritis. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. The Maremma bonds closely to the herd and is less prone to wandering, although this does not mean you dont need fences. They bond strongly with their flock and will not hesitate to defend them from threats. Just be sure to think carefully about the characteristics of each breed before making your choice. (Privacy Policy) *, 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved. Among the oldest and most valued of the working dogs of Europe, the Bulgarian Shepherd breed was created by mixing the Balkan breeds with the dogs from Central Asia by the proto-Bulgarians around the 7th century. They bond strongly with their herd and possess strong maternal instincts toward the animals. Kate Brunotts He will be expensive to feed. Bulgaria now has one of the highest populations (per capita) of wolves and bears in Europe! If you are interested in adopting a Karakachan from a rescue, check out my article, Rescue Livestock Guardian Dogs Should You Get One? Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. They take any threat seriously. Not only that, he takes his watchdog duties seriously and he is inclined to bark a lot, and in a small place, youll be getting constant complaints from the neighbors. They are very alert with their herd and will even move the herd to an area that they deem to be safer. Central Asian Shepherd This breed works well in a pack where there can be a division of responsibilities. When unprovoked by predators, these big white dogs are calm, gentle, and zen-like making them great for families with children. Maremma Sheepdog may have less litter size than Great Pyrenees. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2007. The numbers of Karakachan dogs reduced dramatically during this time, and the breed has never fully recovered from this decision. While most commonly seen in Bulgaria, some breed members have made it across to the USA, however, they remain an incredibly rare breed. These dogs were also used by the people of their namesake Karakachans a nomadic people who traveled all over Bulgaria. Great Pyrenees may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Bulgarian Shepherd. While the outer coat varies in length and texture by breed, this double coat with the soft undercoat provides excellent insulation against extreme weather, both hot and cold. Episode content does not constitute generic or specific professional advice, endorsement or services. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. ho (Detailed. For help with obedience training using positive methods, I highly recommend the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). He bonds with his family but tends to be wary of strangers. If raised with children, they will devote themselves to them, though purely due to their size, they should be monitored at all times. He will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been specially formulated for a dog of his size. Karakachans have many qualities that make them good livestock guardian dogs, property guardians, or family companions. For more on determining how many livestock guardian dogs you need to run, see my article, How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs You Need. While fierce against predators, Karakachans are loving and tender with their livestock and tend to bond closely to them. They reach maturity around 3 years of age, and at this time can usually be trusted independently with a flock. . Yes, Karakachans can make wonderful family companions if properly trained, exercised, and socialized. She is so smart and funny. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. if they come too close to their territory. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. In the ideal situation, they will be given the task of guarding flocks, though where this is not possible, other activities can suffice. The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. While they are known to be an intelligent breed, the Karakachan survived by itself for a long time out on the remote Bulgarian mountains and can thus be strong-willed when it comes to training. Sider, the Karakachan expert quoted above, says (in the book Brave and Loyal, here on Amazon) that the best, most successful combination of dogs is to have two females and four males. Therefore, they will require a great deal of exercise in order to keep them healthy and happy. For more on livestock guardian dog genders (and which gender you should run), see my article, Male or Female Livestock Guardian Dogs: Which Is Better for Your Needs? It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. Livestock guardian dogs should be properly socialized with all members of your family, including kids, to ensure that they do not perceive anyone as a potential threat. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. They can be aggressive to other dogs. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog.
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