In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. However, this greatly depends upon the quality and reputation of the breeder, availability of puppies, and the parents working history. Assuming that you consider the breed distinct from the Anatolian shepherd, the Kangal is a super protective, alert, and independent dog, which is well-suited for a life spent protecting livestock. 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. Just be sure to think carefully about the characteristics of each breed before making your choice. While the Spanish Mastiff is slower to react, he can attack ferociously. If you look youll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. These nomadic people put great emphasis on animal breeding, and . He has called the dog Buffy. Found all the basics I wanted to know about LGD breeds. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. Great Pyrenees may live 45 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Karakachans are very intelligent dogs, so smart that they will often only follow commands when they feel like it. Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Great Pyrenees is originated from France. The Kangal can make a great farm dog or family guardian in addition to livestock guardian. The breed usually weighs between 70 to 120 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They are gentle with their charges and do well with children and other pets. 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. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. Akbash Dog Originating from Turkey the Akbask dog is a popular choice and works well in both open range and fenced pastures. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. 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. Spanish mastiffs also posses a muscular, strong build making them intimidating to potential predators. They are a breed that will bond closely with their family and will quickly become very protective of them. Because of their history as a landrace breed, there is quite a bit of variability in both their personality/temperament and their working characteristics. ); weight, 88-125 lbs. They are great at protecting flocks, and their independent nature makes them excellent LGDs, as they often excel at making decisions and solving problems without human help. However, because of their size, they should be monitored during playtime with children simply because they are so big. They have a dense undercoat that helps with insulation from both cold and hot temperatures. Everything goes back to this: Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). Affectionate with those they know, they are typically cautious in the presence of strangers, and have the potential to act aggressively. However, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. They form strong bonds with their owners and may be a little more trainable than other guardian breeds. They are usually a breed that is happy living outdoors, although theyre best suited for cooler climates given their thick coats. These include: Bloat is a condition that occurs mostly in deep-chested dogs. Provide him with a good home and youll have a most splendid pet and companion. They are intelligent and reliable. Anatolian shepherds originated in Turkey and are known for being very strong and rugged. The sweet-faced akbash is originally from Turkey and has been used as a livestock guardian dog for centuries. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. However, they can be aggressive to other dogs that are not part of the household. cream, White, white with patches of light tan or grey, Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial, Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial, Samoyed vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison, Presa Canario vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison, Pyredoodle vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison, Maremma Sheepdog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison, 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. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. Give him some ball or rope games too. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 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. All dogs have special talents that make them well-suited for different activities or jobs. Puppy livestock guardian dogs can learn well with a mature adult in their presence.In addition, having more than one LGD puppy at a time can be trying, even for the most experienced dog owners. There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. Komondor. Screening of breeding parents is a good idea to ensure that affected animals to not pass along their defective genes. Komondors will fiercely protect all that is considers theirs, including their owners/family. 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. They take any threat seriously. These dogs are also notably more people-friendly than many other livestock guardian breeds, and tend to bark and roam less frequently. jx. Livestock guardian dogs have been selectively bred for literally thousands of years to possess specific traits. Traditionally, due to the extremely high predator load in their native land, they were expected to demonstrate an immense amount of confidence and ferocity to ensure the same pack of wolves did not come back for a second attempt at their charges. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. The Karakachan's standard was officially approved in 2005 though they have not been accepted into any international kennel clubs just yet. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! Tibetan Mastiff This dog makes a great farm or property guard because of their desire for interaction with their family. See our upcoming article about grooming for more extensive tips and tricks. With two layers, the coat of the Great Pyrenees will need to be brushed twice a week to prevent burrs attaching to the fur and to prevent it from matting, It also gets rid of loose hair during shedding. They are considered moderately reactive in how quickly they escalate from barking to attacking a perceived threat. By The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. For advice on how to properly feed your Karakachan, check out these resources: Karakachans and Food: What to Feed, When, and Problems to Avoid. The size of the Great Pyrenees dog makes it an imposing guardian; however other characteristics include: Males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) The Saint Pyrenees usually does not live longer than 10 years. (females). The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. At this point, flocks and farms in their entirety were nationalized. But livestock guardian dogs, commonly referred to as LGDs, can help protect your animals and reduce the risk of predation. Karakachan Appearance Karakachan Size . North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. Boyko Borissov, the former Bulgarian Prime Minister, publically gifted the former Russian President, Vladimir Putin with a tri-colour Karakachan puppy. Males will weigh between 45 and 57kg, while females will weigh less, typically between 40 and 52kg. Raising Happy, Healthy Farm Animals Who Love You as Much as You Love Them, livestock guardian dog breed, Slovensky Cuvac, livestock guardian dog breed, Central Asian Shepherd, Low-moderate, will bark at perceived threats, Suspicious of strangers, gentle with children, Earlysocialization recommended, can be challenging to train, Double coat, short- and long-haired varieties, Caucasian Ovcharka,Central Asian Shepherd. This is a great example of how prized the breed has become to the Bulgarians in recent years. He has said that females tend to bond with the flock more, but dont attack as well as males. It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. Additionally, unkempt dogs develop bad odors, so youll want to make sure to bathe your LGDregularly. .The tail is set high, furry, and long. In our herd, we prefer to introduce puppies under the watchful eye of a reliable trained mentor. These dogs are happy to help protect your farm and flocks and enjoy working on a daily basis. For a thorough review of what the program includes, the things I love about it, and the things I dislike about it, see my review article here. They have v-shaped ears that typically lay flat on the side of their heads. They are recognized by both the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology (BRFC) a member of the FCI. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Kate is a dog-loving content specialist with over a decade of canine-care experience. But there are also a couple of dog breeds that excel at livestock protection, making them excellent assets for your farm or homestead. While livestock guardians (LGDs) are likely to have some innate livestock protection sensibilities, they still require an extensive amount of training to properly understand and execute their jobs. Morris, Desmond. . if they come too close to their territory. Copyright 2016 - 2019 DogZone.com - Privacy | Authors| Contact. This is why socialization is even more important with this breed versus some others. . Great Pyrenees may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Bulgarian Shepherd. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. They are all large dogs, able to fight against wolves, large cats, and even bears. North Pomfret: Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2002. Great Pyrenees Known outside North America as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, this guardian breed originates from France and is quite popular and well-known throughout the world. They prefer to bark away threats and will only attack if the predator is insistent. (Privacy Policy) *, 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved. As a companion you will also appreciate the many excellent qualities he possesses. They are highly reactive to threats, keeping predators well away from the herd. (males), 88-125 lbs. Karakachan dogs have been said to share common ancestors with both Caucasian Ovcharkas and Central Asian Shepherds. The government was vicious towards these dogs. When you are brushing him, look around for signs of ticks and fleas too and run your hands over him to feel for any unusual lumps. To properly groom your Karakachan youll need a pin brush, comb, and a deshedding brush. Due to their size, it would be prudent to monitor for the health conditions known to be more prevalent in larger dogs. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. This mandate affected many species, including dogs. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. You will need good fences to keep a Gampr enclosed. Still used mainly as a working dog, the Karakachan dog is dedicated to its role. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. They usually observe their herd from a vantage point, occasionally patrolling. Absolutely. (females) For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes. They are quite reserved, independent thinkers. 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. . Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Karakachan dog and other local breeds, including the Caucasian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd. ho (Detailed. This can be a plus if you have neighbors who live in close proximity. The Karakachan people were highly victimized, and their nomadic ways of life forcibly ceased. He isnt the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him. 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. He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. 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. com. Three European and Asian breeds are better at guarding U.S. herds than local dogs. . Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. They are typically one of the best LGDs with children, and they usually live for about 13 years. Livestock guardian dogs have been utilized throughout Europe and parts of Asia for thousands of years, but they are just starting to gain traction throughout North America. The Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, strong willed dog with a mind of his own so he will be able to be trained and socialized successfully. With the proper training and socialization, any dog can become a loyal and well-behaved family companion, including a Karakachan dog. The dogs who survived were integrated into the remaining stocks of sheep at certain government farms. The Maremma bonds closely to the herd and is less prone to wandering, although this does not mean you dont need fences. While they are gentle and mellow around the house, they can be pretty territorial so make sure that these dogs are properly socialized with strangers and young kids. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. Once trained and socialized, it is amazing to see such a large dog obeying all your commands such as lie down, come, sit an stay'. 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. In order to stay focused on their job, LGDs need to have their lives centered around protecting the farm. They can be aggressive to other dogs. He isnt that overly active and will happily make himself at home on your couch and bed. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the . These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked. Dohner, J. V. (2016). 4. There are two types of coats longhaired and shorthaired with no undercoats. THANK YOU! This large, white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 110 pounds. . . Your email address will not be published. The Karakachan breed will require quite a bit of grooming. They need good fencing as they are prone to expanding their territory. These dogs have a deep, low bark and alert sensibilities that make them excellent livestock guardian breeds. Some Karakachans have been known to do well on a raw food diet. We've been through a lot. During the winter season, they assisted in guarding the sheep while they moved to the lowlands. They are strong-willed and extremely intelligent many owners of this breed have said that the dogs are so smart, they wont follow commands they do not agree with! Theyre very similar dogs in many ways, which leads some authorities to consider them the same breed. A Saint Pyrenees mixes a Saint Bernard and a Great Pyrenees. Anneka also revisits the question to whether either of these breeds can kill a wolf or bear or is it all tales and fables.MAXIMUS: http://www.northwestcaucasianshepherds.co.uk/JACKO: https://www.kricarnopyreneans.co.uk/Animal Watch Merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/animal-watch?aid=marketplaceTo subscribe to our channels click here:(Animal Watch) http://www.youtube.com/c/annekasvenskaand(GreenWorldTV) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCycFlGGCgK38Y63cT4lgWYAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/annekasvenskaofficial/?hl=enTwitter: http://twitter.com/annekasvenska?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/annekasvenskaofficial/?ref=bookmarksAnneka's website: http://www.annekasvenska.comTikTok: @annekasvenskaofficialPresented, Narrated and Produced by By Anneka SvenskaFilmed by Ellen Hope CobbEdited by Ellen Hope CobbA GreenWorldTV Production#AnimalWatchThis film cannot be duplicated on other YouTube channels or other media platforms without written permission from GreenWorldTVDISCLAIMER: \"The primary purpose of 'Animal Watch' is to inform and educate. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. For everything you could ever want to know about grooming Karakachans, check out my guide, Grooming Karakachans: The Ultimate Guide. 11 min read However, these dogs dedication to their families and their ability to protect is increasing their popularity daily. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep. Karakachan Colors. In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. These nomadic people put great emphasis on animal breeding, and as well as preserving the Karakachan dog, they also gave their name to the Karakachan Sheep and Karakachan Horse. Height: 26-30 inches (males), 25-28 inches (females) Weight: 99-135 lbs. This is a beautiful dog, but large, so dont make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. Just lucky i guess. They typically have a peaceful demeanor unless provoked by predators. They are very vocal, especially at night when patrolling. If you are thinking of getting a Karakachan as a pet, you may also be interested in: The Ultimate Obedience Training Program for Pet Karakachans: Brain Training for Dogs. They bond strongly with their flock and will not hesitate to defend them from threats. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. The double coat is medium to long, coarse and straight or wavy and and it can be solid white, cream or white with patches of light tan or grey. The Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. Key difference. Because of how strongly they bond with their family, this dog does not rehome well and needs daily interaction rather than being alone on a range. While definitely a smaller breed than the Karakachan, the Tornjak is by no means a small dog as it can still get to around 110 pounds at its peak. Karakachans typically work best in at least twos or threes, if not more. A large dog like him can develop bloat from gulping down a large amount of food too quickly. Any large-breed dog is more susceptible to an array of orthopaedic problems, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans and osteoarthritis. They typically live for 10 to 12 years and weigh anywhere between 80 and 130 pounds. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned with special ear-cleaning lotion and his nails will also need to be trimmed. Log in. . Their bodies are well-muscled and athletic in appearance. Two puppies will often play, and result in injury to livestock, so we recommend against it. See the table below for more specific estimates: For any dog, it is important to feed a balanced diet. The caloric needs of Karakachan dogs will vary depending on their size and their level of activity. Some farmers utilize one LGD for every 30 to 50 sheep, while others recommend using two or three times as many. The top coat is typically fairly stiff and straight. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. 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. Karakachans will also need quite a bit of training. There is a broad range of temperaments in the breed ranging from submissive to dominant and low to high reactivity toward threats. Your dog will need a dog food targeted at a large breed. While this dog may look funny with its long cords of hair, it is not one to tolerate threats to its herd. Pyrenean Mastiff A huge Spanish dog, they weigh 120-150 pounds or more. He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. But, when predators approach, they become fearless and formidable defenders of their flock. The 14 Best Farm Dog Breeds: Barnyard Buddies! He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. This will often lead to behavioural issues that can be hard to manage. They typically are black, brown, brindle (described as having a slight tiger-striped appearance), sable (black-tipped hairs), or pied (white patched) colors. The dog was used to defend flocks from predators but its lineage goes a long way back, thousands of years in fact. He will be expensive to feed. Most love to work and need a job to stay properly occupied. Large, well-demarcated coloured spots are preferred. It does come with the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia as well as bloat, like any large breed dog. Some are more accepting of people visiting while others will not The dog breed's prime purpose has always been to guard livestock on mountains. He tends to drool so it's handy keeping a damp cloth close by just to give his face area a wipe down. Blog Home Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy. Males can require between 2260 and 5480 calories per day, and females will typically need between 2070 and 5175 calories. Stick to simple, nutritious food. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Positive reinforcement works best with the Karakachan and reprimanding them will only lead to more undesired behaviours. The breed is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent. Ends as a draw, both still friends. Also, look out for bone cancer with your pet and as mentioned previously, bloat, which is a life threatening disease where the stomach of the dog swells up. Karakachans are expected to live between 12 and 14 years. Many Karakachan caretakers can attest to their dogs protective, but sometimes silly, and always loving nature. It was in 1933 that the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. 'Animal Watch' is not responsible and does not independently verify for accuracy all of the claims and opinions expressed in the episodes. Below, well answer some of the most common questions concerns livestock guardian dogs to help you determine whether or not they are a good pick for your farm. 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.

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