Theyre very similar dogs in many ways, which leads some authorities to consider them the same breed. As their ears flop over, they need to be checked for signs of infection on a regular basis. 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. She loves her own . 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. Found all the basics I wanted to know about LGD breeds. It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. He wont tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to. 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! They have v-shaped ears that typically lay flat on the side of their heads. Due to their sheer size, as well as their inherent loyalty and territorial behaviour, the Karakachan has also been used for many years as a patrol dog on the Bulgarian border, as well as a guard dog within peoples homes. This is a beautiful dog, noticeable by the essentially white coat and his overall size, standing at 70 to 82cm and weighing between 40 to 54 kg. Anatolian shepherds originated in Turkey and are known for being very strong and rugged. Livestock guardian dogs have been selectively bred for literally thousands of years to possess specific traits. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. They will feel the need to protect against anything or anyone who is unfamiliar. Bulgaria now has one of the highest populations (per capita) of wolves and bears in Europe! Domestic livestock, such as sheep and goats, are vulnerable to attacks by various wild predators. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. However, with Karakachans (or other working breeds) it is crucial to feed them balanced proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in order to keep them in the best physical condition possible. He will be expensive to feed. It was in 1924 that the first standard for the breed was published. Strong and courageous, they would fight any predator without hesitation if it continued to pursue its prey. They will place themselves between any perceived threats and their herd, barking before attacking. The Spanish mastiff is a huge breed that is known for its kind and intelligent nature. Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. This will often lead to behavioural issues that can be hard to manage. Bo. Karakachans typically work best in at least twos or threes, if not more. However, this greatly depends upon the quality and reputation of the breeder, availability of puppies, and the parents working history. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). vary highly. 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. If you are interested in adopting a Karakachan from a rescue, check out my article, Rescue Livestock Guardian Dogs Should You Get One? jx. They often prefer to make their own decisions regarding their herd and how they respond to threats. They need extensive socialisation when young to encourage them to be tolerant of strangers within their home, as they will instinctively be very wary of any newcomer. He isnt the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him. Armenian Gampr From Armenia, the Gampr has a lot of variability in appearance. Only those in the mountains survived. He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. They remain rare in the United States with only an estimated population of 100-200 dogs. You will need a good six-foot fence with precautions against digging to keep this dog in. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. The ultra-fluffy Great Pyrenees is known for his gorgeous white coat, confidence, and fearless attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock-protection work. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. If you have a Karakachan as a family companion, it is incredibly important to watch their diet as large breed dogs are prone to obesity if overfed and under exercised. 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 owner, in a wheelchair, kept her in the crate mostly . Your Great Pyrenees is a big dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Dont be fooled by their distinctive tendrils though this breed is known for being especially strong with dense bones and lots of muscle under all those dreadlocks! There is certainly no reason you cant do so if you wish. Great Pyrenees may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Bulgarian Shepherd. They are extremely alert and known for their acute senses. Unfortunately, they will not necessarily obey commands that they do not agree with. As a large dog, he isnt suited for tiny homes, as he requires lots of space even though he doesnt require a lot of exercise. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. Males will weigh between 45 and 57kg, while females will weigh less, typically between 40 and 52kg. There is thicker, longer hair around the neck area. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. If you have the means to provide a good home for him, he is friendly and good natured, even though he is strong-willed and independent. The Kuvasz needs good fences and lots of socialization. Many years later, they still make excellent LGDs, thanks in part to their loyal and hard-working nature. They have an intelligent and confident, yet firm almost grim expression. 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. They can be aggressive to other dogs. They always have a thick, full undercoat, but their straight top coat is variable among the breed, and may be short or long. Give your big white coated pet all the love he thrives on, and you'll enjoy a wonderful relationship with this large, amicable dog. He is an independent dog, so training and sociaization will be absolutely imperative as he is strong-willed and likes to do things his way. In between moults, brushing can be done a few times a week. Post-communist control, the government farms were eventually closed. The akbash lives about 10 years and weighs anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. 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. The Karakachan is a double-coated breed and will need to be brushed multiple times per week. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. 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. What an awesome article. Both the MASSIVE Caucasian Shepherd or Ovcharka and The Great Pyrenees or Pyrenean Mountain dog are famous for their HUGE SIZE and ferocity while working. The dogs who survived were integrated into the remaining stocks of sheep at certain government farms. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Even if a mastiff is innocently playing around, his large weight could easily injure a small child if he is not properly trained. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. Training this breed can be a bit of a challenge. These dogs are ideal if you need to protect your farm from wolves or bears. 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. The breed is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent. The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Does the Karakachan make a good pet? Females grow to about 26-29 inches (68-74 cm) and can. A Saint Pyrenees mixes a Saint Bernard and a Great Pyrenees. Karakachans will also need quite a bit of training. choosing one to watch over your herd of goats. Karakachan Appearance Karakachan Size . But this also makes them a bit challenging for first-time owners; theyre best left to those with a lot of dog-care experience. But livestock guardian dogs, commonly referred to as LGDs, can help protect your animals and reduce the risk of predation. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. They are known for their courage when confronted with such threatening predators, like bears and wolves, and will not hesitate to defend their flock. Known as a mellow, low energy dog, they are often companion dogs rather than livestock guardians, although they still excel at guarding. If you choose this dog, request a tutorial on proper coat care to help the cords form properly without huge mats. In our herd, we prefer to introduce puppies under the watchful eye of a reliable trained mentor. You may want to change out your pic of the Akbash, which are WHITE Looks like you have the Karabas (BLACK head), not Akbash (WHITE head). The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. They do not need regular bathing, which is a blessing, as this can be a mammoth task in such a large dog! A post shared by Yamstick Farm (@yamstickfarm). He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. com. Some even have mane-like fur to protect their neck and shoulder region from the teeth of predators. This truly is helpful as bathing a mammoth sized dog is quite the undertaking! In contrast to the size of their head, their eyes (which may be brown or hazel) are relatively small and deep-set. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. These include: Bloat is a condition that occurs mostly in deep-chested dogs. However, it is important to always check their nails to ensure they are not cracking or splitting. They are intelligent and reliable. Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd. When long, it should reach lengths of over 12 cms. He isnt that overly active and will happily make himself at home on your couch and bed. compare height, weight, life span, litter size and more. The sweet-faced akbash is originally from Turkey and has been used as a livestock guardian dog for centuries. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer. This dog can weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and live 10 to 18 years. What do you like and dislike most about your goat guard dog? The size of the Great Pyrenees dog makes it an imposing guardian; however other characteristics include: Males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. 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. Measuring 25-32 inches high and weighing 85-100 pounds, they are also massive dogs. Many were killed some of their skins were even marketed to the fur industry. Positive reinforcement works best with the Karakachan and reprimanding them will only lead to more undesired behaviours. The long tail is set low and is thickly feathered. Kate Brunotts Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. They will protect early and from all predators, including people they do not know. When unprovoked by predators, these big white dogs are calm, gentle, and zen-like making them great for families with children. Although this is a very dominant breed, they do not respond well to harsh discipline. These shaggy sheepdogs hail from Hungary and are commonly referred to as mop dogs due to their dreadlock-like appearance. Interestingly, former U.S. president, George Bush, was presented with a Karakachan when he visited Bulgaria in 2003. They have a dense undercoat that helps with insulation from both cold and hot temperatures. She is so smart and funny. Provide him with a good home and youll have a most splendid pet and companion. and 99-135 lbs. The Karakachan is a vigilant, independent dog breed, who is well-suited for protecting livestock. to your household. 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. The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. Were listing them separately (see below) because it gives us the chance to share an extra photo of these adorable doggos. They will bark a lot, especially at night. The number of LGDs will vary greatly on the size of your farm, protection needs, and age of the dogs. 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. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. They bond strongly with their herd and possess strong maternal instincts toward the animals. The hypothesis: these larger, bolder breeds will fend off wolves and bears more effectively than common dogs like the Pyrenees and akbash. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. Patellar Luxation a floating kneecap or dislocated knee. Blog Home Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy. You can expect 6 10 puppies from these dogs. An owner will notice that their dog cannot settle, may be panting or salivating, and may appear physically bloated (or ballooned) in the abdominal region. The dog was used to defend flocks from predators but its lineage goes a long way back, thousands of years in fact. The numbers of Karakachan dogs reduced dramatically during this time, and the breed has never fully recovered from this decision. Log in. When we get Great Pyrenees in rescue, there are a few recurring reasons for surrenderall of which are breed traits. 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. For help with obedience training using positive methods, I highly recommend the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). As a landrace breed, the Karakachan comes in a wide variety of colors and types. Kate loves dogs of all shapes and sizes, but Bernese Mountain Dogs hold a special place in her heart. Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below! 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. Nov 21, 2022, 2:52 PM UTC the system cannot find the file specified python pip manual trailer winch protect in arabic fort lauderdale airport maps blaney funeral home obituaries wordscapes wildlife game. At this point, flocks and farms in their entirety were nationalized. 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? They work very well in areas with large predators and seem less reactive toward humans. They can bark a lot, especially at night. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned with special ear-cleaning lotion and his nails will also need to be trimmed. Ruh Roh Raggy. Due to their size, it would be prudent to monitor for the health conditions known to be more prevalent in larger dogs. Guardian breeds are also incredibly protective of their herd. However, their reputation as wonderful livestock guardian dogs has helped increase their popularity. This is a working dog a guardian of sheep and an indigenous dog to central Italy. 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. It is thought that they only arrived in Europe about 5,000 years ago. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. 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. Like other giant breeds, expect a shorter life span. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 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. The Maremma is a large-breed dog, so before you get a big dog like this, decide whether you have the financial means to feed him and look after him properly. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! Karakachans have many qualities that make them good livestock guardian dogs, property guardians, or family companions. Bulgarians recognized the need to save their native breeds of livestock guardian dogs and began searching out traditional animals that had not been touched by cross-breeding. It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. They are highly reactive to threats, keeping predators well away from the herd. 8 male, 2 females. They reach similar sizes and ages as Anatolian shepherds. These dogs were also used by the people of their namesake Karakachans a nomadic people who traveled all over Bulgaria. However, in recent years, many people have begun keeping these dogs as family pets. Some have extremely fluffy coats, which may help facilitate the dog-livestock bonding process. However, temperaments and reactivity levels Whats the best part about having them as a part of your farm? Karakachan is more "stay at home". During their seasonal sheds, they will need to be brushed daily to assist in ridding their coat of all their excess fur. Does the Karakachan make a good livestock guardian? There are quite a few breeds to choose from, and some are harder to find than others, especially in the United States. Because they bond so fiercely, they are better suited to be an all-around farm dog/farm protector rather than being full-time with livestock. They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. 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. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. However, this practice (very painful for the dogs) has largely gone by the wayside as it is illegal in most European countries and frowned upon in the United States. 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. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. Most love to work and need a job to stay properly occupied. Apart from long walks in he countryside or in the park or your neighborhood, he will also need other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. However, these dogs dedication to their families and their ability to protect is increasing their popularity daily. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum. Below, well discuss some of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise. 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. The Kangal can make a great farm dog or family guardian in addition to livestock guardian. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When trained and socialized, your big dog is social, active and loving. The Great Pyrenees could be from Spain or France because the dog hails from the Pyrenees Mountains, which spans both France and Spain. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2016. These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked. Teeth brushing is recommended every few days. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Many traits such as size and guarding instincts are common Stick to simple, nutritious food. Moreover, these dogs are super strong and robust on their own.Nevertheless, some farmers and homesteaders feel better when providing their dogs with protective garments. Hi, I have a Karakachan/Great Pyr cross. Following World War II, the wolves were close to extinction and property in Bulgaria was nationalized. Males can require between 2260 and 5480 calories per day, and females will typically need between 2070 and 5175 calories. These dogs were so prized by the shepherds that the dogs ate first before the people. Maremma Sheepdog The Italian livestock guardian does not accept other humans on the property well even after being introduced unless the owner is present. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. Australian Shepherds. . You will need good fences to keep a Gampr enclosed. 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. However, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. Use of breeds such as Sarplaninacs, Caucasian Ovcharkas, St. Bernards, Central Asian Ovcharkas and Bosnian Tornjaks in these programs resulted in Bulgarian Shepherd or Karakachans that were a lot different from the original breed. 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. 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. The Karakachan is a seasonal shedder that will benefit from daily brushing during a shed. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. They typically live for 10 to 12 years and weigh anywhere between 80 and 130 pounds. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. They are very alert with their herd and will even move the herd to an area that they deem to be safer. thefeatherbrain. The Karakachan has a very large, broad head equipped with a black nose and hazel or brown colored eyes. Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive The Karakachan is a large, Molosser-type dog that evolved many centuries ago within Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries. Todays Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock. For more on determining how many livestock guardian dogs you need to run, see my article, How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs You Need. Most livestock guardian breeds are very independent, not needing much human instruction. The caloric needs of Karakachan dogs will vary depending on their size and their level of activity. This is particularly important due to their strength and potential for aggression when they feel threatened. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. They usually observe their herd from a vantage point, occasionally patrolling. Be on the watch for bad odours, ear shaking or signs of pain when you touch the ear. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered true Karakachans. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. Males will often grow larger than their female counterparts, which can represent a pro or a con, depending on your needs. 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. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dogs hip joints dont develop properly so that the hips partially dislocate. They are either hazel or dark. However, they are great at climbing fences to escape. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. The breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. He loves hard work, and shepherds have always appreciated the splendid work he does guarding their flocks. Known also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog. 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. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them the perfect livestock guardian dogs. They are generally as long as they are tall and they have broad, straight backs, deep chests, and well-furred tails that are typically low-set, although the tails of Karakachan . The Karakachan dogs have truly made their comeback and have become an important symbol of the Bulgarian people. 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. An ancient breed, the Tibetan mastiff was used by nomadic tribes of Nepal and Mongolia to protect property and livestock. Large, well-demarcated coloured spots are preferred. 4 Comments. . Karakachan is more "stay at home". Maremma Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Great Pyrenees. Karakachan vs great pyrenees. 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 derive their name from a native group of shepherding people called the Karakachani, or Sarakatsani, who lived in Greece, Bulgaria and Albania. Some of these traits include having a very low prey drive. This means that they have virtually no instinct to hunt, stalk, kill, or consume prey. . Breed Guide. Their preferred guardian style is to patrol around the herd. Be sure to bookmark us. . Both Great Pyrenees and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. Karakachans are very intelligent dogs, so smart that they will often only follow commands when they feel like it. Maremma Sheepdogs are a bit smaller than other livestock guardian dogs, with an average weight of 77 to 99 pounds. They are not meant for apartment or city living and they are not recommended for first-time or inexperienced dog owners. 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. The thick, all-weather coat of the Maremma will need a thorough bushing at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. Its recommended that long-haired livestock guardian dogs are properly groomed at least once per month to keep their coat as healthy as possible. Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. They are typically one of the best LGDs with children, and they usually live for about 13 years.
