Do you have experience with any of these livestock guardian breeds? Karakachan Dog This dog is from Bulgaria, developed by the Karakachan nomadic people. The 14 Best Farm Dog Breeds: Barnyard Buddies! However, this greatly depends upon the quality and reputation of the breeder, availability of puppies, and the parents working history. Their coat colour will be white with brown, or white with black, or white with both black and brown. The Kuvasz needs good fences and lots of socialization. Predators: How LGDs Protect Their Charges. Luckily, they do not need a bath very often doing so will actually strip their fur of natural, protective oils. Keep the food of dogs simple. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. If you are considering adding Karakachans to your household, be certain you understand how to train using positive methods, and that you are willing to put considerable time and effort into your training your dogs. They are not very affectionate and can be stubborn, but they do need regular human interaction. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. Teeth brushing is recommended every few days. 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. Maremma Sheepdog The Italian livestock guardian does not accept other humans on the property well even after being introduced unless the owner is present. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. Bulgaria now has one of the highest populations (per capita) of wolves and bears in Europe! ); weight, 88-125 lbs. 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. Polish Tatra sheepdogs were initially developed to protect livestock of farmers living in the Tatra Mountains of southern Poland. They can potentially do well with other family pets if introduced appropriately. This is a gorgeous dog breed for sure, one of the most beautiful looking dogs that we've ever seen and that's a fact. And for information on how to train livestock guardian dog breeds with positive methods, check out a review on my favorite training program here. He will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been specially formulated for a dog of his size. Because this breed has not been extensively bred, it is typically a very healthy dog. If you are thinking of getting Karakachans for livestock guardian purposes, you may also be interested in: Male or Female Livestock Guardian Dogs: Which Is Better for Your Needs, How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs You Need, Training Livestock Guardian Dogs: The Ultimate Guide, Training Livestock Guardian Dogs to Chickens: A Step-by-Step Guide, Livestock Guardian Dogs Vs. He has said that females tend to bond with the flock more, but dont attack as well as males. 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. 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. They bond with the animals, living with them and protecting them from goat predators. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. This bloating has occurred due to enlargement of the stomach, as it fills with gas. Absolutely. Required fields are marked *. 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. Most livestock guardian breeds are very independent, not needing much human instruction. New York: Skyhorse Publishing, 2016. They are known for their courage when confronted with such threatening predators, like bears and wolves, and will not hesitate to defend their flock. Karakachan is more "stay at home". 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. He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. Key difference. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. Three European and Asian breeds are better at guarding U.S. herds than local dogs. They are a breed that will bond closely with their family and will quickly become very protective of them. They will need to be brushed a few times per week to prevent matting or debris build up in their coat. Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. When sometimes follow the Great Pyrenees further into the woods, its the first one to come back and rather quickly. . These huge, fluffy dogs are protective and tenacious making them excellent livestock guardian dogs. I had to put them down to not lose my new crop of babies. The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. The top coat is typically fairly stiff and straight. However, these dogs dedication to their families and their ability to protect is increasing their popularity daily. They can be aggressive to other dogs. Common Characteristics of Livestock Guardian Dogs, Things to Think About Before Getting a Livestock Guardian Dog, Copyright 2023 by K9 Of Mine / Marrsipan Media LLC |, specifically trained to not kill chickens. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. They reach similar sizes and ages as Anatolian shepherds. Kuvasz Another dog from Hungary, the Kuvasz is very loyal to his family and often wont bond if he is rehomed. . One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. They willingly accept people when introduced by the owner. While most commonly seen in Bulgaria, some breed members have made it across to the USA, however, they remain an incredibly rare breed. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them the perfect livestock guardian dogs. Some sources say that these dogs are also really great with children. Poodle Great Pyrenees Mix (Pyredoodle) The Pyredoodle crosses the non-shedding standard Poodle with a Great Pyrenees. This is why socialization is even more important with this breed versus some others. This ancient dog breed is robust and can reach 11 to 13 years of age when cared for properly. Boyko Borissov, the former Bulgarian Prime Minister, publically gifted the former Russian President, Vladimir Putin with a tri-colour Karakachan puppy. Equally, their ears are disproportionally small, hanging close to their domineering head. This is a great example of how prized the breed has become to the Bulgarians in recent years. 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. 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. If introduced properly, they can also get along with other family pets. He stands at 65 to 73 cm in height, both male and female, and he weighs 35 to 45 kg. They are highly reactive to threats, keeping predators well away from the herd. It is important to They reach maturity around 3 years of age, and at this time can usually be trusted independently with a flock. Although the breeds are not the same, most of the dog world does not know the difference. Many Karakachan caretakers can attest to their dogs protective, but sometimes silly, and always loving nature. Episode content does not constitute generic or specific professional advice, endorsement or services. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dogs hip joints dont develop properly so that the hips partially dislocate. Maremma Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Great Pyrenees. Karakachan Colors. . 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. The sweet-faced akbash is originally from Turkey and has been used as a livestock guardian dog for centuries. You will need a good six-foot fence with precautions against digging to keep this dog in. They are all under the umbrella of the Molossers. For more on these other breeds, check out my articles, Caucasian Ovcharkas and Central Asian Shepherds. 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. In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. 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. 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, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! They are all large dogs, able to fight against wolves, large cats, and even bears. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Therefore, they will require a great deal of exercise in order to keep them healthy and happy. 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. 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'. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. US researchers hope more assertive, foreign dog breeds can protect Its recommended that long-haired livestock guardian dogs are properly groomed at least once per month to keep their coat as healthy as possible. Stubborn at times, they can be a handful to train, and are not recommended for the first-time owner. 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. Morris, Desmond. Karakachan vs great pyrenees write for us adventure not possible to fastforward aborting. While Karakachans can be more high maintenance than other breeds, they also can make the best of pets. Should I have gotten 2 pups maybe? Additionally, unkempt dogs develop bad odors, so youll want to make sure to bathe your LGDregularly. Any animal experiencing bloating must immediately be brought to an emergency vet for live-saving intervention. 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. 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. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. 12 Best Livestock Guardian Dogs - K9 of Mine They are extremely alert and known for their acute senses. They are affectionate and soft-tempered, but not a good playmate for children because their protective instinct can cause them to overreact to rough play between children. They work very well in areas with large predators and seem less reactive toward humans. This can be a plus if you have neighbors who live in close proximity. Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. You will need good fences to keep a Gampr enclosed. The Kuvasz is a Hungarian dog breed who is extremely intelligent and loyal. Central Asian Shepherd This breed works well in a pack where there can be a division of responsibilities. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. 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. 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? These dogs were also used by the people of their namesake Karakachans a nomadic people who traveled all over Bulgaria. While they desire contact with owners, they seem happiest when tending their herd. Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Great Pyrenees is originated from France. Training this breed can be a bit of a challenge. Komondors live between 10 and 12 years and weigh about 90 to 130 pounds. 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. If you do need to clip their nails, either have a professional do it or make sure you have industrial strength nail clippers to ensure you do not damage their nails. They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. Does the Karakachan make a good livestock guardian? 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. You have successfully joined our pup pack. If you want to know why, see my review article here. Great Pyrenees may live 45 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Nail clipping is not always required in working dogs as their nails naturally file down. 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. So glad you enjoyed it, Mina! This is a beautiful dog, but large, so dont make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. There are a couple of characteristics livestock guardian dogs have in common. 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. A post shared by Yamstick Farm (@yamstickfarm). They are very vocal, especially at night when patrolling. Many traits such as size and guarding instincts are common The large breed usually lives anywhere from ten to thirteen years and weighs anywhere from 120-240 pounds. Dogs. Karakachans are expected to live between 12 and 14 years. Strong and courageous, they would fight any predator without hesitation if it continued to pursue its prey. Unfortunately, there are no health studies available relating to the Karakachan breed, and very limited anecdotal evidence exists regarding which diseases actually affect them. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. Some have natural bobbed tails, some have short tails, and still others have long-plumed tails. Of all of them, the Pyrador is the most popular because it combines the easy-to-train Labrador with the protective qualities of the Pyrs. They require very good fencing. While fierce against predators, Karakachans are loving and tender with their livestock and tend to bond closely to them. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. 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 Komondor is highly reactive to predators including human intruders and must be well trained and socialized early. 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 lesser known breed in the United States. If importing a Karakachan puppy, you make expect this amount to at least double. 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! Your email address will not be published. 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. In more serious cases, the stomach will twist 360 degrees, worsening the situation. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Treats and Chews: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! Great Pyrenees Mixes: 16 Large Pyrenees Crossbreeds - Love Your Dog Ends as a draw, both still friends. It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. Well also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! 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. They are intelligent and reliable. . uv com. While they are aloof with strangers, they love children and will protect them as their charges. They do not bark as often as other guardian dogs and are less reactive in general. It is also important to take your Karakachan in for a yearly professional tooth cleaning to prevent decay and buildup. He will be expensive to feed. They can bark a lot, especially at night. All dogs have special talents that make them well-suited for different activities or jobs. Karakachans are very intelligent dogs, so smart that they will often only follow commands when they feel like it. Livestock guardian dogs have been selectively bred for literally thousands of years to possess specific traits. 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. 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. Large, well-demarcated coloured spots are preferred. Doesnt have a courage or desire to explore beyond our property. All but one rare breed of livestock guardian dog possess a double coat of hair. However, they are great at climbing fences to escape. Log in. However, their reputation as wonderful livestock guardian dogs has helped increase their popularity. allow anyone they do not know well to enter their territory. A massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. ni; bf. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems. The numbers of Karakachan dogs reduced dramatically during this time, and the breed has never fully recovered from this decision. However, they can be aggressive to other dogs that are not part of the household. He wont tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to. Many years later, they still make excellent LGDs, thanks in part to their loyal and hard-working nature. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first. Spanish mastiffs also posses a muscular, strong build making them intimidating to potential predators. The dogs who survived were integrated into the remaining stocks of sheep at certain government farms. . The Karakachan comes with a variety of tail styles. They prefer to live outside and are very much a working dog. 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 . This large, white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 110 pounds. Kangal Dog Another breed developed in Turkey, the Kangal is more social with people than many of the guardian breeds. Urbigkit, Cat. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. Females grow to about 26-29 inches (68-74 cm) and can. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program. 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. This, in combination with their large size and brave disposition makes them great livestock protectors. Karakachan is more "stay at home". They have a well-muscled body with a straight back and deep chest. 00 each. However, it is important to always check their nails to ensure they are not cracking or splitting. Kate is a dog-loving content specialist with over a decade of canine-care experience. Komondors will fiercely protect all that is considers theirs, including their owners/family. The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. The number of LGDs will vary greatly on the size of your farm, protection needs, and age of the dogs. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison - MyDogBreeds The Karakachan's standard was officially approved in 2005 though they have not been accepted into any international kennel clubs just yet. A new study suggests that three European and Asian . One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the . Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. 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. While the Spanish Mastiff is slower to react, he can attack ferociously. 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. Others, however, continue to consider them distinct entities. Their coat is well suited to extreme weather with a shorter summer coat and dense double winter coat. I just added the wrong photo. Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia, Great Pyrenees Type is an inherited bleeding disorder. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. The Maremma bonds closely to the herd and is less prone to wandering, although this does not mean you dont need fences. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. . Australian Shepherds. They kept their traditions and remained rather isolated until the early 20th century when the communist government took over. They will bark a lot, especially at night. They are considered moderately reactive in how quickly they escalate from barking to attacking a perceived threat. They need a large amount of exercise and are not best-suited to urban lifestyles. Armenian Gampr From Armenia, the Gampr has a lot of variability in appearance. These huge helpers weigh anywhere between 80 and 160 pounds, and they usually live for 12 to 15 years. If a Karakachan is confined to a small space, or not provided with enough to do, it is likely that they will become bored and frustrated. walsall council jobs in schools ng nhp/ ng k. We've been through a lot. Interestingly, former U.S. president, George Bush, was presented with a Karakachan when he visited Bulgaria in 2003. If you look youll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. In order to stay focused on their job, LGDs need to have their lives centered around protecting the farm. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. As already suggested, this large dog will need space and he will need to be exercised. You actually noted the color connection to their name, just got the pic itself incorrect. . This is a working dog, intelligent and independent guard dog. Everything goes back to this: Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep. They are not meant for apartment or city living and they are not recommended for first-time or inexperienced dog owners.
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