Copyright 2016 - 2019 DogZone.com - Privacy | Authors| Contact. However, they can be aggressive to other dogs that are not part of the household. They prefer to live outside and are very much a working dog. 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. Their preferred guardian style is to patrol around the herd. Any animal experiencing bloating must immediately be brought to an emergency vet for live-saving intervention. But livestock guardian dogs, commonly referred to as LGDs, can help protect your animals and reduce the risk of predation. Like other giant breeds, expect a shorter life span. If you choose this dog, request a tutorial on proper coat care to help the cords form properly without huge mats. 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 a lot, especially at night. Having a livestock guardian breed can be a great way to protect your small farm or homestead. They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. Train Your Karakachan to Stop Barking: When You Dont Want Fido to Speak, How to Keep Your Karakachan in the Yard or Pasture. In the ideal situation, they will be given the task of guarding flocks, though where this is not possible, other activities can suffice. The dog breed's prime purpose has always been to guard livestock on mountains. All but one rare breed of livestock guardian dog possess a double coat of hair. You have successfully joined our pup pack. 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. Their name comes from the Turkish work akbas, which means white head.. 4. The Karakachan is a vigilant, independent dog breed, who is well-suited for protecting livestock. Akbash Dog Originating from Turkey the Akbask dog is a popular choice and works well in both open range and fenced pastures. Their skull should be large, ending in an immense muzzle. 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! Males can require between 2260 and 5480 calories per day, and females will typically need between 2070 and 5175 calories. This is also true of any interactions with unknown humans or animals. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program. Others, however, continue to consider them distinct entities. They are quite reserved, independent thinkers. choosing one to watch over your herd of goats. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. (Privacy Policy) *, 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved. In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. (males), 88-125 lbs. Kangal Dog Another breed developed in Turkey, the Kangal is more social with people than many of the guardian breeds. The Karakachan is a remarkably large and impressive dog, with males reaching heights of 63-75cm, while females will stand smaller at 60-69cm. Armenian Gampr From Armenia, the Gampr has a lot of variability in appearance. . This breed can be a good family guardian dog as long as they are well-socialized. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. It is thought that they only arrived in Europe about 5,000 years ago. 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. Give him some ball or rope games too. The sweet-faced akbash is originally from Turkey and has been used as a livestock guardian dog for centuries. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. They bond strongly with their flock and will not hesitate to defend . Urbigkit, Cat. For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes. 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. Because the Great Pyrenees is less aggressive to humans, they are a good choice for farms that will have regular visitors. In a home setting, a Karakachan will usually give plenty of vocal warnings before attacking, if they feel there is a call to do so. 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. Karakachan dogs have been said to share common ancestors with both Caucasian Ovcharkas and Central Asian Shepherds. 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. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. When sometimes follow the Great Pyrenees further into the woods, its the first one to come back and rather quickly. Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. Their coat is well-suited to colder climates. We've been through a lot. Central Asian Shepherd This breed works well in a pack where there can be a division of responsibilities. When there is a goat in distress, the well-trained Pyrenees will protect them at all costs. . research the breeds and also the pedigree of livestock guardian dogs before Thanks! It does come with the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia as well as bloat, like any large breed dog. 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. He will be expensive to feed. 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. In more serious cases, the stomach will twist 360 degrees, worsening the situation. Equally, their ears are disproportionally small, hanging close to their domineering head. They will feel the need to protect against anything or anyone who is unfamiliar. 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. White dogs with dark spots are increasingly popular, though somewhat rare. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. They do not make good companion dogs but are typically good with children. For the most specific information regarding your Karakachan, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. They prefer to bark away threats and will only attack if the predator is insistent. Osteosarcoma bone cancer must be treated immediately as it is potentially fatal. Developed throughout the years for high levels of stamina and the ability to patrol a flock all day and jump to their defence when needed, the Karakachan has predictably high exercise demands. Both types are double-coated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Well also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! It is also important to take your Karakachan in for a yearly professional tooth cleaning to prevent decay and buildup. He wont tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to. Karakachans are playful and typically can be trusted around children. They often prefer to make their own decisions regarding their herd and how they respond to threats. They are typically one of the best LGDs with children, and they usually live for about 13 years. Livestock guardian dogs begin their training as early as 8 to 16 weeks of age. Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. The Karakachan is a seasonal shedder that will benefit from daily brushing during a shed. 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. Does the Karakachan make a good livestock guardian? However, because of their size, they should be monitored during playtime with children simply because they are so big. Most love to work and need a job to stay properly occupied. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. They can bark a lot, especially at night. When not spending time with four-footers, she can usually be found crafting top-notch dog-care articles that pet parents can trust. Great Pyrenees / HeartSpoon / wikipedia.org. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). Great Pyrenees may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Bulgarian Shepherd. 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. The Bulgarian Shepherds eyes are deep, oblique and small. Unfortunately, this also caused the loss of more Karakachan dogs. He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. . to your household. While Anatolian shepherds are generally calm and loving, they require proper training to ensure that they are effective protectors. 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. If you feed your Great Pyrenees commercially manufactured food, make sure it is high in omega 3 and 6 to keep his thick white coat luxurious. A Veterinarian's Review of the Raw Diet for Dogs, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, Doggy Dental Care How to Keep a Dogs Teeth in Good Condition, Travel Vaccinations & Preparing Your Dog for Foreign Travel. These huge, fluffy dogs are protective and tenacious making them excellent livestock guardian dogs. They are extremely alert and known for their acute senses. There are a bunch of different livestock guardian breeds you can choose from, but the following ones are some of the most popular. Teeth brushing is recommended every few days. Before committing to raising a livestock guardian dog, there are a couple of important factors to take into consideration. Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. They do not do well in apartments or small spaces. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. 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. Does the Karakachan make a good pet? However, it is important to always check their nails to ensure they are not cracking or splitting. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Karakachan | Dog Breed Facts and Information - Wag! Dog Walking Breeds 6 Reasons NOT to Get a Great Pyrenees | It's Dog or Nothing There is a broad range of temperaments in the breed ranging from submissive to dominant and low to high reactivity toward threats. I have had 2 great pyrenees dogs that would kill my baby goats not play with them, but would shake the and slam them to the ground. When trained and socialized, your big dog is social, active and loving. 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. Since wolves were reintroduced to the U.S. West in the 1990s, ranchers there have wondered whether their dogsincluding Maremma Sheepdogs and Great Pyreneesare still up to the task of guarding their flocks. . Episode content does not constitute generic or specific professional advice, endorsement or services. 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. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. He has said that females tend to bond with the flock more, but dont attack as well as males. 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. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep. In fact, they have become so cherished that George W. Bush was actually gifted a Karakachan puppy when he visited the country in 2003! How Do Livestock Guardian Dogs Protect Your Animals? Some are more accepting of people visiting while others will not If you want to know why, see my review article here. They have a dense undercoat that helps with insulation from both cold and hot temperatures. You actually noted the color connection to their name, just got the pic itself incorrect. These huge helpers weigh anywhere between 80 and 160 pounds, and they usually live for 12 to 15 years. See our upcoming article about grooming for more extensive tips and tricks. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. Todays Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. While Karakachans can be more high maintenance than other breeds, they also can make the best of pets. It was in 1933 that the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition. Native to Bulgaria, it is difficult to trace their exact origin as they are truly an ancient breed, but it is widely believed that they originated from Central Asian herding dogs. Hi Beth, our contributor Karen Kopf has this to offer: Usually when a purebred LGD causes harm to their charges it stems from a training issue and frequently their foundation. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Breed Guide. While this dog will accept people properly introduced by the owners, they are intolerant of all intruders if the owner is not present. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. Karakachan vs great pyrenees. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. They are not very affectionate and can be stubborn, but they do need regular human interaction. They are considered moderately reactive in how quickly they escalate from barking to attacking a perceived threat. 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. Log in. In any case, Karakachans are always alert and observant and can be seen patrolling and guarding their charges constantly. This is why socialization is even more important with this breed versus some others. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Karakachans will also need quite a bit of training. This breed is not for inexperienced owners. . Domestic livestock, such as sheep and goats, are vulnerable to attacks by various wild predators. Karakachans are an ancient breed whose job was to guard sheep in the mountains of Bulgaria during the summer months. The Karakachan is a large, Molosser-type dog that evolved many centuries ago within Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries. Great Pyrenees dogs live around 10 to 12 years and usually weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. 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. Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive In between moults, brushing can be done a few times a week. These nomadic people put great emphasis on animal breeding, and . Many were killed some of their skins were even marketed to the fur industry. 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. Karakachan . Maremma Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison - MyDogBreeds Oops! . On the whole, they are accepted as being a generally healthy breed of dog that lives into its early teens. Interestingly, former U.S. president, George Bush, was presented with a Karakachan when he visited Bulgaria in 2003. Some have natural bobbed tails, some have short tails, and still others have long-plumed tails. These dogs require an owner who is capable of handling an assertive, strong-willed dog. He bonds with his family but tends to be wary of strangers. They often mark their territory very deliberately. The numbers of Karakachan dogs reduced dramatically during this time, and the breed has never fully recovered from this decision. 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. 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