Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below! There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. Spanish Mastiff This dog can weigh up to 220 pounds. Because this breed has not been extensively bred, it is typically a very healthy dog. These dogs also have been known to mark their territory this is a strong signal to other canines (like wolves) that their area is not to be trifled with. In fact, they have become so cherished that George W. Bush was actually gifted a Karakachan puppy when he visited the country in 2003! There are no user comments for this listing. Provide him with a good home and youll have a most splendid pet and companion. They think their territory is as far as they can roam, and they'll constantly test the limits. All but one rare breed of livestock guardian dog possess a double coat of hair. 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. . The offspring of two giant breed parents, this mix usually weighs well over 100 pounds. This is particularly important due to their strength and potential for aggression when they feel threatened. walsall council jobs in schools ng nhp/ ng k. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. Many Karakachan caretakers can attest to their dogs protective, but sometimes silly, and always loving nature. This truly is helpful as bathing a mammoth sized dog is quite the undertaking! They kept their traditions and remained rather isolated until the early 20th century when the communist government took over. The Karakachan is a seasonal shedder that will benefit from daily brushing during a shed. 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. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. 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 need a large amount of exercise and are not best-suited to urban lifestyles. 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. 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. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. Ruh Roh Raggy. Training this breed can be a bit of a challenge. Hi, I have a Karakachan/Great Pyr cross. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. 67 Posts.The key differences between Kuvasz and the Great Pyrenees are color, size, trainability, and temperament. These sweet, intelligent dogs are huge and generally very gentle with humans and other dogs. Both types are double-coated. Karakachan Breed Appearance. The akbash lives about 10 years and weighs anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Karakachan dog and other local breeds, including the Caucasian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. 4 Comments. However, they are great at climbing fences to escape. . What do you like and dislike most about your goat guard dog? But there are also a couple of dog breeds that excel at livestock protection, making them excellent assets for your farm or homestead. 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 caloric needs of Karakachan dogs will vary depending on their size and their level of activity. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. The Spanish mastiff is a huge breed that is known for its kind and intelligent nature. For advice on how to properly feed your Karakachan, check out these resources: Karakachans and Food: What to Feed, When, and Problems to Avoid. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. Maremma Sheepdog may have less litter size than Great Pyrenees. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them the perfect livestock guardian dogs. They are always alert, patrolling and guarding their flock. However, because of their size, they should be monitored during playtime with children simply because they are so big. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century. 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 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 . They will bark a lot, especially at night. They usually weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds and live an estimated 10 to 12 years. Young has chosen the transmontano and two other obscure breeds the karakachan, from Bulgaria, and the kangal, from Turkey to serve as subjects in a new Wildlife Services study. He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. The Karakachan dog is a large molosser-type dog that typically stands over two feet tall and weighs in the range of a hundred or so pounds. 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. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. They do not bark as often as other guardian dogs and are less reactive in general. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. You have successfully joined our pup pack. "Raider" a 6 month old Karakachan female pup & "Bandit" a 10 month old Great Pyrenees pup wrestle over a towel. Found all the basics I wanted to know about LGD breeds. You actually noted the color connection to their name, just got the pic itself incorrect. Theyre very similar dogs in many ways, which leads some authorities to consider them the same breed. He loves hard work, and shepherds have always appreciated the splendid work he does guarding their flocks. They require a confident and experienced handler who will not allow them to take advantage or get their own way. During the mid 1600s, the dog's numbers dwindled but the French developed kennel clubs where the dog could be bred and its numbers restored. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. I consent to Backyard Goats collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. When long, it should reach lengths of over 12 cms. Karakachan dogs have been said to share common ancestors with both Caucasian Ovcharkas and Central Asian Shepherds. Three European and Asian breeds are better at guarding U.S. herds than local dogs. 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. All of these conditions require medical intervention, but bloat and osteosarcoma are the deadliest. The Kuvasz is a Hungarian dog breed who is extremely intelligent and loyal. 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 dog can weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and live 10 to 18 years. 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). She loves her own . Karakachan vs great pyrenees. They always have a thick, full undercoat, but their straight top coat is variable among the breed, and may be short or long. However, this greatly depends upon the quality and reputation of the breeder, availability of puppies, and the parents working history. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. 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. Komondors live between 10 and 12 years and weigh about 90 to 130 pounds. However, due to their size, it is important to supervise. Both Great Pyrenees and Bulgarian Shepherd are having almost same weight. The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. If you want to learn how to obedience train your dog using positive training methods, check out the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). Only those species on government owned farms and in remote regions survived. . 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. Well also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. They are a breed that will bond closely with their family and will quickly become very protective of them. 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. 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. If importing a Karakachan puppy, you make expect this amount to at least double. If you look youll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. 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. November 22, 2022 Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. LGDs have been used all around the world for centuries to fend off predators and protect various farm animals. They typically are black, brown, brindle (described as having a slight tiger-striped appearance), sable (black-tipped hairs), or pied (white patched) colors. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. Consult this livestock guardian dog breed comparison to help determine the best dog for farm protection in your area. They are usually a breed that is happy living outdoors, although theyre best suited for cooler climates given their thick coats. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer. Having a livestock guardian breed can be a great way to protect your small farm or homestead. Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd. 'Animal Watch' is not responsible and does not independently verify for accuracy all of the claims and opinions expressed in the episodes. Brushing will need to occur daily during shedding seasons. . The numbers of Karakachan dogs reduced dramatically during this time, and the breed has never fully recovered from this decision. Their name comes from the Turkish work akbas, which means white head.. The government was vicious towards these dogs. At this point, flocks and farms in their entirety were nationalized. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. This, in combination with their large size and brave disposition makes them great livestock protectors. He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. Urbigkit, Cat. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd. Additionally, unkempt dogs develop bad odors, so youll want to make sure to bathe your LGDregularly. Some sources say that these dogs are also really great with children. 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. Great Pyrenees Tips (from people who know the breed), 5 Must-Have Tools for Grooming Great Pyrenees. For the most specific information regarding your Karakachan, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. 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. They work very well in areas with large predators and seem less reactive toward humans. Your Great Pyrenees is a big dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Does the Karakachan make a good pet? 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. Height: 26-30 inches (males), 25-28 inches (females), Weight: 99-135 lbs. 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. 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. Just be sure to think carefully about the characteristics of each breed before making your choice. The Karakachan has primarily been used as a livestock guardian dog and a companion animal. While most commonly seen in Bulgaria, some breed members have made it across to the USA, however, they remain an incredibly rare breed. 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. While they are lower energy, they react and escalate quickly when threatened. A large dog like him can develop bloat from gulping down a large amount of food too quickly. The 14 Best Farm Dog Breeds: Barnyard Buddies! Karakachans typically go for $800 - $1000 in the United States. 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. The Karakachan is a double-coated breed and will need to be brushed multiple times per week. The Kangal can make a great farm dog or family guardian in addition to livestock guardian. Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. 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. Others, however, continue to consider them distinct entities. Some dogs are very headstrong, while others are more eager to please their caretaker. Some Karakachans have been known to do well on a raw food diet. When there is a goat in distress, the well-trained Pyrenees will protect them at all costs. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. 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. While the Spanish Mastiff is slower to react, he can attack ferociously. 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. 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'. 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. But livestock guardian dogs, commonly referred to as LGDs, can help protect your animals and reduce the risk of predation. Still used mainly as a working dog, the Karakachan dog is dedicated to its role. 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. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight can work towards preventing these kinds of musculoskeletal issues. Dogs. Many years later, they still make excellent LGDs, thanks in part to their loyal and hard-working nature. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. 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! Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Karakachans are playful and typically can be trusted around children. To properly groom your Karakachan youll need a pin brush, comb, and a deshedding brush. However, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. Great Pyrenees is originated from France but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. They are very vocal, especially at night when patrolling. These dogs require an owner who is capable of handling an assertive, strong-willed dog. Therefore, they will require a great deal of exercise in order to keep them healthy and happy. They reach maturity around 3 years of age, and at this time can usually be trusted independently with a flock. You are sure to have a very large pup with this hybrid. Yes! Great Pyrenees dogs live around 10 to 12 years and usually weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. Has never chewed anything in the house. Many were killed some of their skins were even marketed to the fur industry. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. Some are good at agility, others are great at finding things with their nose, and some are just awesome for keeping your lap warm! They are all large dogs, able to fight against wolves, large cats, and even bears. The Karakachan is a large, Molosser-type dog that evolved many centuries ago within Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries. Komondor The mop dog originated from Hungary. Two puppies will often play, and result in injury to livestock, so we recommend against it. 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 dog breed's prime purpose has always been to guard livestock on mountains. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. Known as a mellow, low energy dog, they are often companion dogs rather than livestock guardians, although they still excel at guarding. Their coat colour will be white with brown, or white with black, or white with both black and brown. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. Whats the best part about having them as a part of your farm? The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. They prefer to bark away threats and will only attack if the predator is insistent. These dogs have a deep, low bark and alert sensibilities that make them excellent livestock guardian breeds. This is a great example of how prized the breed has become to the Bulgarians in recent years. 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. Affectionate with those they know, they are typically cautious in the presence of strangers, and have the potential to act aggressively. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned with special ear-cleaning lotion and his nails will also need to be trimmed. They bond strongly with their herd and possess strong maternal instincts toward the animals. Positive reinforcement works best with the Karakachan and reprimanding them will only lead to more undesired behaviours. Karakachan . Dohner, J. V. (2016). 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. Brave and Loyal: An Illustrated Celebration of Livestock Guardian Dogs. However, it is important to learn about their temperament and history as well as how to properly care for this breed before you decide to add one (or more!) During the winter season, they assisted in guarding the sheep while they moved to the lowlands. Minimally, youll want to address and remove any mats present before they become problematic. A new study suggests that three European and Asian . The Karakachan people were highly victimized, and their nomadic ways of life forcibly ceased. 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. Some are more accepting of people visiting while others will not The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Treats and Chews: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! Males will often grow larger than their female counterparts, which can represent a pro or a con, depending on your needs. Thanks! Komondor. They will need to be brushed a few times per week to prevent matting or debris build up in their coat. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. 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. However, in recent years, many people have begun keeping these dogs as family pets. (females) For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes. 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.
