He has called the dog Buffy. 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!) thefeatherbrain. He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. Yes, Karakachans can make wonderful family companions if properly trained, exercised, and socialized. Consult this livestock guardian dog breed comparison to help determine the best dog for farm protection in your area. North Pomfret: Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2002. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. Bulgaria now has one of the highest populations (per capita) of wolves and bears in Europe! The Saint Pyrenees usually does not live longer than 10 years. He stands at 65 to 73 cm in height, both male and female, and he weighs 35 to 45 kg. The nose is black, the eyes brown and the ears medium length and floppy. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. vary highly. ds. They are either hazel or dark. They will bark a lot, especially at night. 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. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below! Karakachan dogs come in two coat varieties short-haired and long-haired. Their bodies are well-muscled and athletic in appearance. 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. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer. 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. However, there is some evidence that suggests they may have also been used to haul dairy carts and other sheep-related products. Predators: How LGDs Protect Their Charges. Some have extremely fluffy coats, which may help facilitate the dog-livestock bonding process. choosing one to watch over your herd of goats. Well also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! Some have natural bobbed tails, some have short tails, and still others have long-plumed tails. Measuring 25-32 inches high and weighing 85-100 pounds, they are also massive dogs. If you choose this dog, request a tutorial on proper coat care to help the cords form properly without huge mats. to all livestock guardian breeds. However, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. By Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. They are not suited for very hot humid climates because of their thick coats. Required fields are marked *. 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? 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'. Maremma Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Great Pyrenees. This, in combination with their large size and brave disposition makes them great livestock protectors. They are very alert with their herd and will even move the herd to an area that they deem to be safer. Any animal experiencing bloating must immediately be brought to an emergency vet for live-saving intervention. When trained and socialized, your big dog is social, active and loving. Its imperative that these dogs are properly trained from a young age due to their sheer size. Give him some ball or rope games too. He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. The offspring of two giant breed parents, this mix usually weighs well over 100 pounds. This will often lead to behavioural issues that can be hard to manage. Interestingly, former U.S. president, George Bush, was presented with a Karakachan when he visited Bulgaria in 2003. Boyko Borissov, the former Bulgarian Prime Minister, publically gifted the former Russian President, Vladimir Putin with a tri-colour Karakachan puppy. But, when predators approach, they become fearless and formidable defenders of their flock. They are a breed that will bond closely with their family and will quickly become very protective of them. Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Great Pyrenees is originated from France. The breed is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent. Many were killed some of their skins were even marketed to the fur industry. 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. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. Your dog will need a dog food targeted at a large breed. Spanish mastiffs also posses a muscular, strong build making them intimidating to potential predators. Tibetan Mastiff This dog makes a great farm or property guard because of their desire for interaction with their family. The Karakachan people were highly victimized, and their nomadic ways of life forcibly ceased. Maremma Sheepdog may have less litter size than Great Pyrenees. These huge helpers weigh anywhere between 80 and 160 pounds, and they usually live for 12 to 15 years. This ancient dog breed is robust and can reach 11 to 13 years of age when cared for properly. November 22, 2022 And for information on how to train livestock guardian dog breeds with positive methods, check out a review on my favorite training program here. Great Pyrenees Tips (from people who know the breed), 5 Must-Have Tools for Grooming Great Pyrenees. As a landrace breed, the Karakachan comes in a wide variety of colors and types. The Karakachan is a remarkably large and impressive dog, with males reaching heights of 63-75cm, while females will stand smaller at 60-69cm. Karakachan vs great pyrenees write for us adventure not possible to fastforward aborting. Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd. 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. At this point, flocks and farms in their entirety were nationalized. It was in 1933 that the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition. Your dog will need a dog food targeted at a large breed. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Karakachan dog and other local breeds, including the Caucasian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd. Males will often grow larger than their female counterparts, which can represent a pro or a con, depending on your needs. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. In order to stay focused on their job, LGDs need to have their lives centered around protecting the farm. Although this is a very dominant breed, they do not respond well to harsh discipline. Luckily, they do not need a bath very often doing so will actually strip their fur of natural, protective oils. While Anatolian shepherds are generally calm and loving, they require proper training to ensure that they are effective protectors. In contrast to the size of their head, their eyes (which may be brown or hazel) are relatively small and deep-set. Additionally, unkempt dogs develop bad odors, so youll want to make sure to bathe your LGDregularly. The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. They will protect early and from all predators, including people they do not know. . He will be expensive to feed. THANK YOU! Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Nail clipping is not always required in working dogs as their nails naturally file down. Great Pyrenees is originated from France but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. Later generations of the Pyredoodle may shed little if at all, but earlier generations are still likely to shed somewhat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When sometimes follow the Great Pyrenees further into the woods, its the first one to come back and rather quickly. Females: Height, 25-28 inches (63-72 cm. Do you keep any dogs from this livestock guardian dog breed comparison? 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. The Karakachan breed will require quite a bit of grooming. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. 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. They can be aggressive to other dogs. What do you like and dislike most about your goat guard dog? For everything you could ever want to know about grooming Karakachans, check out my guide, Grooming Karakachans: The Ultimate Guide. Karakachan vs great pyrenees. 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. These dogs are also notably more people-friendly than many other livestock guardian breeds, and tend to bark and roam less frequently. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. jx. The size of the Great Pyrenees dog makes it an imposing guardian; however other characteristics include: Males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) They willingly accept people when introduced by the owner. These dogs are ideal if you need to protect your farm from wolves or bears. 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. Pyrenean Mastiff A huge Spanish dog, they weigh 120-150 pounds or more. There are a couple of characteristics livestock guardian dogs have in common. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. However, if wed had a Karakachan in the house, my uncle might have suffered some damage. Karakachan dogs have been said to share common ancestors with both Caucasian Ovcharkas and Central Asian Shepherds. Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia, Great Pyrenees Type is an inherited bleeding disorder. 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. They usually bonded strongly with livestock from an early age. He isnt that overly active and will happily make himself at home on your couch and bed. However, this greatly depends upon the quality and reputation of the breeder, availability of puppies, and the parents working history. When long, it should reach lengths of over 12 cms. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. 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. Great Pyrenees may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Bulgarian Shepherd. They are typically comfortable living outdoors (although they should still be provided with a dog house or shelter). These include: Bloat is a condition that occurs mostly in deep-chested dogs. Both types are double-coated. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. 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. 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. For those interested in owning a Karakachan as a companion animal, it is important to note that these dogs were bred to work. . 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. A large dog like him can develop bloat from gulping down a large amount of food too quickly. Everything goes back to this: Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs. When you are brushing him, look around for signs of ticks and fleas too and run your hands over him to feel for any unusual lumps. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. 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. 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 require very good fencing. Log in. Again, these variabilities are due to their lack of human-inference in their breeding. The Karakachan is well-known for its independence, diligence, and hard-working tendencies. The Great Pyrenees is such a calm, independent, serious, well-mannered dog who loves to be around his human family and to please them. They derive their name from a native group of shepherding people called the Karakachani, or Sarakatsani, who lived in Greece, Bulgaria and Albania. This breed can be a good family guardian dog as long as they are well-socialized. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. Below, well discuss some of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise. Karakachan is more "stay at home". He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. The Karakachan is a seasonal shedder that will benefit from daily brushing during a shed. Known also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog. Akbash Dog Originating from Turkey the Akbask dog is a popular choice and works well in both open range and fenced pastures. It was in 1933 that the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition. However, these dogs dedication to their families and their ability to protect is increasing their popularity daily. Both Great Pyrenees and Bulgarian Shepherd are having almost same weight. They often prefer to make their own decisions regarding their herd and how they respond to threats. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. 67 Posts.The key differences between Kuvasz and the Great Pyrenees are color, size, trainability, and temperament. The Kangal can make a great farm dog or family guardian in addition to livestock guardian. 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. These sweet, intelligent dogs are huge and generally very gentle with humans and other dogs. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog. Great Pyrenees / HeartSpoon / wikipedia.org. . Great Pyrenees dogs live around 10 to 12 years and usually weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. Thanks to the Great Pyrenees' fantastic qualities, they make for popular parents of designer breeds. Mostly is contending to stay within boundary and love the times when allowed to come inside the house. Large, well-demarcated coloured spots are preferred. The Great Pyrenees is such a calm, independent, serious, well-mannered dog who loves to be around his human family and to please them. Great Pyrenees may live 45 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. It is also important to take your Karakachan in for a yearly professional tooth cleaning to prevent decay and buildup. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. She is 7 months old now. 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 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. This truly is helpful as bathing a mammoth sized dog is quite the undertaking! Does the Karakachan make a good pet? 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. Karakachan Breed Appearance. They kept their traditions and remained rather isolated until the early 20th century when the communist government took over. Both varieties have a double coat. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They usually weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds and live an estimated 10 to 12 years. 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. Additionally, livestock guardian dogs work to deter predators in a number of ways before engaging in any physical confrontation. This is also true of any interactions with unknown humans or animals. The dog was used to defend flocks from predators but its lineage goes a long way back, thousands of years in fact. Morris, Desmond. Hi, I have a Karakachan/Great Pyr cross. If importing a Karakachan puppy, you make expect this amount to at least double. Minimally, youll want to address and remove any mats present before they become problematic. Unfortunately, they will not necessarily obey commands that they do not agree with. They are known for their courage when confronted with such threatening predators, like bears and wolves, and will not hesitate to defend their flock. If you plan on adding another LGD, its recommended that you wait until you have a mature, grown LGD. 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. 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 are gentle with their charges and do well with children and other pets. 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. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered true Karakachans. When we get Great Pyrenees in rescue, there are a few recurring reasons for surrenderall of which are breed traits. The Maremma bonds closely to the herd and is less prone to wandering, although this does not mean you dont need fences. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water. 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. Unfortunately, this also caused the loss of more Karakachan dogs. The Great Pyrenees could be from Spain or France because the dog hails from the Pyrenees Mountains, which spans both France and Spain. When there is a goat in distress, the well-trained Pyrenees will protect them at all costs. It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. Karakachan is more "stay at home". 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. The dog breed's prime purpose has always been to guard livestock on mountains. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. 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. While fierce against predators, Karakachans are loving and tender with their livestock and tend to bond closely to them. Doesnt have a courage or desire to explore beyond our property. Komondors will fiercely protect all that is considers theirs, including their owners/family. It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the . While the Spanish Mastiff is slower to react, he can attack ferociously. The Pyrenean mastiff generally does well around children and will only feel the need to protect when provoked by a predator. It is thought that they only arrived in Europe about 5,000 years ago. Their coat colour will be white with brown, or white with black, or white with both black and brown. We've been through a lot. 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. While they desire contact with owners, they seem happiest when tending their herd. This breed also varies in their reactivity some will bark at anything that passes and will chase off any predator while others stay closer to their charges and use less aggressive techniques to keep their livestock safe. 4. Komondor The mop dog originated from Hungary. 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. Karakachans are a tall dog with broad backs and strong, wide chests. 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. Domestic livestock, such as sheep and goats, are vulnerable to attacks by various wild predators. 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. Give your big white coated pet all the love he thrives on, and you'll enjoy a wonderful relationship with this large, amicable dog. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). Like other giant breeds, expect a shorter life span. While this dog may look funny with its long cords of hair, it is not one to tolerate threats to its herd. There is a broad range of temperaments in the breed ranging from submissive to dominant and low to high reactivity toward threats. Recommendations vary wildly, so trial-and-error is often required to figure out the best number of LGDs for your farm. I consent to Backyard Goats collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep. If you are interested in adopting a Karakachan from a rescue, check out my article, Rescue Livestock Guardian Dogs Should You Get One? . Will cause lameness. The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Treats and Chews: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners! 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. There are a bunch of different livestock guardian breeds you can choose from, but the following ones are some of the most popular. Having a livestock guardian breed can be a great way to protect your small farm or homestead. Maremma Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Great Pyrenees. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. LGDs have been used all around the world for centuries to fend off predators and protect various farm animals. Its recommended that long-haired livestock guardian dogs are properly groomed at least once per month to keep their coat as healthy as possible. Akbash dogs are working dogs and want a job to do. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. 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. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. They reach maturity around 3 years of age, and at this time can usually be trusted independently with a flock. This large, white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 110 pounds. In between moults, brushing can be done a few times a week. A massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. . Remember to include some raw meat as well as cooked chicken, vegetables and brown rice into his kibble and always ensure fresh, cool water is available. Not only 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. Train Your Karakachan to Stop Barking: When You Dont Want Fido to Speak, How to Keep Your Karakachan in the Yard or Pasture. Many traits such as size and guarding instincts are common See the table below for more specific estimates: For any dog, it is important to feed a balanced diet. However, it is important to note that this breed is very sexually dimorphic, as males reach much larger sizes than their female counterparts. Most livestock guardian breeds are very independent, not needing much human instruction. They usually observe their herd from a vantage point, occasionally patrolling. To properly groom your Karakachan youll need a pin brush, comb, and a deshedding brush. 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. Screening of breeding parents is a good idea to ensure that affected animals to not pass along their defective genes. He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home. The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed.
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