It is most popular is parts of Europe and the US, but is not as popular as some other herd protecting breeds. How do they behave? These dogs originated in Bulgaria as a mountain hound. They're being tried out in the American West in an effort to use bigger dogs that can ward off grizzly bears and wolves. If they are either gaining or losing weight or their body condition starts to suffer, you will want to change their portion sizes accordingly. This coat helps keep them insulated and warm in even the coldest climates. They are always alert, patrolling and guarding their flock. Their gait is a springy trot, similar to the movement of a wolf. The Karakachan dog is a typical molosser, created for guarding its owner's flock and property; it does not hesitate to fight wolves or bears to defend its owner and his family in case of danger. The Karakachan are large dogs. This is usually a good starting point for your dog. A small number were saved by a few farmers. All About Silkies, Nigerian Dwarf Goats & More. In ancient Thracian treasures, figures were found of big, longhaired guardian … Otherwise, they are content to be silent and blend in with the herd. Apr 30, 2017 - The Karakachan is a breed of dog that originated in Bulgaria as a mountain livestock guardian dog. We have worked extensively with the Sedefchev brothers at the Bulgarian Biodiversity Preservation Society—Semperviva (BBPS), the source for purebred Karakachans in Bulgaria. We hope to help preserve the Karakachan dogs in the true Bulgarian fashion. Additionally, they consider their family and flock as a part of their territory and will defend them ferociously, even against much larger predators. … In addition to farm use, historically they have been used as border guard dogs in Bulgaria. Volo corrals his sheep every night, on his own accord, keeping them in a secure bunch. Here is a size breakdown between males and female: The Karakachan’s coat comes in two lengths; short or long. You want a recipe that is designed to accommodate their size, age, and activity level. Dogs create their own oils that help to nourish their coat and skin. Due to nomadic livestock breeding practices, these dogs have remained virtually unchanged over several thousand years. Because of this, it was very difficult to find unrelated dogs in the U.S. If you plan to add a Karakachan to your homestead, here are some tips on how to properly care for them. As we mentioned, they are an intelligent breed and, if motivated, can find a way over, under, or even through a fence or gate. We’ve purchased and learned how to breed and work the dogs from them. It has been our experience that these dogs only bark when a threat is perceived. Generally, there are feeding instructions right on the bag. Depending on where you live, you may experience problems with predators endangering your livestock. Do they have any particular quirks you should be aware of? The Karakachan dog is one of Europe’s oldest breeds. Our predators include coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, and hawks. They are a very close relative to many other shepherding dogs in neighboring countries such as Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. For the most part, this breed is pretty laid back. The story of our Karakachan Dog(s) - Shy Valley Farm Native . The dog is named after the Karakachans, Balkan nomadic shepherds. However, the thick coat can lead to skin irritation and even infection if not groomed regularly. A Food Preservation Guide, Karakachan Livestock Guard Dogs: The Ultimate Guide. Not even a crow or groundhog (much less a stray dog) is allowed in any part of the pasture where he is on guard. Their heads are large and boxy with a rounded forehead. Giving them a bath once every few months, or as needed, is all they require. Karakachans are an ancient breed whose job was to guard sheep in the mountains of Bulgaria during the summer months. Zara Chaos Acres was our 1st Karakachan Livestock Guardian dog, and it didn't take long for us to fall in love with this breed. The Karakachan, sometimes called a Bear Dog, is a Bulgarian dog breed bred with the intent to be a flock and herd protector. You will want to get them a high quality dog food that is specially blended for large breed dogs. It will become devoted to its master, and will usually bond with any children in the family as well. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The Karakachan Dog breed exhibits a diversity working ability, temperament and size because there may be a variety of sources. As we mentioned above, the Karakachan is a Bulgarian breed. We have been very pleased with the Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog and believe it to be a valuable asset in protecting livestock and improving the safety of sheep or goat farms. Karakachan dogs are used as herding dogs to escort and guard sheep and goat herds in Bulgaria. This, along with the growing population of coyotes and black bear in the area and for the safety of our young children, we knew we had to find the right guardian that would meet all of our needs. The Karakachan dog may be a descendant of ancient Balkan domestic dogs, possibly since the time of the Thracians. Bathing too often will wash those oils away and can dry them out. The communists then launched an extermination campaign against the dogs, killing them for their pelts. Breed Group: Flock Guard: Weight (lbs): 88-110: Height (in): 27-29: Colors: Karakachans can be stubborn when it comes to training. Despite their delightful demeanor and excellent shepherding capabilities, the Karakachan remains fairly uncommon. If you have one as a pet, be aware that they are working dogs and thus need a lot of exercise. We recommend a fence that is at least 48″ tall and made with woven wire. These dogs are taken into account as the descendants of the canine breed of Iran and Afghanistan. Can You Freeze Cucumbers? Other names are Bulgarian Shepherd and Thracian Mollos. Karakachan Guard Dog Hilda Housteau 5/12/2011 4:04:45 AM Currently have 6 males & 4 females Karakachan puppies LGD DOB: 4/4/11 Karkachan Breed is from Europe only few . 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. Karakachan Livestock Guard Dogs: The Ultimate Guide. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. Their working abilities and vitality are unparalleled. Rest in Peace - You are so missed. Regardless of length, their fur is straight and stiff with a thick undercoat. One of the easiest, and most rewarding, ways to combat these dangers is by getting a good, reliable, livestock guard dog. After a year on the farm, and countless losses, we decided to get a pair of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD). Each of our five Karakachan LGDs is very diverse, varying not only in color and size but in their working abilities. By Cindy Kolb – The Karakachan livestock guardian dog is an LGD breed that has been used for centuries as an integral part of the life of the nomadic shepherds of Bulgaria, where the breed originated. The dog is named after the Karakachans, Balkan Greek nomadic shepherds. It is also seen as a sign of honor, sometimes being gifted from political figures to other leaders as a sign of respect. However, if started at a young age and properly socialized, they can be trained. Breeders having more that 12,000 sheep owned approximately 100 dogs to protect the… Oct 17, 2015 - Karakachan Dog pup, Gunner of Raindrop Farm, from 2009. Cody - Great Pyrenees . Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog History. Rado, our youngest male, sets a routine for his livestock. Каракачанская собака, или Болгарская овчарка (Karakachan sheepdog) - редкая исчезающая порода собак с болгарских земель. They are honestly, some of the best dogs we have ever owned and they keep our animals safe and secure. They can grow to be quite large, some males topping out at 135 lbs. ); weight, 88-125 lbs. Wrap-Around Flock Success — Everything But The Baa! Despite the trend to turn other European livestock guardian dog breeds into show dogs and family companions, the Karakachan dog has not lost its instinct nor its irrefutable working abilities. Following the breeding program established by the Sedefchevs in saving the Karakachan dog, we aim for working ability, temperament and health. One of the easiest, and most rewarding, ways to combat these dangers is by getting a good, reliable, livestock guard dog. The Karakachan commonly participates in guarding. One must earn their trust before they can get near the herd. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. Karakachans are typically dual or tricolored with some variation of spots. Karakachans will typically live between 12 and 14 years. Coats vary between long haired or short haired with a heavy undercoat. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Pirin, our “alpha” male imported from Bulgaria, is usually in charge of our goat bucks, ranging in the fields where the coyotes are heard the most. © 2021, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Trials In Croppy Country, Getting Into The Game. They have been exposed to many different animals. For details on our privacy policy click here. Even when they mean well, their sheer size can be dangerous to small children or pets. For more information on Karakachan livestock protection dogs, please call Cindy Kolb (540) 994-9269 or see her southwest Virginia farm’s website. Both parents are great guardian dogs for livestock and also great with pets and kids. We love to share our knowledge on frugal living, homestead livestock and gardening. However, it is not a home dog - it simply must be on a farm, where it may attack intruders. We sell only to working farms that need LGD protection. The Great Pyrenees and Karakachan breeds are a must if you plan to raise goats and have them protected from predators such as foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. The head is broad and massive with a short, powerful neck. She has been found combing the long-hair of Grass Dancer (a myotonic buck), and even holding a sapling down with her paws for her goats to eat the choice leaves. They really are the best farm dogs for protecting livestock. Our young children often help us with the goats and sheep, but the dogs are always friendly and very tolerant. We like to use a slicker brush to brush out their undercoat. If you are able to add one to your family, you will not regret it. They are not overtly aggressive towards people but are definitely suspicious of those they do not know. The breed also has historical and cultural significance. 6 collie cross livestock guard dogs We have 5 female and 1 male puppy available. Honestly, you can use the tips discussed in goat fencing (and here) and apply them to your Karakachans. Mom (75lbs all white) is a Great Pyrenees x Maremma and Dad (95lbs) is a Great Pyrenees x Bernese Mountain Dog. Budget Tracking Worksheets – Plan and Hit all Your Budgeting Goals! The Karakachan was officially approved as a Bulgarian old native breed in 2005. Its ancestors started forming as early as the third millennium BC. Average height and weight for males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) Karakachans have a pretty thick undercoat. Welcome to the website of the International Karakachan Dog Association (IKDA)! The full list of colors are: So, what is a Karakachan like? and 99-135 lbs. The word Karakachan is derived from the word ‘Karakchans,’ the nomadic shepherd of the Balkan region. Other names are Bulgarian Shepherd and Thracian Mollos. Required fields are marked *. That is, of course, assuming they limit the number of bears they attack. As we mentioned, they are gentle giants and seem to consider their owners as part of their flock. Traditional Livestock Guarded: Sheep. In temperament the Karakachan can range from dominant to more submissive, as well as having variable reactivity. Karakachans have long, muscular, and slender bodies with broad backs. Syncope Falls—our farm, located in the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia—is … He takes them out in the fields every morning, and brings them back around noon, ranging them out again in the afternoon to a different part of the pasture, bringing them closer in toward the evening. They will usually stand between 23 and 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 80 and 125 lbs. They are intelligent, but not always motivated to obey commands. Named after the nomadic Karakachan, also known as Sarakatsani, people of the Baltics, their strict breeding practices have ensured this breed has remained, relatively, unchanged over several centuries. If not brushed out, it can mat, tangle, and knot up with their top coat. This breed is generally content to keep to their area, assuming their territory is not too small. It is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of dogs, created for guarding its owner’s flocks and property. 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 puppies often curl up over their backs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. One of the biggest challenges we found living on our farm, were the predator issues. When they spot an intruder, they will let out a few, deep barks to alert the flock of potential danger as well as a warning to the stranger. Then a good, strong, combo brush to keep their natural oils evenly spread throughout their coat. Last fall our first Karakachan, Sasha, located a young goat that had just given birth. Your email address will not be published. When you start them on their new food, you will want to monitor their weight and body condition. Your email address will not be published. However, if not given adequate training, they can be overbearing at times. They’re not known to roam, but do establish a defined territory and won’t leave their fields willingly. It’s been our experience that these dogs bond quickly with the animals they are guarding. If their flock is safe, they will spend much of their time napping, albeit with senses that allow them to wake up at any threat. They are gentle with their flock, as well as with their owners. By Cindy Kolb – The Karakachan livestock guardian dog is an LGD breed that has been used for centuries as an integral part of the life of the nomadic shepherds of Bulgaria, where the breed originated. The females are not quite as big but still large. If you have one of these dogs as a livestock protector, you will not likely need to go out of your way to exercise them. Profitable Homesteading Guide & Worksheets – Make Money Homesteading, Homesteading Classes, e-Books & Online Courses, Raising Goats eCourse – The Basics (from choosing your goat through daily care), Couponing for Beginners Planner – Learn How to Start Couponing. Required fields are marked *. They possess a delicate and gentle personality for their pack, which can include the flock they protect and their owners. Щенка этой породы подарили премьер-министру России - В.В. We really can’t say enough about these dogs. 13 talking about this. Your email address will not be published. Short coats are usually under 4.5 to 5 inches while long coats are anything above 5 inches. Such an alert can consist of a series of barks mixed with howls. These pooches have an enormous height and have an all-around built body, deep chest, and little eyes. Your email address will not be published. I thought and prayed about getting a livestock guardian dog for quite a while, and had joined a few Facebook groups that specifically focused on … Our small herd hands are able to help rotate the livestock to various pastures, trim hooves, and assist in rounding up the stock for the yearly process of checking our animals for CAE, CL, and Johnes disease (which we’re pleased to say we haven’t had a case of to date). As you may have already guessed due to their size, these dogs can eat quite a bit. Speaking of their own natural oils, you do not have to bathe them as often as you would think. Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog Lifestyle . 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. ON BEHALF OF Karakachan dog 's name and the completion of its type Karakachan dog due to Karakachans.According to most scientists Karakachans Hellenized descendants of the Thracians.Their home has become Pindos Mountains, located in the historic district of Epirus, whose name we associate with the great Danes. From our discussions with goat and sheep owners across the United States, the most enthusiastic LGD success stories were from those who owned Karakachans. This can hold in moisture that can cause the above mentioned irritation. You can always discuss the specifics of your dog with a vet. Karakachans can get to be pretty large. Karakachan have been conservatively bred and selected in a way and in conditions which can not now be repeated. When given proper socialization and training as a puppy, these dogs are great with kids and pets. Karakachans defend pets, guard the farm, and look after their owner’s family’s safety. Karakachan dogs are large, long-haired, massive dogs with a well-developed musculature and well-expressed sexual dimorphism. At a minimum they will need 60 minutes a day and plenty of room to run. Because the Karakachan people have such strict breeding practices, the Karakachan dog has not had the same health problems that plague many designer breeds. They will usually only have the same issues that bother other large dog breeds. Learn more about us here. Making sure they have plenty of room and, hopefully, proper training will help eliminate most of the fencing issues that can arise. They also make fantastic, albeit quite large, pets. Like many big dogs, they do not seem to understand their size and will not think twice about trying to lay in your lap. Karakachan dogs, from Bulgaria, have a history of guarding livestock. In the past, this mountain dog was widely used in Bulgaria as a border army watchdog. Gunner lives in Oklahoma now, guarding a multispecies farm. We researched many types of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) looking to protect our Katahdin sheep and Tennessee Fainting Goats (a.k.a. They were born November 17th and they will be 12 weeks old on the 9 th of February. Place of Origin: Bulgaria. They are ready to … The Sedefchevs use their Karakachan dogs to guard horses, sheep, and goats in Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains. Depending on the terrain they may keep their nails worn down on their own. They excel as livestock protector dogs. Shortly after adding Zara to the herd, we decided to get another Karakachan and start our breeding program. Originally published in the March/April 2010 issue of sheep! Our dogs guard Nubian and Black Spanish herds and do a magnificent job. magazine and regularly vetted for accuracy. When they perceive a threat to its charges, it will chase away the predator but doesn’t abandon the animals in its care. The males can grow to be between 25 and 30 inches at the shoulders and weigh anywhere from 90 pounds up to 135 pounds. Dedicated to preserving the rare livestock guardian dog of Bulgaria, the Karakachan, in the USA. They will also move the flocks away from whatever is perceived as a threat. The Karakachan originated with the ancient Thracians, and was used widely by nomadic Bulgarian shepherds. If raised with children, they will devote the… Females: Height, 25-28 inches (63-72 cm. The Karakachan is a breed of dog that originated in Bulgaria as a mountain livestock guardian dog. Our Karakachan Dogs HAVE BEEN SOLD. The Largest Chicken Breed: 12 Huge Chickens! Traditional Predators: Wolves, bears. We are a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is a typical Mollos, created for guarding its owner’s flock and property; it does not hesitate to fight wolves or bears to defend its owner and his family in case of danger. Syncope Falls—our farm, located in the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia—is proudly preserving the Karakachan breed, also known as the Bulgarian Shepherd dog. Constant patrolling works up an appetite and burns a lot of calories. You can get a set of nail trimmers, if you like. They have earned the nicknames “Bear Dog” and “Wolf Dog” because they are willing to attack much larger predators to keep their herd safe. When the dogs are with their livestock, they focus on protecting and caring for the animals. In earlier times, they were inferred as an excellent guard dog, who could fight with wolves and … They began to become endangered in Bulgaria around 1957, as the communist government “nationalized” farms and private livestock, leaving these dogs to roam free, becoming useless. Given the excellent guardian work of our first Karakachan, and our desire to help preserve this breed, we’ve gone to Bulgaria three times since 2007 to bring back new bloodlines. Welcome, we are Kristin & Justin and this is MrAnimal Farm! One time they alerted us when a goat fainted and fell down, jamming his horn into the ground, unable to break free. These Bulgarian dogs are rare in the U.S., having only been imported as LGDs in the past 10 years. Depending on where you live, you may experience problems with predators endangering your livestock. For example, we have a male named Volo, born of our first Karakachan female and an unrelated male we imported from Bulgaria. You can also use this handy body condition chart at home. Karakachans were also used in the Bulgarian army up until WW II. Karakachans are one of the oldest breeds of, not just livestock dogs, but canines, in general. Sasha stayed with the doe and her kid for the entire day, assisting in the clean-up process. The most numerous populations of working purebred livestock guarding Karakachan dogs are found in Bulgaria and the United States. 4 females on the left and 6 males on the right. They are very alert when patrolling their territory. Their unmatched qualities as LGDs are legendary in Bulgarian folklore, which cites some shepherds having run 12,000 sheep in a single flock, using 100 dogs for its protection. Having derived its name from the Karkachans, the nomadic shepherds of the Balkan region, these dogs are said to be descendants of the canine breeds of Central Asia particularly Iran and Afghanistan. We also really like this comb to work out knots and mats, when we find them. Large dogs need a different balance of nutrients than small, or even medium, sized dogs. We are excited to have you join us! They have been handled by us and our kids. Karakachans are more than guardians. Not only are they large, but they are also working animals. For example, the boy above, Angel, has very large white spots on top of a black coat. We think that is likely due to the need to be independent while patrolling. It will just take some time and a lot of patience. They’re very agile, working in very difficult conditions (rough terrain and high predator numbers). Karakachan Dog. Karakachan dogs are either white with dark spots, or dark colored with white markings, white being a standard marking of these dogs. A few other similar breeds in both size and function are: We love our Karakachans! They are a breed that will bond closely with their family and will quickly become very protective of them. Myotonics) from coyotes, dogs and other predators roaming our mountains. When the weather starts to get warmer, they will start to shed their undercoat. Международна асоциация Kаракачанско куче. We can hear the coyotes calling from the fields at night, but once the dogs bark in return, the calls of the coyotes fade away. We no longer have problems with roaming dogs and coyotes. One such breed, that so happens to be our favorite, is the Karakachan. January 5th marked one year since Mindy, our Great Pyrenees/Karakachan dog, came to live with us at Hickory Cove Farm. $700 with a non refundable deposit of $350. These giant dog breeds were mostly used to save and guard livestock, cattle, and other domesticated animals from their predators or any danger. Our Karakachans also call our attention to other flock problems: For example, when livestock gets caught in a fence. They will defend your goats, cattle, horses, or any other animals you place in their charge. Things like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and bloat. They do need good, strong fencing. It has appeared in a variety of Bulgarian literature by authors like Yordan Radichkov, Georgi Raitchev, and Yordan Yovkov. If a stranger is near any of our property within sight of the dogs, they bark loudly to alert us, and then move their animals to a different part of the pasture, if they deem it necessary. They shed their coats naturally in summer. Duda, a female we imported from Bulgaria, is shy around strangers, but very affectionate with the goats she guards. They will get plenty of exercise on their own while patrolling and watching over their herd. Males are a minimum of 63 cm in height; females at least 60 cm. Their popularity is spreading rapidly as they prove themselves on farms around the world. In the past, we could not successfully raise sheep or goats due to attacks from local dogs—a situation many farmers have experienced. Being a part of the Molossoides group, they served as an excellent guard dog, not hesitating to the slightest bit while fighting bears and wolves. If they do not have enough room to properly exercise and run, they may start to look across the fence. It is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of dogs, created for guarding its owner’s flocks and property. Now protected by conservation programs, they survive in the Bulgarian mountains guarding flocks against wolves and bears. Lplpol Property Protected by Karakachan Guard Dog Warning Yard Fence Breed Metal Aluminum Sign 12" x 18": Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen Its ancestors started forming as early as the third millennium BC. One such breed, that so happens to be our favorite, is the Karakachan. Still used mainly as a working dog, the Karakachan dog is dedicated to its role. The Karakachan is an independent working guard dog, and is not happy when it is not working. The girl in the first image on this page, Buffy, is a darker brindle color.
Ferrara Bolingbrook, Il 60490, Rainbow Discord Emoji Gif, Quail Egg Cholesterol, Drupal 8 Features Ui, How Old Is The Attack Of Jack, Used Electric Motors For Sale Ebay, Rifts Bestiary Review, Vw Discover Media Navigation System, Synovial Dog Chews,