Despite their delightful demeanor and excellent shepherding capabilities, the Karakachan remains fairly uncommon. 6 collie cross livestock guard dogs We have 5 female and 1 male puppy available. It will become devoted to its master, and will usually bond with any children in the family as well. In earlier times, they were inferred as an excellent guard dog, who could fight with wolves and … 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. In ancient Thracian treasures, figures were found of big, longhaired guardian … 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. Depending on where you live, you may experience problems with predators endangering your livestock. They possess a delicate and gentle personality for their pack, which can include the flock they protect and their owners. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. The Karakachan is a breed of dog that originated in Bulgaria as a mountain livestock guardian dog. Both parents are great guardian dogs for livestock and also great with pets and kids. When the dogs are with their livestock, they focus on protecting and caring for the animals. Originally published in the March/April 2010 issue of sheep! Cody - Great Pyrenees . They will usually stand between 23 and 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 80 and 125 lbs. It is also seen as a sign of honor, sometimes being gifted from political figures to other leaders as a sign of respect. 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. … 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. The Karakachan was officially approved as a Bulgarian old native breed in 2005. However, it is not a home dog - it simply must be on a farm, where it may attack intruders. Required fields are marked *. Things like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and bloat. The girl in the first image on this page, Buffy, is a darker brindle color. As we mentioned, they are gentle giants and seem to consider their owners as part of their flock. They are ready to … For more information on Karakachan livestock protection dogs, please call Cindy Kolb (540) 994-9269 or see her southwest Virginia farm’s website. Mom (75lbs all white) is a Great Pyrenees x Maremma and Dad (95lbs) is a Great Pyrenees x Bernese Mountain Dog. This can hold in moisture that can cause the above mentioned irritation. Can You Freeze Cucumbers? They are not overtly aggressive towards people but are definitely suspicious of those they do not know. It has been our experience that these dogs only bark when a threat is perceived. They shed their coats naturally in summer. These giant dog breeds were mostly used to save and guard livestock, cattle, and other domesticated animals from their predators or any danger. They are a very close relative to many other shepherding dogs in neighboring countries such as Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. They’re not known to roam, but do establish a defined territory and won’t leave their fields willingly. The head is broad and massive with a short, powerful neck. Oct 17, 2015 - Karakachan Dog pup, Gunner of Raindrop Farm, from 2009. If not brushed out, it can mat, tangle, and knot up with their top coat. Depending on the terrain they may keep their nails worn down on their own. 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. One of the easiest, and most rewarding, ways to combat these dangers is by getting a good, reliable, livestock guard dog. The word Karakachan is derived from the word ‘Karakchans,’ the nomadic shepherd of the Balkan region. Learn more about us here. 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 … As you may have already guessed due to their size, these dogs can eat quite a bit. They are honestly, some of the best dogs we have ever owned and they keep our animals safe and secure. A Food Preservation Guide, Karakachan Livestock Guard Dogs: The Ultimate Guide. 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. Coats vary between long haired or short haired with a heavy undercoat. The Karakachan originated with the ancient Thracians, and was used widely by nomadic Bulgarian shepherds. Karakachans defend pets, guard the farm, and look after their owner’s family’s safety. Last fall our first Karakachan, Sasha, located a young goat that had just given birth. Karakachans were also used in the Bulgarian army up until WW II. They really are the best farm dogs for protecting livestock. Any perceived threat to their herd will be met with aggression. 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). We no longer have problems with roaming dogs and coyotes. 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. However, if started at a young age and properly socialized, they can be trained. Karakachan Livestock Guard Dogs: The Ultimate Guide. January 5th marked one year since Mindy, our Great Pyrenees/Karakachan dog, came to live with us at Hickory Cove Farm. We think that is likely due to the need to be independent while patrolling. Rest in Peace - You are so missed. Still used mainly as a working dog, the Karakachan dog is dedicated to its role. Щенка этой породы подарили премьер-министру России - В.В. Required fields are marked *. As we mentioned above, the Karakachan is a Bulgarian breed. You can also use this handy body condition chart at home. Its ancestors started forming as early as the third millennium BC. We’ve purchased and learned how to breed and work the dogs from them. They will also move the flocks away from whatever is perceived as a threat. Karakachan dogs, from Bulgaria, have a history of guarding livestock. A few other similar breeds in both size and function are: We love our Karakachans! Even when they mean well, their sheer size can be dangerous to small children or pets. Karakachan dogs are large, long-haired, massive dogs with a well-developed musculature and well-expressed sexual dimorphism. A small number were saved by a few farmers. These pooches have an enormous height and have an all-around built body, deep chest, and little eyes. Now protected by conservation programs, they survive in the Bulgarian mountains guarding flocks against wolves and bears. In temperament the Karakachan can range from dominant to more submissive, as well as having variable reactivity. Our young children often help us with the goats and sheep, but the dogs are always friendly and very tolerant. Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog History. 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. Lplpol Property Protected by Karakachan Guard Dog Warning Yard Fence Breed Metal Aluminum Sign 12" x 18": Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen Traditional Predators: Wolves, bears. Duda, a female we imported from Bulgaria, is shy around strangers, but very affectionate with the goats she guards. Following the breeding program established by the Sedefchevs in saving the Karakachan dog, we aim for working ability, temperament and health. Our Karakachans also call our attention to other flock problems: For example, when livestock gets caught in a fence. In the past, this mountain dog was widely used in Bulgaria as a border army watchdog. Syncope Falls—our farm, located in the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia—is … Do they have any particular quirks you should be aware of? Not only are they large, but they are also working animals. They do need good, strong fencing. Because the Karakachan people have such strict breeding practices, the Karakachan dog has not had the same health problems that plague many designer breeds. This coat helps keep them insulated and warm in even the coldest climates. When the weather starts to get warmer, they will start to shed their undercoat. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The Karakachan Dog breed exhibits a diversity working ability, temperament and size because there may be a variety of sources. 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. If you have one as a pet, be aware that they are working dogs and thus need a lot of exercise. It is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of dogs, created for guarding its owner’s flocks and property. Making sure they have plenty of room and, hopefully, proper training will help eliminate most of the fencing issues that can arise. As we mentioned, they are an intelligent breed and, if motivated, can find a way over, under, or even through a fence or gate. ); weight, 88-125 lbs. 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. 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. In the past, we could not successfully raise sheep or goats due to attacks from local dogs—a situation many farmers have experienced. Breeders having more that 12,000 sheep owned approximately 100 dogs to protect the… One such breed, that so happens to be our favorite, is the Karakachan. If they are either gaining or losing weight or their body condition starts to suffer, you will want to change their portion sizes accordingly. If raised with children, they will devote the… Каракачанская собака, или Болгарская овчарка (Karakachan sheepdog) - редкая исчезающая порода собак с болгарских земель. In addition to farm use, historically they have been used as border guard dogs in Bulgaria. Wrap-Around Flock Success — Everything But The Baa! We love to share our knowledge on frugal living, homestead livestock and gardening. At a minimum they will need 60 minutes a day and plenty of room to run. Karakachans can be stubborn when it comes to training. We like to use a slicker brush to brush out their undercoat. Your email address will not be published. Other names are Bulgarian Shepherd and Thracian Mollos. We really can’t say enough about these dogs. They have been handled by us and our kids. We recommend a fence that is at least 48″ tall and made with woven wire. Karakachans can get to be pretty large. 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. Place of Origin: Bulgaria. One such breed, that so happens to be our favorite, is the Karakachan. You want a recipe that is designed to accommodate their size, age, and activity level. Shortly after adding Zara to the herd, we decided to get another Karakachan and start our breeding program. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. Speaking of their own natural oils, you do not have to bathe them as often as you would think. Your email address will not be published. You will want to get them a high quality dog food that is specially blended for large breed dogs. For example, the boy above, Angel, has very large white spots on top of a black coat. Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog Lifestyle . All About Silkies, Nigerian Dwarf Goats & More. They are gentle with their flock, as well as with their owners. 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. One must earn their trust before they can get near the herd. If they do not have enough room to properly exercise and run, they may start to look across the fence. If you are able to add one to your family, you will not regret it. When given proper socialization and training as a puppy, these dogs are great with kids and pets. It is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of dogs, created for guarding its owner’s flocks and property. They can grow to be quite large, some males topping out at 135 lbs. They excel as livestock protector dogs. The communists then launched an extermination campaign against the dogs, killing them for their pelts. These Bulgarian dogs are rare in the U.S., having only been imported as LGDs in the past 10 years. 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. They have earned the nicknames “Bear Dog” and “Wolf Dog” because they are willing to attack much larger predators to keep their herd safe. You can get a set of nail trimmers, if you like. The Karakachan dog may be a descendant of ancient Balkan domestic dogs, possibly since the time of the Thracians. Each of our five Karakachan LGDs is very diverse, varying not only in color and size but in their working abilities. Their popularity is spreading rapidly as they prove themselves on farms around the world. How do they behave? The breed also has historical and cultural significance. However, the thick coat can lead to skin irritation and even infection if not groomed regularly. You can always discuss the specifics of your dog with a vet. Giving them a bath once every few months, or as needed, is all they require. Our predators include coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, and hawks. Our dogs guard Nubian and Black Spanish herds and do a magnificent job. Constant patrolling works up an appetite and burns a lot of calories. The dog is named after the Karakachans, Balkan Greek nomadic shepherds. 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. Rado, our youngest male, sets a routine for his livestock. These dogs originated in Bulgaria as a mountain hound. Karakachans are an ancient breed whose job was to guard sheep in the mountains of Bulgaria during the summer months. Then a good, strong, combo brush to keep their natural oils evenly spread throughout their coat. Its ancestors started forming as early as the third millennium BC. 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. The Karakachan are large dogs. They will defend your goats, cattle, horses, or any other animals you place in their charge. Breed Group: Flock Guard: Weight (lbs): 88-110: Height (in): 27-29: Colors: 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. Here is a size breakdown between males and female: The Karakachan’s coat comes in two lengths; short or long. They were born November 17th and they will be 12 weeks old on the 9 th of February. 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. It will just take some time and a lot of patience. They will get plenty of exercise on their own while patrolling and watching over their herd. 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. 4 females on the left and 6 males on the right. Our Karakachan Dogs HAVE BEEN SOLD. © 2021, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Trials In Croppy Country, Getting Into The Game. 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. When you start them on their new food, you will want to monitor their weight and body condition. The story of our Karakachan Dog(s) - Shy Valley Farm Native . We hope to help preserve the Karakachan dogs in the true Bulgarian fashion. Otherwise, they are content to be silent and blend in with the herd. Gunner lives in Oklahoma now, guarding a multispecies farm. $700 with a non refundable deposit of $350. Myotonics) from coyotes, dogs and other predators roaming our mountains. Regardless of length, their fur is straight and stiff with a thick undercoat. However, if not given adequate training, they can be overbearing at times. They will usually only have the same issues that bother other large dog breeds. They also make fantastic, albeit quite large, pets. Not even a crow or groundhog (much less a stray dog) is allowed in any part of the pasture where he is on guard. Females: Height, 25-28 inches (63-72 cm. The full list of colors are: So, what is a Karakachan like? Very agile, working in very difficult to find unrelated dogs in neighboring countries such Greece. Doe and her kid for the most part, this mountain dog was widely used the... Where it may attack intruders new food, you can get a pair of livestock guardian dogs ( LGD.... 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