As already suggested, this large dog will need space and he will need to be exercised. 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. 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. 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. However, its important to understand that these working dogs do not always make good companion pets. . For help with obedience training using positive methods, I highly recommend the online program, Brain Training for Dogs (affiliate link). All but one rare breed of livestock guardian dog possess a double coat of hair. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Great Pyrenees. . 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. The breed usually weighs between 70 to 120 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Anneka also revisits the question to whether either of these breeds can kill a wolf or bear or is it all tales and fables.MAXIMUS: http://www.northwestcaucasianshepherds.co.uk/JACKO: https://www.kricarnopyreneans.co.uk/Animal Watch Merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/animal-watch?aid=marketplaceTo subscribe to our channels click here:(Animal Watch) http://www.youtube.com/c/annekasvenskaand(GreenWorldTV) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCycFlGGCgK38Y63cT4lgWYAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/annekasvenskaofficial/?hl=enTwitter: http://twitter.com/annekasvenska?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/annekasvenskaofficial/?ref=bookmarksAnneka's website: http://www.annekasvenska.comTikTok: @annekasvenskaofficialPresented, Narrated and Produced by By Anneka SvenskaFilmed by Ellen Hope CobbEdited by Ellen Hope CobbA GreenWorldTV Production#AnimalWatchThis film cannot be duplicated on other YouTube channels or other media platforms without written permission from GreenWorldTVDISCLAIMER: \"The primary purpose of 'Animal Watch' is to inform and educate. Karakachan Colors. The Karakachan is a lesser known breed in the United States. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer. 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 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. It is difficult to say without knowing their ages and environments. If a Karakachan is confined to a small space, or not provided with enough to do, it is likely that they will become bored and frustrated. The number of LGDs will vary greatly on the size of your farm, protection needs, and age of the dogs. They typically do so in three primary ways: A post shared by Elizabeth McLean (@ranch_lass). The dog breed's prime purpose has always been to guard livestock on mountains. ho (Detailed. At this point, flocks and farms in their entirety were nationalized. Livestock Guardian Dog Breed Comparison - Backyard Goats He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. Some dogs are very headstrong, while others are more eager to please their caretaker. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2007. The Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. 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. . Teeth brushing is recommended every few days. They usually weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds and live an estimated 10 to 12 years. Everything goes back to this: Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs. Known also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog. Key difference. Great Pyrenees Mixes - We Show You All the Shapes and Sizes! These dogs are independent and steady, making them well-suited for livestock-guarding work. Unfortunately, during the 1950s, the local government devised an agricultural plan that focused on the production of foreign breeds, as they were thought to be superior to their Bulgarian counterparts. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. Urbigkit, Cat. With his role as guardian of sheep, he has learned to be loyal and patient and will make a loyal ad loving family pet he takes his role as guardian very seriously. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. For advice on how to properly feed your Karakachan, check out these resources: Karakachans and Food: What to Feed, When, and Problems to Avoid. Karakachan Dog This dog is from Bulgaria, developed by the Karakachan nomadic people. Some sources say that these dogs are also really great with children. If you plan on adding another LGD, its recommended that you wait until you have a mature, grown LGD. In the ideal situation, they will be given the task of guarding flocks, though where this is not possible, other activities can suffice. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century. Karakachan: Livestock Guardian Dog Breed - For Love of Livestock The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed. Found all the basics I wanted to know about LGD breeds. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first. Traditionally, one of the dogs ears was cropped to help them hear better. The Karakachan is a large, Molosser-type dog that evolved many centuries ago within Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Bo. An owner will notice that their dog cannot settle, may be panting or salivating, and may appear physically bloated (or ballooned) in the abdominal region. Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. He tends to drool so it's handy keeping a damp cloth close by just to give his face area a wipe down. You can expect 6 10 puppies from these dogs. If importing a Karakachan puppy, you make expect this amount to at least double. They willingly accept people when introduced by the owner. 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. They usually bonded strongly with livestock from an early age. Males will often grow larger than their female counterparts, which can represent a pro or a con, depending on your needs. Some farmers utilize one LGD for every 30 to 50 sheep, while others recommend using two or three times as many. They are all large dogs, able to fight against wolves, large cats, and even bears. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While this dog may look funny with its long cords of hair, it is not one to tolerate threats to its herd. Karakachans will also need quite a bit of training. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. Having a livestock guardian breed can be a great way to protect your small farm or homestead. The government was vicious towards these dogs. Their coat is well suited to extreme weather with a shorter summer coat and dense double winter coat. Maremma Sheepdog may have less litter size than Great Pyrenees. For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes. If introduced properly, they can also get along with other family pets. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Most love to work and need a job to stay properly occupied. They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. There are a couple of characteristics livestock guardian dogs have in common. With two layers, the coat of the Great Pyrenees will need to be brushed twice a week to prevent burrs attaching to the fur and to prevent it from matting, It also gets rid of loose hair during shedding. Has never chewed anything in the house. This program is perfect for people who want to raise a livestock guardian dog as a pet. Some even have mane-like fur to protect their neck and shoulder region from the teeth of predators. They think their territory is as far as they can roam, and they'll constantly test the limits. As a landrace breed, the Karakachan comes in a wide variety of colors and types. It was in 1924 that the first standard for the breed was published. Great Pyrenees / HeartSpoon / wikipedia.org. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia. 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. Although this is a very dominant breed, they do not respond well to harsh discipline. Your email address will not be published. The Maremma is a large-breed dog, so before you get a big dog like this, decide whether you have the financial means to feed him and look after him properly. The 15 Best Livestock Guardian Dogs - AgronoMag As livestock rearing made a comeback, so did the countrys natural predators. They have lower energy than many other livestock guardian dog breeds but still need regular exercise and space to roam. There is a broad range of temperaments in the breed ranging from submissive to dominant and low to high reactivity toward threats. uv com. While this dog will accept people properly introduced by the owners, they are intolerant of all intruders if the owner is not present. While Karakachans can be more high maintenance than other breeds, they also can make the best of pets. If you are considering adding Karakachans to your household, be certain you understand how to train using positive methods, and that you are willing to put considerable time and effort into your training your dogs. Spanish mastiffs also posses a muscular, strong build making them intimidating to potential predators. 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. Additionally, livestock guardian dogs work to deter predators in a number of ways before engaging in any physical confrontation. November 22, 2022 Ive corrected it, and we appreciate you pointing out the mix up. Do you keep any dogs from this livestock guardian dog breed comparison? 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. Thanks to the Great Pyrenees' fantastic qualities, they make for popular parents of designer breeds. They do not bark as often as other guardian dogs and are less reactive in general. . The Great Pyrenees could be from Spain or France because the dog hails from the Pyrenees Mountains, which spans both France and Spain. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Karakachan dog and other local breeds, including the Caucasian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd. Because the Great Pyrenees is less aggressive to humans, they are a good choice for farms that will have regular visitors. If you are considering a dog for your herd, consult a livestock guardian dog breed comparison and research the individual traits to find what will best suit your specific needs. You are sure to have a very large pup with this hybrid. 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. 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. 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. Kangal Dog Another breed developed in Turkey, the Kangal is more social with people than many of the guardian breeds. Youre right, Sandy that was my fault. Many Karakachan caretakers can attest to their dogs protective, but sometimes silly, and always loving nature. Comparison between Great Pyrenees Dog and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog. Maremma Sheepdog may have less litter size than Great Pyrenees. Below, well discuss some of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise. They can potentially do well with other family pets if introduced appropriately. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees has almost same life span. They are strong-willed and extremely intelligent many owners of this breed have said that the dogs are so smart, they wont follow commands they do not agree with! They have a dense undercoat that helps with insulation from both cold and hot temperatures. Recommendations vary wildly, so trial-and-error is often required to figure out the best number of LGDs for your farm. 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. (females) For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes. Both Great Pyrenees and Bulgarian Shepherd has almost same litter size. However, compared to other dogs, they may not need to be specifically trained to not kill chickens that may come naturally to them. However, in recent years, many people have begun keeping these dogs as family pets. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. 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. Breed Guide. MyDogBreeds. . jx. They can bark a lot, especially at night. They are very vocal, especially at night when patrolling. Because this breed has not been extensively bred, it is typically a very healthy dog. They work very well in areas with large predators and seem less reactive toward humans. Other Names: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Thracian Mollos, Karakachan Shepherd Dog. Anatolian Shepherd Dog Another Turkish breed, the Anatolian Shepherd is very territorial and responds quickly to threats. They will bark a lot, especially at night. Some have extremely fluffy coats, which may help facilitate the dog-livestock bonding process. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2016. Their bodies are well-muscled and athletic in appearance. They are proven against even large predators but less aggressive toward people. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. They usually observe their herd from a vantage point, occasionally patrolling. Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. They are known to have patrolled the local mountains, protecting the livestock by warning off any predatory threats with deep, guttural growls and barks. Stick to simple, nutritious food. While the Spanish Mastiff is slower to react, he can attack ferociously. But there are also a couple of dog breeds that excel at livestock protection, making them excellent assets for your farm or homestead. Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Great Pyrenees is originated from France. 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. 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 Karakachan dog, also known as the Bulgarian Shepherd, Thracian Mollos or Ovcharsko Kuche, is likely a breed you have not heard much about, such is their rarity. Consult this livestock guardian dog breed comparison to help determine the best dog for farm protection in your area. 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. 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. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being. Because of their history as a landrace breed, there is quite a bit of variability in both their personality/temperament and their working characteristics. Karakachan is more "stay at home". The Kuvasz is a Hungarian dog breed who is extremely intelligent and loyal. Your email address will not be published. Males will weigh between 45 and 57kg, while females will weigh less, typically between 40 and 52kg. Maremma Sheepdog The Italian livestock guardian does not accept other humans on the property well even after being introduced unless the owner is present. Your Great Pyrenees is a big dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. 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. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. While fierce against predators, Karakachans are loving and tender with their livestock and tend to bond closely to them. You have successfully joined our pup pack. The ultra-fluffy Great Pyrenees is known for his gorgeous white coat, confidence, and fearless attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock-protection work. They bond with the animals, living with them and protecting them from goat predators. US researchers hope more assertive, foreign dog breeds can protect 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. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. While they are lower energy, they react and escalate quickly when threatened. 6 Reasons NOT to Get a Great Pyrenees | It's Dog or Nothing His huge size will require that he be trained because when he is indoors he can knock things over and he must be able to respond to you telling him to lie down. 'Animal Watch' is not responsible and does not independently verify for accuracy all of the claims and opinions expressed in the episodes. Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia, Great Pyrenees Type is an inherited bleeding disorder. Many of the large predators were poisoned and therefore eliminated the need for the Karakachan dogs. Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! Do you have experience with any of these livestock guardian breeds? Karakachan is more "stay at home". He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. Karakachan vs great pyrenees - svqnw.terakota-duraj.pl The long tail is set low and is thickly feathered. 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. But this also makes them a bit challenging for first-time owners; theyre best left to those with a lot of dog-care experience. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems. Akbash dogs are working dogs and want a job to do. A large dog like him can develop bloat from gulping down a large amount of food too quickly. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. He is an independent dog, so training and sociaization will be absolutely imperative as he is strong-willed and likes to do things his way. This bloating has occurred due to enlargement of the stomach, as it fills with gas. He tends to drool so it's handy keeping a damp cloth close by just to give his face area a wipe down. Karakachan & Great Pyrenees Pups - YouTube It is important to He bonds with his family but tends to be wary of strangers. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They will feel the need to protect against anything or anyone who is unfamiliar. 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.