Karakachans were also used in the Bulgarian army up until WW II. It is most popular is parts of Europe and the US, but is not as popular as some other herd protecting breeds. 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. How do they behave? Karakachans are one of the oldest breeds of, not just livestock dogs, but canines, in general. Oct 17, 2015 - Karakachan Dog pup, Gunner of Raindrop Farm, from 2009. All About Silkies, Nigerian Dwarf Goats & More. For example, the boy above, Angel, has very large white spots on top of a black coat. Required fields are marked *. 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. Place of Origin: Bulgaria. Depending on where you live, you may experience problems with predators endangering your livestock. Such an alert can consist of a series of barks mixed with howls. You can get a set of nail trimmers, if you like. Do they have any particular quirks you should be aware of? 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. It has appeared in a variety of Bulgarian literature by authors like Yordan Radichkov, Georgi Raitchev, and Yordan Yovkov. If raised with children, they will devote the… Due to nomadic livestock breeding practices, these dogs have remained virtually unchanged over several thousand years. 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. One of the easiest, and most rewarding, ways to combat these dangers is by getting a good, reliable, livestock guard dog. The girl in the first image on this page, Buffy, is a darker brindle color. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Bathing too often will wash those oils away and can dry them out. They are hardy, diligent and hard-working. 6 collie cross livestock guard dogs We have 5 female and 1 male puppy available. If you plan to add a Karakachan to your homestead, here are some tips on how to properly care for them. Because of this, it was very difficult to find unrelated dogs in the U.S. One must earn their trust before they can get near the herd. Can You Freeze Cucumbers? They have been handled by us and our kids. 4 females on the left and 6 males on the right. Karakachans can be stubborn when it comes to training. The word Karakachan is derived from the word ‘Karakchans,’ the nomadic shepherd of the Balkan region. Karakachan dogs are large, long-haired, massive dogs with a well-developed musculature and well-expressed sexual dimorphism. However, if started at a young age and properly socialized, they can be trained. 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. We like to use a slicker brush to brush out their undercoat. 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. This can hold in moisture that can cause the above mentioned irritation. They are intelligent, but not always motivated to obey commands. As we mentioned above, the Karakachan is a Bulgarian breed. They are gentle with their flock, as well as with their owners. We recommend a fence that is at least 48″ tall and made with woven wire. Average height and weight for males: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) The story of our Karakachan Dog(s) - Shy Valley Farm Native . … Each of our five Karakachan LGDs is very diverse, varying not only in color and size but in their working abilities. A small number were saved by a few farmers. Your email address will not be published. The dog is named after the Karakachans, Balkan Greek nomadic shepherds. Making sure they have plenty of room and, hopefully, proper training will help eliminate most of the fencing issues that can arise. Their gait is a springy trot, similar to the movement of a wolf. Karakachans are an ancient breed whose job was to guard sheep in the mountains of Bulgaria during the summer months. A few other similar breeds in both size and function are: We love our Karakachans! WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The Karakachan Dog breed exhibits a diversity working ability, temperament and size because there may be a variety of sources. 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. Dogs create their own oils that help to nourish their coat and skin. 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. Karakachans are typically dual or tricolored with some variation of spots. Like many big dogs, they do not seem to understand their size and will not think twice about trying to lay in your lap. Международна асоциация Kаракачанско куче. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Things like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and bloat. In earlier times, they were inferred as an excellent guard dog, who could fight with wolves and … 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. They do need good, strong fencing. Welcome, we are Kristin & Justin and this is MrAnimal Farm! 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. However, it is not a home dog - it simply must be on a farm, where it may attack intruders. This coat helps keep them insulated and warm in even the coldest climates. It is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of dogs, created for guarding its owner’s flocks and property. Then a good, strong, combo brush to keep their natural oils evenly spread throughout their coat. Rest in Peace - You are so missed. Gunner lives in Oklahoma now, guarding a multispecies farm. Not even a crow or groundhog (much less a stray dog) is allowed in any part of the pasture where he is on guard. Karakachan dogs are used as herding dogs to escort and guard sheep and goat herds in Bulgaria. These dogs originated in Bulgaria as a mountain hound. 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. Our young children often help us with the goats and sheep, but the dogs are always friendly and very tolerant. 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. Constant patrolling works up an appetite and burns a lot of calories. Depending on where you live, you may experience problems with predators endangering your livestock. If not brushed out, it can mat, tangle, and knot up with their top coat. Because the Karakachan people have such strict breeding practices, the Karakachan dog has not had the same health problems that plague many designer breeds. The breed also has historical and cultural significance. They shed their coats naturally in summer. Karakachan have been conservatively bred and selected in a way and in conditions which can not now be repeated. They are not overtly aggressive towards people but are definitely suspicious of those they do not know. Other names are Bulgarian Shepherd and Thracian Mollos. At a minimum they will need 60 minutes a day and plenty of room to run. Karakachan Dog. Short coats are usually under 4.5 to 5 inches while long coats are anything above 5 inches. Breeders having more that 12,000 sheep owned approximately 100 dogs to protect the… The Karakachan dog is one of Europe’s oldest breeds. We are excited to have you join us! Shortly after adding Zara to the herd, we decided to get another Karakachan and start our breeding program. It has been our experience that these dogs only bark when a threat is perceived. Rado, our youngest male, sets a routine for his livestock. From our discussions with goat and sheep owners across the United States, the most enthusiastic LGD success stories were from those who owned Karakachans. Budget Tracking Worksheets – Plan and Hit all Your Budgeting Goals! They will usually stand between 23 and 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 80 and 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. Required fields are marked *. Karakachan dogs are either white with dark spots, or dark colored with white markings, white being a standard marking of these dogs.