The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is so named because he developed in the Bukovina region of Romania. This livestock guardian breed is one of three FCI-recognized Romanian shepherd breeds which also includes the Mioritic and Carpathian. He also did double duty as a household watchdog as well, and was even known to have given his life for his owner or his flock when met with an extreme adversary. Recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club and the FCI, the breed is thought to have been created in the 1700’s although the first standard wasn’t written until 1982. His temperament is calm and even-tempered, with a loyal nature and a love of children.

Bucovina Shepherds can take some work to train because they were bred to think for themselves. However, like many molosser breeds, they absolutely do require obedience training as they can develop dominant and controlling behaviors without any management. Consistency is key, but overall this is probably a job best left for an experienced owner! Take note that the breed can be slow to develop, and younger dogs are very exuberant. It is easy for one to accidentally knock over a small child in his excitement. Training can help establish impulse control however it will take some time and one should expect the dog to be clumsy and excitable when young.

The Romanian Bucovina needs a home with a large backyard in order to run and stretch his legs. This isn’t a couch potato, but rather an energetic and playful dog that needs a lot of room to cavort. He does best in a country or otherwise rural home not only because he needs a lot of space, but also because of his loud and commanding barking which could annoy neighbors. Take note – although a big backyard is a necessity, he won’t be happy just to spend all day mindlessly loping around the yard. He also needs mental stimulation in the form of a job or plenty of outdoor activities with the family including daily walks. The breed does best when paired with an active individual or family because he has the stamina to walk for miles on end without tiring. An hour a day should be considered minimum for walks, and being allowed to run alongside a bike or accompany the owner on a hike is even better!

Bucovinas take their livestock guarding jobs very seriously and will not hesitate to attack predators if they feel their flock is being threatened. They are fearless and will work both night and day to keep their charges safe! When kept as a pet, they will employ a similar skill set. Intruders will be met first with a deep and powerful bark. It would be extremely unwise for a stranger to break into the home of this serious guard dog, especially after being warned. To say this breed doesn’t trust strangers would be an understatement – his giant size and intimidating appearance is one thing, but he is also prepared to back up his threat! For this reason he does need to be thoroughly socialized from puppyhood even if an owner wants him to be a guard dog. There is a difference between an unpredictable guard and a sound-tempered one. When properly bred, raised and socialized he should not be randomly aggressive.

If a Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is raised with other animals, he is likely to be ok with them and consider them part of his pack. However, he can be dangerous around smaller animals that he doesn’t know (both wild and domesticated) and may even kill them. This is probably related to his livestock guarding duties, where he sees intruding animals as threats that need to be taken out. He can also be fairly dog-aggressive and doesn’t always do well in multiple dog households. A single male can sometimes be ok with a female or vice versa, however, as opposite-sex pairs are less of a threat. This is an extremely devoted and loyal dog that considers it his sole purpose in life to protect those he loves, but this devotion comes with a serious and commanding edge. This breed is not for everyone.

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a working breed, recognized by the UKC in the United States and by the FCI abroad. One of the “big white dog” breeds, this is a rare livestock guardian that is also able to double as a herder of livestock. Their guarding duty is their primary purpose however, and although they don’t outright attack predators under most circumstances, they will stand their ground against any threats to their charges. As they will also do the same for their human owners, they have been praised for their abilities as companion animals which  provide an additional sense of protection. It comes as no surprise that they get along naturally with livestock and other animals, however they also tend to do well with other dogs as well.

Tatras have independent and strong-willed personalities although are very intelligent. They do their guarding job without much training. This is a natural instinct and their temperaments reflects the qualities needed to do this specific job. Independence and decision-making skills are necessary in order to watch over a flock, although can also make them more difficult to train in obedience. Even still, because of their large size and territorial natures they absolutely need to be given obedience training so that an owner can maintain control! Once trained, they can be hard workers – with members of the breed even fulfilling such duties as military and police work, guide dogs, and as carting dogs.

The Polish Tatra was bred to work outdoors, and as such is one of the few breeds which can be kept outside if his needs are otherwise met. As a highly territorial dog, expect him to regularly patrol the backyard and stay alert to the comings and goings of people onto the property day or night! This may include plenty of barking depending upon the number of activities happening around the property. His thick coat makes him particularly suited to colder temperatures, although he should always have a structure to get out of rain or snow. He can also fare well in hot climates although does better overall in places that are cooler. This all said, it is absolutely ok for him to live indoors as well – and he tends to adapt very well to family life!

Tatra Sheepdogs are gentle with children of the family although do need to be treated with respect. They form very strong bonds with the whole family and tend to look at them as “their flock” to watch over. Although they don’t tend to like strangers as a rule, they must be taught to be respectful towards them – and this is where socialization comes in. They need to be socialized with people of all ages starting from puppyhood and continuing throughout their lives! The proper temperament of a well-bred, well-socialized Tatra is a dog who will bark at strangers but otherwise keep his teeth to himself… unless his family (or other charge) is threatened. A dog which has not been socialized is more likely to bite first and ask questions later – a liability that nobody wants!

The Tatra needs a decent size property to roam in and is not a good choice for those who live in apartments. Although he is fairly inactive inside the house, he does require regular exercise outdoors and this has historically been in the form of patrolling a large property. As he is prone to wandering, the yard absolutely needs to include a fence! It is worth noting that puppies and adolescents are more active in the home, so people that plan to keep this breed indoors shouldn’t expect a laid-back animal for a couple of years. Along with plenty of backyard roaming, he should also be given a long walk every day.

Polish Tatras live an average of 10-12 years which is not unusual for dogs of this size. The breed has an open stud book which means breeding isn’t as strict as with other breeds and any dog which is “typical” of a Tatra can be allowed to be added to the gene pool. This is important for health as it prevents the already small gene pool from becoming even smaller. Health is important in any breed, but especially important in a working dog that was expected to guard large mountainous plots of land, and do so on a minimal diet. This hard worker has a naturally strong and powerful frame, and is known for his stamina and work ethic.

The Atlas Mountain Dog (also known as the Aidi) hails from North Africa and has existed there for centuries. Today, it is mostly found in the Moroccan Atlas mountains and is still used today for livestock guarding purposes – particularly for sheep and goats, as well as for guarding his owners from dangerous predators. The bravest members of the breed would be staked around the perimeters of tribal camps to keep watch and defend against human invaders or animal predators during the night. Known for a good nose and hunting abilities as well, the breed is also used on hunting expeditions together with the Sloughi. The Atlas will sniff out the prey and the Sloughi will chase it down! Some have even been used in police work, making this a truly versatile animal.

The Atlas can make a good companion to those who can provide enough mental and physical exercise, and indeed he is becoming a more popular pet in Morocco as well. He does possess a fair bit of energy and needs regular outdoor excursions – enough to satisfy his agile body and alert mind! This is a breed that needs a job to do – ideally one involving flock guarding although other jobs can be substituted. Because this is a dog used heavily for protection, experienced owners are recommended. If he feels like he needs to act in a dangerous situation, he will do so with a calm head however he must be raised correctly for this to be the case.

Atlas Mountains should start obedience lessons from a young age as they can become strong and powerful as adults, and need obedience to keep them under control. They are surprisingly sensitive for such a courageous breed, however can also tend to be dominant-minded, so lessons should always focus on providing the right balance of rules and rewards. Once they begin to learn what is being asked of them they can become very focused. This is an intelligent dog that definitely benefits from challenging tasks, and usually enjoys the extra attention that training gives.

The Atlas Mountain is very affectionate to his family although doesn’t care too much for strangers, tending to ignore new people. It is beneficial to start socialization with him early so that new people/situations don’t frighten him, although keep in mind that acting reserved around strangers is normal and expected. With his owners, he needs plenty of social interaction to remain happy. Some dogs do well in homes with children while others do not. This is dependent upon the individual dog as well as how he was raised.

Atlas Mountain Dogs, being a medium-sized breed, are noticeably smaller than most other livestock guardian dogs however should still be solid in build. The coat is moderate in length but thick, harsh and protective against both hot and cold weather. It requires surprisingly little care. It can be one of three main colors – either black, fawn or brown. Fawns and browns both range from light to dark, with fawns possibly including sable or brindle markings. Any of the three colors can include white. The nose will be either black or brown to match the coat. Ears are always semi-prick, although can be thrown back into the ruff when in repose. The low-set tail has a plume which is said to “denote pure breeding”.

The Atlas does not do well in apartment settings although is well behaved and quiet in a small or large home – even being fairly inactive. He should have at minimum a small backyard with a fence to run around in as well as regular daily walks to satisfy his energy level. Furthermore, providing him with regular activities will keep both his mind and body in shape. Agility is one such sport to which he is well-suited. The breed lives for 11-12 years on average and will need regular activity for the majority of his life. Remember, this is first and foremost a versatile working breed!

Photo By Desaix83

The South Russian Shepherd Dog is said to be directly descended from the wolf, albeit with various herding breeds and sighthounds mixed in. They were used in the Russian steppes both to herd and protect livestock. Also known as the South Russian Ovcharka, this is one of three Ovcharka (sheepdog) breeds from Russia. This is a healthy and long-lived dog for his size (10-13 years on average), and is surprisingly agile and sprightly for such a big dog.

It is important to realize that South Russians, being a livestock guarding breed, are keenly protective of things they consider “theirs”. This means territory, animals and even people. They do this without training or assistance from their owners, and it can’t be trained away. Not only does this make them quite willful, but also a disaster in the wrong hands. This is definitely a breed for an experienced owner only! While a puppy raised with the correct care, socialization and training will likely grow up to be a loyal companion, this is still a sharp breed that can easily misinterpret a situation and react as such. Owners must be knowledgeable not only on how to raise a dog of this temperament, but must stay vigilant to ever-changing day-to-day trigger situations that may occur. An accidental visit by the man who reads the electric meter in the backyard could end in a lawsuit when the dog interprets this as an intruder breaking in!

SROs get along with children whom they were raised with and they will protect them with their lives. Other people’s children, on the other hand, are seen as “others” and are something to be suspicious about. Overall, South Russians see the world through the lens of “theirs” and “others”. If they feel that “their family” is being threatened they will absolutely defend their charge – whether or not any actual threat existed in the first place. Even other dogs that aren’t in the direct family are seen as “others”. For this reason they shouldn’t be trusted in dog parks or daycare situations. There is also same-sex aggression in the breed, especially toward strange dogs. Reactivity outside the home and territorial behavior inside the home (towards other dogs) are common.

When it comes to training, the South Russian Shepherd can be stubborn and prone to testing dominance. It is of vital importance that every South Russian be given obedience training and regular household rules to be followed so that he is easier to manage, and so that he doesn’t constantly challenge his owner. Because of his independence, he is not the type of dog who is eager to please and instead has an attitude of “what’s in it for me?” Most owners don’t expect hyper-fast responses to commands, nor expect endless repetition training to go over very well. Make no mistake, this is an intelligent breed that actually does learn quickly and will retain the knowledge well! Their original purpose just required them to have many traits which are in opposition to the typical “what can I do for you” temperament that other breeds possess. They do best with short training sessions that will later integrate into daily life.

The coat of the South Russian Shepherd Dog sets him apart from the other Ovcharkas. It is long, thick, wavy yet coarse, and of equal length on the head, legs, chest and tail. This scruffy-majestic appearance is very appealing to many! That said, know that it collects dirt and leaves easily, and the glorious appearance of a freshly washed South Russian is not the norm for those living in the country (or in places where it rains frequently). Dirt and debris will likely end up all over the floor or the carpet which will need to be cleaned up, as well as balls of fur during shedding season. They are not for neat-freaks!

The South Russian wants to be with his people at all times. This goes back to his history of spending the entire day with his herd. Unless an owner has given him livestock to watch over, he will watch over the human/s instead! This is not a dog that should spend all his time outside without any company – whether human or animal. In that scenario, one should expect a lot of nuisance barking and crater-sized holes in the yard, and possibly psychological issues such as fearfulness or unprovoked aggression.

The South Russian Shepherd is a slow-maturing breed that will likely take awhile to get over puppy-ish behavior. For a big dog, this can include things such as counter-surfing and pulling his owner down the street. Two more reasons to start training early! Making sure he gets enough exercise is also important to keep not only his body, but also his mind stimulated. The breed does require a high degree of physical exercise such as jogging or biking once or even twice a day.

SROs need a home with a fenced yard so that they do not wander and get themselves into trouble. A wandering South Russian without the boundaries of a fence will consider an increasingly larger and larger area his property, and might try to defend the whole neighborhood from other dogs, cars or the mailman. It should be stressed that although this is a guarding breed, they are less of a personal protection dog (one which can be trained specifically for protection purposes) and more of an independent-minded, “I’ll handle this myself” sort of dog.

Finally, the South Russian Shepherd Dog is not a cheap breed to buy or to care for. Their rare-ness means a puppy will cost more than other breeds of dog, including the likelihood of having to import from another country. Their size means they are more expensive to feed, and that general vet upkeep will probably cost more. Although not all will develop health problems, hip dysplasia is known in many lines and can be expensive to treat (or to buy insurance against). Their high-maintenance coat can be pricey if taken to a groomer, assuming one can find a groomer that can handle one. Training may even cost more if any behavioral issues pop up. Overall this breed requires an advanced set of skills, time and money on the owner’s part but in the right home, is an exceptional natural guard that many consider second to none at his job.

By user:Przykuta

The Sarplaninac is a very old breed from the mountains of former Yugoslavia in southeast Europe. Originally recognized by the FCI in 1939 under the name Illyrian Shepherd Dog, this name was later changed to the current title, named after the Sar Mountains in the region (the correct pronunciation, by the way, is “shar-pla-nee-natz”). Originally recognized with two types, the other type eventually split off completely to become the Karst Shepherd Dog. This is a flock guardian that is still used today, primarily overseas as he is quite rare in the United States.

The Sar is a breed that needs to work in order to be fulfilled and, in fact, usually prefers his flock to his human owners when utilized as a livestock guardian. Always alert to changing circumstances, if danger were to approach the flock he would respond with ferocity although otherwise is a calm (albeit serious) breed. He is unmistakably brave, not to mention strong, and will face any foe regardless of size. With strangers visiting the home, he is aloof at best and suspicious at worst. Care must be taken when owning this molosser breed and as such he is not recommended for novice owners!

Although the Sarplaninac is a loyal and intelligent breed, he is more likely to follow his own will rather than obedience commands. This said, it is vital that he be given rules, boundaries as well as training! This is not a breed that one can just “set and forget” in the yard (unless being strictly used as a livestock guardian rather than as a companion) – he requires mental stimulation and everyday structure. Furthermore, training and rule management should be done with an air of authority as he is not apt to listen to the timid or wishy-washy. Not only is he stubborn and extremely independent but he will take on the authoritative role if he can get away with it.

Sars are affectionate with their families and get along well with children, although it is important to research the lines before purchasing a puppy to make sure the temperament matches up to what you are looking for. Temperaments do vary with certain lines. They can be a bit too much dog for many people due to their sheer size. While usually affectionate with those they love, many are “serious”. This is a territorial guard dog who will take it upon themselves to protect both property, people and livestock if they sees fit – a trait that can make them a liability in the wrong hands. Sarplaninacs can tend towards being aggressive with other dogs as well as small pets, and get along best with livestock. Either way, they need lots of socialization starting in the puppy months to expose them to people/places/animals/things that they will encounter in their adult lives.

Although it should be obvious, the Sarplaninac is not suited to apartment living! He is best suited to living in a country setting, ideally with livestock to watch over (do you notice a trend?). Unlike the majority of breeds, he is perfectly capable of living outdoors with his flock. He also needs plenty of exercise, either in the form of free running on a big fenced property or daily walks/jogs. Historically he exercised himself while doing his guarding job but in a companion home (without a flock), he will likely need his owner to exercise him. Otherwise he can become destructive and difficult to live with.

The Sar is a large breed with heavy bone and a thick coat which gives him the appearance of being even bigger. He is ever so slightly longer than he is tall. The coat is straight, rough in texture and double-coated. Although most commonly seen in iron gray, he is actually allowed to be any solid or sabled color, and can also be shaded from dark to light as long as the color change is gradual. The ears are hanging and shaped like a V, and the tail hangs in a slight sabre shape. The Sar tends to be healthy and robust, usually living between 11 and 13 years. He does however require regular brushing, nail trimming, dental care and ear care. He also needs the occasional bath, which will help to pull out dead coat from this otherwise high-shedder – a coat that is designed for spending cold nights outside.

Photo by Sakal33

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has been used as a flock guardian and general guard dog for hundreds of years in the Carpathian mountains. These abilities are instinctual and do not need to be trained. The breed is therefore exceptionally courageous and will stand up to any predator (animal or human) that threatens their charge. The standard, first written in 1934, is therefore fairly new in the grand scheme of things and before this point, these dogs were bred for their ability to do their job rather than how they should look. Nowadays, they are being seen more often as pets rather than strictly just working dogs in Romania, and are known for their intense loyalty. They can even get along well with children provided that they were socialized early on to them.

Like many livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), the Carpathian tends toward dominant behavior and will try to take charge in situations where the owner isn’t “stepping up”. This isn’t to suggest that the dog is overtly aggressive towards his owners, however he does tend toward assertiveness even while keeping his generally calm demeanor. Owners should make sure to socialize the dog early, provide training and uphold household rules. When this is done, most Carpathians are balanced and even-tempered family members, albeit fairly independent. This is important in all large, strong breeds but especially vital in the serious guarding breeds.

The Romanian Carpathian is not suited to live in an apartment. Most prefer the outside to indoors and therefore need a large fenced backyard in which to roam. Many livestock guarding breeds live outside with their flocks, which makes them one of the rare exceptions to the rule “dogs prefer to be inside with their owners”. This is assuming that the dog has livestock to watch over, of course! If not, companion Carpathians will instead bond with their people (rather than livestock) and do prefer to be within eyes-distance to their owners. Having a lot of energy, they should be given at least one long walk a day to fulfill their exercise needs, preferably in addition to wandering time around the yard to survey/patrol their territory. Make sure the area is securely fenced as some can be escape artists, particularly if they feel they need to jump a fence in order to run off an “intruder”!

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog isn’t normally keen on strangers or even strange dogs. At best, he’s aloof and suspicious. At worst (or if he senses danger), he’s threatening. This is why it’s so very important to socialize early and to understand how the mind of an LGD works before owning one. Other less-than-desirable traits include the propensity to dig (especially if bored or under-exercised), as well as destructive puppy behavior. Most puppies are destructive to a certain extent but large breeds can do a lot more damage in a shorter period of time!

The lifespan of the Carpathian Shepherd averages between 12-14 years which is higher than average for dogs of this size. In general this is a very healthy and hardy breed, particularly when given plenty of exercise and outdoor time. They don’t tend to thrive when left to lay on the couch all day. Make sure to also include grooming in the routine! Although they don’t need grooming as often as some double coated breeds, a full to-the-skin brushing twice a week is recommended. They don’t shed excessively although will drop coat seasonally. Like all dogs, they also need nail trimming, dental care and ear cleaning on a regular basis as well.

Romanian Carpathian Shepherds are intelligent but they do need an owner/trainer who understands dog behavior and is willing to enforce rules in a fair, yet firm way. As a dog who was bred for a specific purpose, a Carpathian needs a job to do in order to be fulfilled. Flock guarding is the most obvious job, but in lieu of livestock, obedience training can function as a fulfilling job instead.

The Kangal Dog is an ancient breed of Livestock Guardian Dog from Turkey. It shares a close relationship to several other breeds (some people even argue it is the same breed as the Anatolian Shepherd) however in Turkey, the Kangal is the “original” breed and Anatolians are merely a Kangal cross. The FCI no longer recognizes the Anatolian, (nor the Akbash – another breed often lumped together with the Kangal) however the UKC in the United States recognizes all three as separate and distinct breeds. This is a powerful molosser-type dog that is able to guard flocks from wolves, bear and jackal.

Kangals are as noble in temperament as they are awe-inspiring in appearance. They are often more affectionate to their owners than other Livestock Guardians, gentle with household children and other pets, and make great companions in the right home – however are not for every owner. For example, this powerful giant needs someone who can physically handle him! Training will help him be more manageable, but up until he is trained he may be too much dog for a frail individual. Furthermore his size means he needs a home where he can stretch out and not be cramped, and lots of food to nourish his giant frame. Add to this the fact that he can be stubborn and overly energetic during the puppy years and one can see that he is simply too much dog for many people!

Kangal Dogs need lots and lots of socialization starting from puppyhood. This is the best way to ensure a well-tempered dog provided he has come from a good breeder. Training is another important factor, as it will give the owner control and establish an important working bond between owner and dog. This said, know that obedience training in particular is more difficult with this breed. This independent soul is prone to ignoring commands and getting bored quite quickly. He needs an owner/trainer that won’t give up easily, and is ready to enforce all commands with an authoritative demeanor. After all, this intelligent breed is capable of learning quickly but will often not respond to someone whom he doesn’t respect. Although rules should be firm, training should remain fair as he will shut down with overly harsh corrections.

The Kangal Dog needs a job to do and can be destructive without one. Because of his size, he can do a lot of damage in only a little bit of time! His original purpose was to watch over livestock with a human shepherd and take care of any threats that came onto the property. This is an excellent job for those who have livestock, but those who don’t may find him behaving too aggressively towards perceived “threats” that come near the backyard. Many will chase off or even kill animals that enter a property, whether wildlife or even strange dogs. The breed may also be overly-protective towards his owners in certain situations. He must be contained within a very secure fence when outside and supervised when people come over. The fence must be at least 6 feet tall at a minimum and also escape-proofed.

What else makes it difficult to own a Kangal? Kangals are not quiet dogs and are known for “roaring” loudly at night and/or when they perceive an intruder. It comes as no surprise that they don’t make a great match for people in close-quarters to their neighbors! They also shed very profusely twice a year, dig huge holes in the yard and are destructive chewers when young. Finally, although one may originally think this is a great choice as a personal protection dog… this is actually not the case. The breed is gentle and friendly most of the time, but will make his own decisions on whether or not somebody constitutes a threat. Yes – he is naturally more territorial than many other breeds, and he will also serve as a great watchdog however he is not suited to protection training.

Kangals do need regular exercise but not an unreasonable amount. The amount needed depends on the living situation in which they are in. In Turkey, Kangals spend lots of time outdoor in large open areas, and will roam along with the livestock. Here, the smaller the yard the more supplemental exercise they will need – they are athletic and moderately active compared to some of the giant breeds. A Kangal kept in a large fenced property, on the other hand, might not need very much at all if he spends hours running the fenceline. One of the most important things to be aware of is to never over-exercise a growing puppy as doing so can damage the joints.

Photo By friend of tr:user:Onur1991

The Akbash Dog is an ancient Livestock Guardian Dog from Turkey, and was named by the USDA in the 80’s as one of the best predator control dogs for livestock. In addition to their superior watchdog skills, they also tend to be easier to keep than other LGDs. They are valued for their stable temperaments and low chance of biting both people and livestock. They take their job of livestock guard very seriously and are quite protective, but unlike other LGDs have less inclination to actually attack when they feel the herd is threatened. This said, they put on a good show towards intruders with barking/growling/etc, which keeps many predators (or human intruders) away out of sheer fright. This also means they can make great watchdogs for a human family as well, but only should be owned by experienced dog owners – particularly those accustomed to LGD molosser breeds.

The Akbash is very independent-minded and not known for his quick responses to commands. He is quick to housebreak, however. Due to his giant size, obedience training is a necessity! An Akbash is designed to work long hours, which means if he doesn’t have a job to do then he will become bored very quickly. Normally this job is livestock guarding, and as such he is pre-programmed to spend all day watching livestock all day on vast acreage. If this isn’t an option then he needs an alternative job, and obedience training can fulfill this role.

Akbash Dogs do best in homes with large, securely fenced yards, and with families who have stable routines. They like to know what to expect out of their environment, and how they fit into it. The fenced yard comes into play because these dogs also need to understand where their territory boundaries are – otherwise they may roam, thinking that the extended areas outside the property is also their territory which needs to be defended. This is dangerous because most have no fear of cars and will walk right into the middle of the street with no hesitation. When the yard is clearly marked by a fence, they are content to stay on their property. Invisible fences are not recommended for this breed as most will just run right through them. Apartments are also not recommended.

The Akbash was bred to be distrustful of strange dogs, and as such is not a good candidate for dog parks, doggie daycare, or similar settings where off-leash dogs are thrown together to play. This said, he tends to do just fine with dogs raised in the same household although he will likely try to take on the most dominant position. Where two equally dominant dogs are involved, there may be fights until the position of order is determined. As might be expected because of their original purpose, they get along fantastically with livestock and other animals and often form strong bonds with all sorts of other animal species. They get along with children and are loyal to their families – all in all, although they are independent-minded they do like to be close to their “charges”, whether animal or human.

Akbash Dogs are fairly quiet in the home although are always keeping an eye out for possible danger. Although more laid-back than similar breeds, they are still very watchful and suspicious of strangers. Wherever they are (inside or outside), they prefer to find a place with a good vantage point in which to sit and watch the goings-on. They aren’t a very active breed but they are a patient and watchful breed. This is a calm dog that needs only minimal exercise, although they should have enough of a yard to stretch their legs on a daily basis – particularly when young.

The Akbash Dog is a rare breed although is recognized by the UKC in the United States. Prospective owners should be prepared to wait if they want to get a puppy. They should also be prepared to invest in grooming equipment while they wait as this breed is a big shedder! The always-white coat (designed to blend in with sheep) is known for shedding profusely throughout the year, and even more so in the summer. While easy to maintain with brushing, it does require a commitment of regular brushing sessions – especially long haired dogs. They do come in both a long coat and medium coat variety although both coat types do require regular care.

Photo By OrysiaD

The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian Livestock Guardian Dog, bred for watching over sheep both in mountainous and flat terrain. He would stay with the flock all day and night, keeping watch of predators both two and four legged. This is a brave dog willing to die for his charges if need be. Maremmas are a rare breed but are recognized by the UKC in the United States and the demand for them is actually quite high from ranchers around the world. A prospective owner may need to look abroad for a puppy and be prepared to wait.

Maremmas are affectionate toward “their people”, often wanting to be as close as possible so they can keep watch (just like they did in Italy). Their affection does not look the same as the typical dog as they are not prone to kisses or jumping, but they will often lean on their person and/or give “hugs”. This said, they are not recommended as pets. This is because they were never bred to be companion animals – rather they were bred to be working dogs. They must have a job to do and most of them need a 24/7-type guarding job as was their original purpose. Without a purpose, they can become bored and/or develop serious behavior problems.

Maremma Sheepdogs are massive animals which can weigh over 100 pounds (for males). Add this to the fact that they are supremely suspicious of strangers and one can see why they could be a liability in the wrong hands! Most cannot handle other people coming into the home, at very least without the presence of their owner, which makes him very difficult to own as a pet for most people. It is not that the breed is randomly aggressive – rather that they are more likely to see threats where there are actually none. While a Maremma as a pet can be done, it would require the right puppy (with a more sociable temperament than most) from the right breeder (who is very knowledgeable about the lines) and a literal TON of continued socialization (more so than the average puppy/dog would need) to go into the right hands (an experienced owner with time to spare, who can give the puppy plenty of work to do).

The Maremma is not a guard dog in the “traditional” sense as he was never bred to be a personal protection dog. To compare, a breed such as a Rottweiler is hardwired to listen and work with the owner through protection training, while a Maremma is bred to think independently and make his own decisions about what may constitute a threat. He needs no special training to do this, but he will ignore his owner and act (or not act) depending upon his own assessment of the situation. Personal protection dogs are very different from livestock guarding dogs and do not fulfill that same purpose.

Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with young children, including infants, as long as the children are in their own family. However, they can misinterpret the interactions of children’s friends which is where the danger lays. An innocent childhood game could be seen as one child attacking “their child”, and they could potentially go after the childhood friend in a misguided attempt to protect. Furthermore, they may also have issues with older children, particularly those who act “weird” (as some teenagers are apt to do). They have a very short fuse for any form of teasing and will not tolerate it.

Maremmas get along with other dogs and animals in general, as this is essentially what they were bred to do. Most love being around livestock but are also usually fine with small animals as well. Just make sure to supervise all initial interactions, especially when it comes to young clumsy puppies and/or large unruly animals such as cattle. Accidents can always occur so use common sense! As Maremmas were bred to “be the boss” of whatever animals they are assigned to watch, they tend to be dominant and assertive. If there are two dominant dogs in a household (particularly males) that refuse to yield to each other, there may be problems.

The Maremma Sheepdog doesn’t need a lot of exercise in the form of walking although they do best living in places with land, particularly growing puppies. They need space to roam in a securely fenced area and many also prefer spaces to dig (they can create enviable craters in which to keep watch over their charges). Young puppies also need to be given appropriate things to chew on so they won’t take their teething behaviors out on something expensive (like the side of the house!). Maremma Sheepdogs can be barkers when living in a place with a lot of stimuli. Barking played an important role in their job, as they would warn any intruding enemies that they were getting too close to their territory. This is another reason why they do better in a country setting.

Maremmas definitely need to be given obedience training, both because of their size and their naturally assertive temperaments. Clean dogs by nature, they are usually quick to housebreak although obedience training may take a bit longer because of their highly independent personalities. This breed is not known for high scores in the obedience ring because they prefer to call the shots themselves. This said, they are highly intelligent and they still need to learn basic house manners/introductory obedience commands (at very least) so time must be put into this important work. They learn best when taught in several short sessions spread throughout the day. Make sure to start teaching while they are still young and more easily managed!

The Maremma does tend to shed quite heavily twice a year. The coarse, white double coat doesn’t need a lot of grooming. In fact, some working dogs coats are never groomed as the water-repellent, weather-proof coat tends to do a decent job protecting the dog from outdoor conditions. This said, if the dog is to be housed inside, one will probably want to give grooming more attention. A clean, dry dog smells better (to the owner) and feels better (to the dog) as the skin and coat will be kept fresh. Furthermore, grooming promotes coat growth and will give an overall more majestic picture. Finally, brushing helps to pull out dead hair which will lessen the severity of shedding when it happens.

Photo By ACiiDMaN

The Karst Shepherd Dog is an ancient molosser-type breed – at one time the same breed as the Sarplaninac until the two were separated in 1968. Hailing from Slovenia, they were originally used as Livestock Guardians. Today they are recognized by the FCI, and in the United States by the UKC. This is a dog with an independent personality which is usually stable but can lean towards being sharp. Extremely brave, they make great guard dogs but only in the right households – this is not a dog for a first-time owner!

It is very important for Karsts to receive plenty of socialization when young in order for them to live with people in a “normal” way. This is important for all breeds, but the Karst especially as they are a large breed with an already-distrustful personality! If they are to be used to guard livestock, they should be socialized with the animals very early on as well. They can be kept as strictly pets although do require a fair bit of training and work to keep them happy. They enjoy having a job to do and it is a healthy outlet for their brains to be able to accomplish tasks on a regular basis.

Karst Shepherds enjoy having a purpose and are therefore good candidates for obedience training. Start young and establish the “rules of the game” early on for best results. It is also recommended to focus on teaching them good behaviors around the food bowl, as well as appropriate reactions to guests, as important early house rules. Some good lessons on boundary training (to stay out of certain rooms or off of furniture) are also helpful.

Karst Shepherds do have a high exercise requirement as they were bred to roam and trot around livestock fields all day. They were also used for herding as well. This means that they need physical exercise in order to be fulfilled, and unfortunately wandering around a small yard is not enough! Karsts that haven’t had enough exercise can become destructive and frustrating to live with. This breed is more of a strong powerhouse rather than a quick and agile animal, so he doesn’t necessarily need to be taken on jogs. Long walks are usually fine, even at a slow pace, provided that owner and dog are able to cover a good bit of distance.

The Karst Shepherd Dog does tend towards having a dominant temperament and is not a good match for a wishy-washy owner. While a well-socialized individual shouldn’t be needlessly aggressive, one will act defensively if he feels the situation warrants it (such as a home invasion). This said, a dog which has been raised to get away with whatever he wants is more likely to behave in aggressive ways. Owners should be ready to lay down rules of the household from the start. While the uninformed may think that setting down rules will hinder any guard dog traits, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A good Karst guard dog will naturally be protective of his owners and rules will help him be stable in the household.

The Karst tends to form strong bonds with his owner and has a loyal disposition. He can do well with children although is a better match for older kids that are well behaved. Supervision is recommended for all breeds to make sure that children are fair to the dog and the Karst is certainly no exception. The breed can spend a lot of time outside, particularly if he has been tasked with watching over livestock, although he does enjoy spending time with the family if possible.

Photo By Canarian