Karakachan, Karakachan Shepherd Dog
The Karakachan is a breed of dog that originated in Bulgaria as a mountain livestock guardian dog. Other names are Bulgarian Shepherd and Thracian Mollos. The dog is named after the Karakachans, Balkan nomadic shepherds. Due to their conservative stock-breeding traditions, they have preserved some of the oldest breeds of domestic animals in Europe: the Karakachan sheep, Karakachan horse and the Karakachan dog.
In the past, this mountain dog was widely used in Bulgaria as a border army watchdog. Nowadays it is used primarily as a livestock guardian dog and property guard dog. The most numerous populations of working purebred livestock guarding Karakachan dogs are found in Bulgaria and the United States. The Karakachan was officially approved as a Bulgarian old native breed in 2005. The Karakachan dog may be a descendant of ancient Balkan domestic dogs, possibly since the time of the Thracians. In ancient Thracian treasures, figures were found of big, longhaired guardian dogs with curled tails. The Karachan is part of the origin of the Bulgarian Shepherd dog, with which it should not be confused.
Size | Medium |
Height | Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm)Female: 25-28 inches (63-72 cm) |
Weight | Male: 99-125 pounds (45-57 kg)Female: 88-114 pounds (40-52 kg) |
Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Colors | Black White Tricolor |
Origin | Bulgaria |
Classification | Purebred |
Good Lapcat |
Good In Apartments |
This dog does best in a clean country environment where he can receive extensive daily exercise and a job to do. |
Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. It is also friendly toward strangers. |
Good With Dogs |
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Good With Cats |
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Exercise Needs |
This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and a job to do. When not actively working it should be taken on daily, long, brisk walk. |
Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: The Karakachan is average when it comes to training. Results will come gradually. |
Affectionate |
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Playfulness |
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Grooming Requirements |
Coats should be brushed about every 2-3 days. Bathe only when necessary. |
Shedding |
Moderate Shedding: Routine brushing will help. Be prepared to vacuum often! |
Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |