Description of the Romanian shepherd dogs, their nature and content

Romanian Shepherd is the collective name of the Romanian Carpathian, Romanian Mioritian, Bukovinian and Black Romanian Shepherd, which is not yet officially an independent breed. The first two breeds are the most famous and are popular as shepherd and guard dogs.

Shepherds of the Carpathian mountains have bred these physically hardy and brave dogs since ancient times. It is generally accepted that Romanian shepherds were the result of natural crosses between Slavic and Turkish shepherds. Over time, the breed became more and more perfect due to the selection by farmers-breeders of the healthiest and strongest dogs. But, despite the excellent quality, these dogs are rare in countries other than their native Romania.

Romanian Carpathian Shepherd appeared from dog breeds that lived in the Carpathian area near the Danube. For the first time, the standard of this breed was described by the National Institute of Zootechnics of Romania in 1934. By the end of the eighties of the twentieth century, about 200 dogs of this breed were recorded, but only in 2005 the Romanian Carpathian shepherd dogs were recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) and entered the group called shepherd and cattle dogs.

The Romanian Miorita Shepherd was also bred in the Carpathian Mountains. It was recognized as an independent breed at the same time as the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd in 2005 and is also included in the group of cattle and cattle dogs.

Today there is a description of the main parameters of the Romanian shepherd.

• Head. It should be large, wedge-shaped with a convex and wide forehead. It should smoothly transition into a not narrow muzzle, the length of which is slightly shorter than the length of the forehead. Strong cheekbones are well developed and rounded. The lips are thick, black, they should not form wrinkles or bruises.

• Eyes. They have an almond-shaped shape, set slightly slanted. They are medium sized with a brown iris. The eyes should not be convex or recessed. The eyelids are always tight and only black.

• Nose. It should be large and wide, have a black color.

• The ears. Normally they have an average size and a triangular shape, rounded at the ends. They are higher than the eyes. The ears of Romanian shepherds always fall to the head.

• Teeth. Ideally, they are large in shape and tightly set. If more than three teeth are missing, then this is considered a disqualification. The bite should be correct, without gaps, with large fangs and perfect incisors.

• Body. Normally, the length of the body is longer than the growth. In males, the body is usually shorter. The neck is medium in size, powerful and embossed, with a distinctive withers. The chest is voluminous and wide, descends to the elbows. The back of the Romanian Shepherd Dog is solid and narrow, with a convex loin.

• Limbs. These dogs have large, parallel to each other limbs and a confident trotting gait. The shoulders are strong, with a moderate slope, the elbows are located almost at the chest. The hips are wide with well-developed muscles. Brushes are oval, large, with strong bent fingers. Tenacious claws of black color, paw pads are large and also black.

• Tail. It should be strong, fit into a standard length, with a long hairline. When the dog is calm, the tail is lowered in the shape of a sickle. If the animal is excited, then it can be at the level of the back and above. In Romanian shepherds, the tail should not be thrown back and curled in the shape of a ring.

Both Carpathian and Miorit shepherd dogs are large dogs with a strong skeleton and well-developed musculature. But there are some differences in the exterior of these animals.

• Carpathian Shepherd Dogs. Male dogs reach a height of 66–74 centimeters, female - 58–66 centimeters. The norm of weight of this breed is 36–70 kilograms. Animals are characterized by coarseness, density and straightening of the coat of white, red, gray colors. A combination of these colors with a dominant white background is allowed.

• Miorite Shepherd Dog. The height of the dogs at the withers is 65–85 centimeters, the weight of the animals is 50–65 kilograms. The coat is thick and fluffy. The color can be white, with ash gray or cream colored spots or completely without spots. Alternatively, the coat may have a completely ash gray or cream color.

Romanian Carpathian Shepherd is distinguished by devotion to its owner. She is a faithful and reliable companion, while having a very balanced character. This is a very brave dog that will easily protect people and the herd from predators, and the territory of the house from strangers. They are affectionate in communicating with children, but it should be remembered that the dog is very massive, and during the game can unwittingly cause injury to a small child.

Discipline is considered a distinctive feature of the character of the Romanian Miorite Shepherd Dog. These animals are well-mannered and calm, easy to train. They are very good shepherds.

Despite the fact that dogs of these breeds have good health and excellent immunity by nature, they need regular care and a certain routine.

• Hygiene. Dogs with such hair should be combed several times a week with a hard comb; during molting, do this every day. Often, bathing is not recommended, but it is a necessary procedure after molting. It is necessary to teach the puppy to brush his teeth with special pastes, since in these dogs tartar quickly forms even at a young age. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the ears and clean them with antibacterial solutions. Eyes can be wiped with a decoction of chamomile or a special solution.
• Conditions of detention. These dogs are strictly not recommended to be kept in a city apartment. The best option is a house outside the city or in the village. Romanian shepherds need a daily long motor load. Carpathian Shepherd Dogs are very formidable watchmen with a loud voice. Mioritskie have a more peaceful disposition and can get along with other dogs in the same yard.
• Feeding. The main product in the diet of these dogs should be meat and cereals: buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. They can be fed a dry, balanced dog food for large breeds with high physical activity. An adult animal is fed 2 times a day, puppies - 4-5 times. It is strictly forbidden to give dogs tubular bones, fatty meat, salty, spicy, fried and sweet foods.
• Disease Prevention The dog should be regularly vaccinated according to the age, and the veterinarian should be visited on time. Do not forget to treat the animal from ticks and fleas. Observe hygiene and proper feeding.

They are hardy, naturally in good health and capable of being faithful friend to their master for many years.

About what features the shepherd dogs have, see the next video.