Page 72 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Romanian Shepherd Dogs

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN White-beige Bucovina only may appear as white,
23–31in 77–154lb 12–14 years Black white-beige, black, or ashen-gray
(59–78cm) (35–70kg) and may have patches of color. CARPATIN

These watchful and courageous dogs need space
MOLOSSUS DOGS
and freedom to run and may be wary of strangers
Said to be descendants of ancient molossus
dogs that were crossed with local domestic dogs,
In the mountainous Carpathian region of From the 1930s onward efforts were made
the Romanian Shepherd Dog is an impressive Romania, shepherds rely on large, robust to preserve all three types. The different
animal. The ancient molossus dogs were used
dogs to guard their flocks in all weather. Romanian Shepherd Dog breeds were
in battle, for hunting (as seen in this frieze from
c.645BCE), and for guarding property and working Regional breeding has resulted in several provisionally recognized by the FCI in
with livestock. Those used for herding were said distinct types: the three main forms are the the early years of this century.
by Aristotle (384–322BCE) to be “superior to Carpatin, the Bucovina, and the Mioritic. Romanian Shepherd Dogs are little
others in size, and in the courage with which they
The lean, wolflike Carpatin originated known outside their native country. All
face the attacks of wild animals.” These attributes in the lower Carpathian-Danube area of types are better suited to outdoor rather
are essential for the Romanian Shepherd Dogs
eastern Romania; the heavier Molossoid than indoor life, and none is widely known
that are used to guard livestock today.
Bucovina was developed in the northeastern as a companion dog. With strong watchdog
mountains; and the shaggy-haired Mioritic instincts, Romanian Shepherd Dogs are
arose in the north. All types have to be strong highly territorial and suspicious of strangers.
and courageous to defend livestock against They need plenty of activity, as well as
predators such as wolves, bears, and lynxes. early socialization and firm training.

Blaze extends White with
to muzzle cream and gray
markings
Wolf-gray
Black
nose
Profuse hair
on tail

Slightly longer
hair on neck
forms ruff

Rough, slightly Coat longer than
wavy coat other Romanian
Shepherd Dogs
Feathering on
back of front legs

White
markings
CARPATIN on feet

MIORITIC

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