Karakachan dog
- Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossian breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Section 2: Molossoid
- Without working trial
Males: 63-75 cm Bitches: 60-69 cm
Dogs: 40-55 kg Bitches: 30-45 kg
The Karakatschan is not recognized by the FCI breed of dog from Bulgaria. The first published in June 1991 breed standard was adopted in 2005 by the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The breed is named after the Karakatschanen. The created in Bulgaria standard for the breed describes the eponymous ethnic group as nomadic shepherds of Thracian descent. The dogs were and are used as guard dogs. Your task is, without human intervention, to guard the flock and protect against attackers and. Even as a watchdog for the property of their owners they are used.
Description
The Karakatschan is a herding breed with a particularly pronounced protective behavior for his own "pack". The breed was named after a Greek-speaking population, the Karakatschanen. The shepherds of these originally nomadic ethnic group played a special role in the development of these dogs. The Karakatschan - dogs were almost extinct in the late 20th century as they were no longer needed as guard dogs, because nationalization of sheep farming in Bulgaria there was no more need for the animals.
Karakatschans protect the flock from all intruders, too close to approaching the "their" herd animals. Even the puppies are raised traditionally in close contact with the herd and learn the behavior of the older dogs.
Also in the appearance of Karakatschan is a typical herding dog with a shoulder height of 60-75 cm and a weight of 35-55 kg. The coat is weather resistant, long, in black -and-white to brown. The head is massive with small, triangular ears hanging.
Behavior
The Karakatschan is described in the breed standard as brave and intelligent. He should behave suspicious towards strangers and show themselves independent.
Karakatschans become aggressive when defending their flock. Tried a stranger to catch an animal of the herd, he could face severe aggression. However, the dogs show neutral towards people when the flock is driven, for example, through a village. Conflicts with humans in guarding the herds are practically non, which also contributes to the fact that people in the region, in which the dogs are used as guard dogs, understand their behavior and avoid conflicts.
Free transfer of Karakatschans to shepherd
The Balkani Wildlife Society has collected nationwide on live animals and now breeds Karakatschans to deliver them free of charge to pastors. So to make way for a widespread acceptance of negative attitude towards predators in Bulgaria.
With the proliferation of wild bears and wolves through reintroduction or resettlement namely, the number of cracked herd animals to again and therefore need the shepherds protect their flocks. The loss of domestic animals by predators often leads to hostility in the population against the feral animals. With the proliferation of Karakatschans is to be achieved, to stop this trend.