Description of the Romanian Shepherd, their nature and content

The Romanian Shepherd is the collective name of the Romanian Carpathian, Romanian Mioritic, Bukovinian and Black Romanian Shepherd Dog, which is not yet officially an independent breed. The first two breeds are best known and popular as herding and guard dogs.

These physically hardy and brave dogs shepherds of the Carpathian Mountains bred from ancient times. It is believed that the Romanian shepherds were the result of natural crossbreeding between the Slavic and Turkish shepherd dogs. Over time, the breed became more sophisticated due to the selection by farmers-breeders of the most healthy and strong dogs. But despite the excellent quality, These dogs are rarely found in countries other than their native Romania.

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog appeared from breeds of dogs 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 Canine Federation (FCI) and joined a group called herding and cattle dogs.

The Romanian Miorite Sheepdog was also bred in the Carpathian Mountains. She was recognized as a separate breed at the same time as the Romanian Carpathian Sheepdogs in 2005 and also belongs to the group of shepherd and cattle dogs.

To date, there is a description of the basic parameters of the Romanian Shepherd.

• Head. It should be large in size, wedge-shaped with a prominent and broad forehead. It should smoothly move into a not narrow face, 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 folds or flakes.

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

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

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

• Teeth. Ideally, they are large in shape and tightly set. If there are no more than three teeth, this is considered a disqualification. The bite should be correct, have no gaps, with large canines and perfect incisors.

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

• Limbs. These dogs have large, parallel limbs and a confident trotting gait. The shoulders are strong, with a moderate slope, the elbows are located almost at the very chest. The hips are wide with developed muscles. Oval-shaped hands, large, with strong bent fingers.Tenacious claws of black color, paw pads are big and black too.

• 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 agitated, it can be at the level of the back and higher. In Romanian Shepherd dogs, the tail should not be thrown back and be rolled up.

Both the Carpathian and Mioritic shepherds are large dogs with strong bones and developed muscles. But there are some differences in the exterior of these animals.

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

• Miorit Sheep Dogs. The height of dogs at the withers is 65–85 centimeters, the weight of animals is 50–65 kilograms. Wool is thick and fluffy. The color may be white, with ash-gray or cream-colored spots or completely without stains. Alternatively, the coat may be completely ash gray or cream in color.

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd is distinguished by its 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 flock from predators, and the territory of the house from strangers. They are affectionate in dealing with children, but it should be remembered that the dog is very massive, and during the game may unwittingly cause injury to a small child.

A distinctive feature of the nature of the Romanian Miorite Shepherd is considered discipline. These animals are raised and calm, easy to train. They are very good shepherds.

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

• Hygiene. Dogs with such wool should be combed several times a week with a hard comb, during shedding it should be done every day. Often it is not recommended to bathe, but it is a necessary procedure after molting. It is necessary to teach a puppy to brush its teeth with special pastes, as these dogs quickly form tartar even at a young age. And also it is necessary to monitor the condition of the ears and clean them with antibacterial solutions. Eyes can be cleaned 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 Sheepdogs need daily long-term motor load. Carpathian shepherds are very formidable watchmen with a loud voice. Mioritian 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 dry, balanced food for dogs of 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. It should regularly make the dog put on age vaccinations, timely visit the vet. Do not forget to treat the animal from ticks and from fleas. Maintain hygiene and proper feeding.

They are hardy, naturally strong and capable of being a devoted friend to their host for many years.

About what features shepherd dogs possess, see the following video.