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SOME SHEPHERD DOG BREEDS OF THE WORLD

The Castro Laboreiro Dog

Photo by Carla Cruz.

Many experts do not agree that this breed is a shepherd dog. Other shepherd dogs are generally white whilst Castro Laboreiro dogs are brown. It closely resembles a Labrador Retriever. It is used in mountainous areas of Portugal, not for herding but as livestock protection dog for small sheep and sometimes cattle.
It is a brave and attentive dog, considering its medium size and weight. Height at the withers is 56-61 cm (22-24 in) in males, and 51-56 cm (20-22 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs) in males and 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs) in females.

The Caucasian Ovcharka Dog

Photo by www.molosserdogs.com

The Caucasian Ovcharka Dog (The Kafkas-Caucasian Sheep Dog) is the most powerful sheep dog in Caucasia. The breed is more widely spread in Caucasia than in Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Daghestan, Ossetia, Turkey, Chechnia, Ingushetia or Iran. All varieties have the same temperament, but the physical appearance varies slightly according to the region and the purpose for which they are bred. This dog has a brave, independent, very protective, stubborn character and a very powerful structure. It needs disciplined training and early socialization. Many different colours from grey and cream to various tones of brown exist, and long, medium, or short double coats are acceptable. Height at the withers and weight for males and females respectively is 67-75 cm (27-29 in) and 61-66 cm (24-26 in), and 60-70 kg (132-154 lbs) and 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs).

The Central Asian Ovcharka Dog

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For thousands of years, large, heavily-built dogs with cropped ears and tails have been used by the nomadic tribes of Central Asia to protect livestock from predators and other property from thieves. The ancient home of the Middle Asian Ovtcharka is east of the Urals into Siberia and even Mongolia. There he has aided and protected the nomadic tribes and their flocks for centuries. Only the hardiest of pups survived and only those with strong guarding instincts were allowed to stay with the flocks. The best modern examples are in the Turkmen Republic although they can be found in the Republics of Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgyzstan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and even in Mongolia. They not only have their ears lopped off short, but have their tails bobbed as well. He also comes in a variety of colors. He is well adapted to the heat and scarce water conditions of Central Asia. Because of his strength and bravery he is sometimes used in hunting boar or snow leopards. Height at the withers for males and females respectively is minimum 65 cm (26 in) and 60 cm (24 in).

The Great Pyrenees Dog (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)

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The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is one of the most popular shepherd dogs. It originates from the French part of the Pyrenean Mountains. It is believed to be descended from the Hungarian Kuvazs and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. A very large animal with a solid muscular body, it can provide protection against bears and wolves. It has a cold and water-resistant double coat, consisting of a long, flat, thick outer coat of coarse hair lying over a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is confident, gentle, and affectionate towards its flock or family. Its independent and stubborn personality has a negative affect on training. Its height at the withers is 69-81 cm (27-32 in) in males, and 64-74 cm (25-29 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 45-57 kg (99-126 lbs) in males and 41-52 (90-114 lbs) in females.

The Komondor Dog

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This dog is of Hungarian origin but resembles the Russian Ovcharka. Its existence in Hungary is known to date back at least 1000 years. The characteristic feature of the breed is its coat of very long, dense, white cords , which provides protection against predators. Since its coat resembles that of a sheep it appears from a distance as part of a flock. When it is standing still it may be difficult to identify its front or back. Komondors are self-confident, brave, serious, careful and stubborn dogs. They are extremely affectionate with family and friends and gentle with the children of the family. Because of the Komondor's size, power and speed its owner must keep it under control and disciplined. Its height at the withers is 67-71 cm (26-28 in) in males. Females are slightly shorter. Weight in adult dogs is about 45 kg (99 lbs). Its thick coat makes it look larger.

The Kuvasz Dog

Photo by www.thebreedsofdogs.com

This is one of the most important dog breeds in Hungary, together with the Komondor and the Vizsla. The origin of the Hungarian Kuvasz is dated back to the Turkoman and Mongolian expeditions to inner Europe. The Kuvasz is a majestic, well-proportioned white sheepdog used in the protection of flocks. It has a white or ivory coloured coat. The Kuvasz is an intelligent, curious, fearless, and self-confident dog, which makes it a successful shepherd dog. Height at the withers is 71-76 cm (28-30 in) in males, and 66-71 cm (26-28 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 45-52 kg (99-115 lbs) in males and 32-41 kg (71-90 lbs) in females.
The Maremma-Abruzzese Dog
The Maremma has been bred to guard large flocks of sheep in the Maremma plains and Abruzzese mountains of central Italy. Italians claim that this white shepherd dog has been living for 2000 years in this area. The Maremma is a very impressive and beautiful dog. It is majestic, lively, distinguished and intelligent, and has a lithe and strongly built body. It is faithful, courageous and alert. Height at the withers usually exceeds 76 cm (30 in) in males, and its adult weight is 40-45 kg (88-99 lbs) in males and 30-35 kg (66-77 lbs) in females.

The Polish Tatra Sheep Dog

Photo by Magdalena Wieczorek

The Polish Tatra (or Podhalanski) is a breed of the Carpathian Mountains, also known as the Tatra Mountains in Southern Poland. Although they are very minor mountains, it is fascinating that within this relatively small area there is such a rich tradition of mountain shepherding and sheep guarding dogs still working today - the Polish Tatra Mountain Dogs. A smaller breed of dog in comparison with other flock guarding dogs, nevertheless it shares the characteristic white coat. The Polish Tatra is a strong breed, able to withstand harsh winter conditions. Height at the withers is 66-81 cm (26-32 in) in males and 61-71 cm (24-28 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 57-59 kg (126-130 lbs) in males and 41-50 kg (90-110 lbs) in females.

The Shar Planinetz Dog

Photo by Zivot
The Shar Planinetz of Yugoslavia takes its name from the Shar Planina Mountains in Macedonia. Although its origin is not exactly known, it is assumed to have been bred from the domestic grey breeds of Yugoslavia. Initially it was registered by the FCI as the Ilirski Ovcar, but was reregistered as the Yugoslavian Sharplania Shepherd Dog at the insistence of the Yugoslavian Dog Club. It is a medium size breed, iron grey in colour. It may have white on the chest and legs, although this is not desirable. The Shar Planinetz is a strong dog with great stamina. It is found in greater numbers in the USA than in Yugoslavia. Height at the withers is 55-60 cm (22-23 in) in males and 50-55 cm (20-22 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs) in both males and females.

The Slovakian Tchouvatch Dog

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This rare breed is seldom seen outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it is known as the Slovensk Cuvac, or the Cuvac for short. It was bred by first crossing the Slovakian domestic white dog and the Pomeranian Spitz Dog. Then the Kuversz blood was added to this hybrid breed, and the Tchouvatch was obtained. Originally used to guard sheep and cattle, today it is also a used as watchdog for houses. It has a long, harsh, white coat and may have yellowish markings on its ears and neck. Described as an independent dog, the Tchouvatch is very faithful and is also affectionate, gentle, and patient with children. Average height at the withers is 71 cm (28 in) in males and 66 cm (26 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs is 39-48 kg (86-106 lbs) in males and 32-41 kg (71-90 lbs) in females.

The Tibetan Mastiff Dog

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This is accepted as one of the oldest of all the mastiff breeds and livestock guardians. Its homeland is the Himalayan Mountains. Marco Polo, the early explorer, mentions seeing this breed during his exploration in the 13th Century. Along with size, the Tibetan Mastiff possesses a bold attitude, a rugged constitution, and a dense coat able to withstand extremes of temperature in a cold climate. The colour of its coat may be black, black and tan, blue and tan, brown, grey, sable, or cream. White spots and blazes are acceptable. The Tibetan Mastiff possesses a well-developed protective instinct and a steady nature, and is faithful and gentle with its owner and family. Height at the withers is 64-71 cm (25-28 in) in males and 61-66 cm (24-26 in) in females. Weight in adult dogs and females is 64-78 kg (141-172 lbs).

Aidi Dog