The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is a loyal and fanatical shepherd dog that is ideally suited to work with. The name comes from the area where this breed originates, namely the Carpathian area in Romania. This area is very hilly and has long been inhabited by Romanian shepherds who keep sheep or flocks in cooperation with this dog breed.
The Romanian Carpathian shepherd dog is a very loyal and fanatical shepherd dog, walking faithfully alongside the Romanian farmer for many years. You don’t often find this breed of dog outside of Romania, which makes it all the more fun to read about it. Would you like to learn more about this breed of dog? Then read on below.
History: loyalty to their owner and origin
The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog comes from the east of Romania and it is claimed that this dog breed is descended from the Molosser. This dog breed is known to have fought in ancient Greece. Similarities between the two dogs include the fact that they are unafraid and therefore ideally suited to keep the livestock together in the rugged landscape of eastern Romania. In the thirties of the last century action was taken to preserve this dog breed and at the beginning of this century this succeeded. It is remarkable that you hardly find this breed in other countries than Romania.
The character: brave and reliable
The character of the Carpathian shepherd dog is similar to most shepherd dogs. Imagine that you are a shepherd in eastern Romania and there are all sorts of dangers lurking around that want to eat your livestock. You then need an open-minded and courageous dog that will not shy away from a possible collision. The Romanian Carpathian shepherd dog is exactly the dog you want at your side. Should you want him as a pet and you happen not to live in the East of Romania and you are not a shepherd either, then it is good to know that besides being very brave this dog is also very reliable.
It is a real children’s friend and it is a dog that can really be cuddled with. However, it is not a fan of strangers and therefore it will take some time for him to get used to all your friends. But when this is the case, you will only be happy about this. The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog does not like to play very much, but it does need a lot of exercise, so try to go outside together as much as possible.
The appearance of the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog
The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog grows to between 60 and 80 centimeters in height, measured from the shoulders, and weighs between 35 and 70 pounds. It has a black nose and abundant hair on its legs and around its neck which gives it a certain grace. The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has different colors that range from light gray to black. They can live up to 14 years and are very loyal to their owner.
The care
As mentioned earlier, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is used to a lot of exercise. Even if you do not intend to keep your dog as a shepherd dog, it is important that your dog gets enough exercise, for instance by taking long walks in nature or going for a run. This will immediately improve the bond between your dog and you. After all, it is much more fun to exercise with your dog than alone.
It is also very nice for your dog to just take your side in everyday life. Furthermore, it is good to know that the ears of the Carpathian Shepherd Dog need to be dried and cleaned well. Because of their long hair at their ears they are more susceptible to ear infections and of course you’d rather not have that.
Are there any diseases that occur in this breed?
Little is known about the diseases that occur in the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog. This is mainly because it is a relatively undiscovered breed about which, with the exception of Romania, quite little is known. A tip is to take into account similar disorders that occur in other large dogs. As mentioned earlier, it is also important to check often for ear wax and ear infections.
Dog training for this breed
Like most sheepdogs, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is an active and very energetic dog, so it is important that this breed gets enough exercise and that you, the owner, start a dog training in time. Training programs that are suitable for this breed are fairly similar to those for other types of shepherd dogs; there is no specific training for the Romanian Carpathian shepherd dog known in The Netherlands.
This dog breed is not very suitable for dog sports. This is because the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is not very playful by nature. He will enjoy a long walk more than a dog sport like Flyball. There are also several exercises that are good for the mental state of a dog. There are many behavioural problems in dogs due to not enough attention being paid to the mental aspect. Many of these behavioural problems can be remedied by a combination of exercise and mental exercises.
Examples of mental exercises are: tricks, hiding something or commands. This can be combined with a small course for maximum effect. By letting the dog do these exercises he will have to think for himself. This of course stimulates the brains extra.
Finally, it is always wise to register your pup for a puppy course. Besides the fact that it is important for the puppy to socialize and overcome possible fears, you as the owner will also learn a lot. You will gain insight into the behavior of your dog and insight into the mutual communication and relationships between dogs. Of course, by working with your dog from the very first minute, a great dog-owner relationship will be created and the puppy will receive the proper upbringing and training, making it an even greater pleasure to have a Romanian Carpathian shepherd dog as a pet.
What does a Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog cost?
Because the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is almost impossible to find outside of Romania, it is not clear to say what a puppy of this breed costs.
How much exercise does this breed need?
This breed needs a lot of exercise. This can range from long walks to running together for a bit. It is not enough to go for a 20-minute walk three times a day, as this will not allow the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog to expend its energy and it will not be good for your dog’s mood.
Did you know?
The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is an extremely courageous animal that often comes into contact with hostile species in the mountains of Eastern Romania. In contrast to Western Europe, Romania still has a lot of rough nature and much less populated areas than we know it. This ensures that this breed of dog still performs the same tasks today as it did a hundred years ago.
Recognition in the USA
This dog breed is officially recognised in the United States of America, this can be found on the official website of the American Kennel Club. This means that it is a healthy dog breed that may be bred with.
Do you already own a Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog or are you planning to purchase one?
The Romanian Carpathian shepherd dog is a yet to be discovered gem in Western Europe and for the time being is still hiding in the Romanian countryside. It is a very courageous and loyal animal that does not shy away from a fight, give it some time to get used to you because after that you will have a friend for life. It is a dog that always wants to go outside with you and is almost impossible to get tired. Are you one of the lucky ones to have a Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog as a pet? Then we would like to hear about your experience in the comments below.
