Breed Type: Watch-dog
Weight: In accordance with the size
Height: Male: 27-30 inches (68-78 cm), Females: 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)
Coat Type: Double layered, comprising of a base coat and a mane
Bucovina shepherd dog is an extremely energetic and playful dog that has been used by humans for a long time. It was originally bred as a watchdog, to keep a strong guard over sheep and other livestock. However, today, Bucovina shepherds are commonly being used as companion dogs by people, since they are very loyal as well as reliable. Their strong body framework helps them to achieve their role as a guard dog. Bucovina shepherd dog needs frequent care and grooming to keep fit and active. It needs regular workouts and an active lifestyle. To know more about this interesting dog breed, read the information given in the lines that follow.
History
Typically, a herd dog, Bucovina shepherd has been used since a long time by the Romanian shepherds in the mountains of Carpathian range, to protect their herds from any predators or thieves. Although today, they are used mostly as watchdogs, they are increasingly gaining access to the dog lover houses in the city areas. Also called Romanian Bucovina sheepdog, the breed strongly resembles the Tornjak, Karakatcean and Hrvatski Planinski Pas and is a variant of the Balkan dog. It is considered to have evolved from the dogs in the provinces of Dacia and Moesia.
Bucovina shepherd dog has excellent hunting capabilities and it is for this very reason that it was used for the purpose of herding animals. Originating roughly around the 18th century, it was developed in Bucovina region of Romania, hence the name. Extreme care was adopted while breeding the dog, to get a perfect combination of good physical appearance and guarding traits. The initial standards for the breed were written in the year 1982 and were later revised in 2001. Recently, in March 2002, the standards were again revised and updated, as per the 1987 FCI model.
Appearance
The physical framework of Bucovina shepherd dog is quite massive, with a slightly elevated head, as compared to the rest of the body. The breed has a slightly moderate skull, strong jaws and scissor-sharp teeth. Its black nose is quite well developed and the muzzle has the shape of a truncated cone. One never gets the impression that the muzzle is pointed, but it definitely narrows towards the extremity. In comparison to the other dimensions of the skull, the eyes are small and almost slating. However, the cheeks are not that prominent, lying very close to pair of ‘V’ shaped ears, with rounded tips. Moving down to the neck, one will notice that there are no dewlaps, but the area is quite bulky and strong. The muscular body, on the other hand, is very massive and complete with a well-supported lap. The chest almost reaches the level of elbows and is wide, with well-arched ribs.
Personality
Being particularly bred to protect herds of cattle and sheep, Bucovina shepherd dogs serve this purpose to the max. They make excellent watchdogs and are very devoted and loyal towards their owners. These dogs appear very calm and balanced, but are not at all trusting towards strangers. They are extremely courageous and never dwindle from any possible combats. Any kind of trespassing on their property is strictly warned against, by a strong, penetrating bark.
Grooming
The thick hair of a Bucovina shepherd dog requires regular or frequent grooming. It is almost mandatory to brush the coat everyday, to prevent matting and maintain the gorgeous appearance of the outer coat. However, frequent bathing is not essential, as it removes the natural oils present on the surface of the skin. Bucovina shepherd dogs can be dry shampooed to remove the dirt that remains attached to their hair.
