KarakachanCharacteristics, history, training and care

Karakachan. · Edal Anton Lefterov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.

The Karakachan is a Bulgarian livestock guardian dog, related to the shepherd dogs of neighbouring countries, including Romania. Wikipedia says it is named after the Karakachans, nomadic Greek shepherds, that it was prized for its intelligence and courage and that it is called “the wolf killer”. It was officially recognised as a Bulgarian breed in 2005, but it is not recognised by the FCI.

Quick facts

Common name	Karakachan
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	Bulgaria
Official recognition	Not recognised by the FCI; recognised as a Bulgarian breed in 2005
Lifespan	No published data for the breed; large breeds usually live 10–12 years
Size (males)	Large flock guardian dog
Size (females)	Slightly smaller than males
Coat type	Dense
Common colours	Varied
Energy level	Medium
Suited to an apartment?	No
Temperament	Intelligent, fearless, territorial, protective
Tendency to aggression	Moderate to high towards intruders
Good with children	Good with the family, under supervision
Good with other animals	Very good with the flock it guards
Genetic predispositions	No specific diseases are known; as in other large breeds, hip dysplasia

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
Dog breeds Guard dog breeds Large dog breeds Shepherd and herding dog breeds

History and origin

Wikipedia says it is related to the livestock guardian dogs of neighbouring countries: Romania to the north, North Macedonia and Serbia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south. Its ancestors are thought to have begun taking shape as early as the third millennium BC, and the breed descends from the dogs of the Thracians, who were renowned livestock breeders. The Karakachans, with their conservative traditions, preserved some of the oldest domestic breeds in Europe: the Karakachan sheep, horse and dog.

Later it was also used by the Bulgarian army as a border guard. The breed almost disappeared and was saved by shepherds in the mountains of Bulgaria. It was recognised as a native Bulgarian breed in 2005; the largest working populations today are in Bulgaria and the United States.

How the breed developed

Third millennium BC – Its ancestors begin to take shape, according to Wikipedia.
20th century – It is also used as a guard on the Bulgarian border.
2005 – It is recognised as a native Bulgarian breed.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★☆☆
Easy to train	★★★★☆
Intelligence	★★★☆☆
Independence	★★☆☆☆
Stubbornness	★★★☆☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★☆☆
Affectionate with family	★★★☆☆
Friendly with children	★★★☆☆
Good with other dogs	★★★★★
Good with cats and other animals	★☆☆☆☆
Loyalty	★★★☆☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★☆☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★☆☆
Needs and care	★★★☆☆
Shedding	★★★☆☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★☆☆
Energy level	★★★☆☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★☆☆
Suited to apartment life	★★★★★
Health and longevity	★★★☆☆
Life expectancy	★★★☆☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★★★☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★☆☆☆
Good guard dog	★★★☆☆
Good companion dog	★★★★★

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed is not recognised by the FCI or the AKC, so the rating is based on its description on Wikipedia.

Physical characteristics

It is a large livestock guardian dog, made for the mountains of Bulgaria. Wikipedia says it is strictly territorial and regards the flock as its territory, wherever the flock may be.

General appearance

It has a dense coat, suited to the mountains.

Feature	Karakachan
Size	Large
Coat	Dense
Colour	Varied
Use	Flock guarding
Origin	Bulgaria
Type	Herding dog

The colour varies from one dog to another.

Training and socialisation

Wikipedia says it is a typical flock guardian, bred to protect the flock and its owner's property; it does not hesitate to face wolves or bears to defend its owner and family. It was prized for its intelligence and courage.

As it is very territorial and independent, it needs an experienced owner, early socialisation and a territory to guard.

Tips for effective training

Socialise it early. It is territorial.
Give it a territory. It guards by instinct.
Be calm and consistent. It is independent.
Do not choose it as a first dog. It calls for experience.

Activity needs and lifestyle

As a flock guardian, it does not need intense running, but rather space, daily walks and a territory to guard.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Walks	daily	Fitness
Guarding	daily	Instinct
Training	several times a week	Discipline

Tips for a balanced life

Suited to large yards or farms.
Brush it often during shedding.
Not suitable for a flat.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The coat is brushed once a week, and more often during moulting.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any large breed, it is worth watching for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Hip dysplasia	The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops	Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain
Elbow dysplasia	The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears	Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)	The stomach fills with gas and may twist; this is a veterinary emergency	Swollen belly, trying to vomit without success, drooling, restlessness

Other care

Ask for the parents' hip tests.
Do not let it run after a meal.
Go for yearly check-ups.

Diet and nutrition

A large guard dog needs good-quality food suited to its size.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
35 kg	1,610 kcal	1,810 kcal	400–520 g
45 kg	1,950 kcal	2,190 kcal	490–630 g
55 kg	2,260 kcal	2,540 kcal	560–730 g

Split the food into two meals a day.
Large-breed puppies need special food.
A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

Interesting facts

“The wolf killer”. That is what it is called.
A descendant of the Thracians' dogs. According to Wikipedia.
Related to Romanian dogs. It is related to the flock guardian dogs of Romania.
A border guard. The Bulgarian army used it.
A presidential gift. The President of Bulgaria gave one to George W. Bush.