Romanian Raven Shepherd DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Corb is a natural breed that developed in the Southern Carpathians and the Sub-Carpathian area: the counties of Dâmbovița, Argeș, Prahova and Brașov. There it is highly valued and used to guard flocks and farmsteads.

Local people have known it for generations and named it “corb” (raven) because of its almost entirely black coat. Its area of origin is fairly small, but the dog population is large.

How the breed developed

• Generations of work at the sheepfold – The dogs guard sheep and cattle at mountain sheepfolds.
• 14 November 2008 – The Romanian Kennel Association officially recognises the breed.
• 17 September 2024 – The FCI publishes standard no. 373 and provisionally recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the description of temperament in the FCI standard (“balanced, calm, obedient”).

The Corb is a large, tall, brave and proud dog. The body is rectangular, slightly longer than the height. Males are stronger and larger than females.

General appearance

The head is strong, with a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. The eyes are small and brown, and the V-shaped ears, when pulled forward, reach the corner of the lips. The long coat forms a mane on the neck, feathering on the forelegs and “trousers” on the hind legs. The tail is bushy.

The coat is raven black or black over more than 80% of the body, with white markings on the chest and forelegs. Between two equally good dogs, judges prefer the blacker one. In summer the sun can give the coat a reddish tinge, and this is not penalised.

The standard describes it as a balanced, calm dog, obedient and attached to its owners, with a well-developed guarding instinct. It is reserved with strangers.

A Corb puppy grows very large, so training should begin in the first months, while it can still be controlled easily.

Tips for effective training

• Start early. Get the puppy used to people, cars, other animals and noises.
• Reward calm behaviour. Praise and rewards reinforce what you want it to repeat.
• Teach the basic commands. “Sit”, “stay”, “come” and walking on the lead are a must for a dog of 70–80 cm.
• Introduce your guests. The dog more readily accepts people the family welcomes.
• Work on the barking. It has a very powerful voice; teach it to stop on command.

The Corb must be agile to chase predators and round up cattle. It needs space and daily exercise, not a flat.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high and solid.
• In summer the black coat heats up quickly in the sun: give it shade and fresh water.
• Think of the neighbours: its bark can be heard from a great distance.

Coat and skin care

The long coat should be brushed once or twice a week. During the shedding season, brush it more often, especially the mane and the backs of the legs, where knots can form.

Common health problems

No health studies have been published for this breed. As with any very large dog, two conditions are worth watching for:

Other care

• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
• Check the ears and teeth once a week.
• Look for ticks after walks, especially in the black coat, where they are hard to see.

For such a large dog, the amount of food should be set according to its actual weight. Weigh it and watch its condition, not just the instructions on the packaging.

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.

• Split the food into two meals a day. This lowers the risk of bloat.
• Puppies need a growth food suited to large breeds.
• 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.

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. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• The name comes from its colour. Local people have called it “corb” (raven) for generations because of its black coat.
• The blacker, the better. The standard says that between two equally good dogs, the one with more black is preferred.
• The sun can “dye” it. In summer the coat may take on a reddish tinge, and the standard says it should not be penalised.
• It can be heard from afar. Its bark is powerful and deep and can be heard from a great distance.
• It is the newest Romanian breed at the FCI. It received provisional recognition in 2024, after the Mioritic and the Carpathian (2015) and the Bucovina (2019).

How big does a Raven Shepherd Dog get?

Males measure 70–80 cm at the withers and females 65–75 cm.

Is the Corb entirely black?

Usually yes, or black over more than 80% of the body, with white markings on the chest and forelegs.

Is it officially recognised?

Yes. The Romanian Kennel Association recognised it in 2008, and the FCI provisionally in 2024.

Does it get on with the family?

Yes, it is calm, obedient and attached to its owners. It is wary of strangers.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. It is a very large sheepfold dog and needs a lot of space.