Bukovina Sheepdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Bukovina Sheepdog is also known as Ciobanesc Romanesc de Bucovina, Caine Ciobanesc de Bucovina, Bucovina Shepherd and Bucovina Sheepdog. It is an ancient dog breed that has been acting as flock guardians for Romanian shepherds for centuries. Its balance temperament and kind nature has won this breed appreciation as family pet. This large dog is appreciated for its courage and working skills.It is a fearless and brave dog that can combat dangerous predators like bears and wolves. This large dog stands around 25-30 inches with a proportionately suitable weight.

The general appearance of the dog is that of a vigorous dog. It is a large dog that is agile but not heavy with a rectangular body. The head is massive and wolf like. The muzzle is strong with a large, wide and always black nose. Lips are thick and well-pigmented. Almond shaped eyes are dark brown and slightly oblique. The ears are high, V-shaped, with rounded tips, fallen, and very close to the cheeks. Neck is muscular strong and moderately long. The muscular body is massive with a well supported back. The chest is wide and tall, reaching the level of the elbows with well arched ribs. The tail is bushy and set high. It is carried low when dog is in relaxed mood but carried high when the dog is paying attention or in action. The outer coat is harsh, dense and straight while undercoat is soft and dense. The coat background must be white with well-defined, sand-charcoal colored, black or brindled patches. On the legs, there can be little black or other color drops. Completely white or black animals are accepted but not preferred by breeders and in show rings.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI, CKC, NKC, APRI, NKC, ACR and DRA.

Color

The coat has white color as background with well defined sand-charcoal colored, black or brindled patches. On the legs, there can be little black or other color drops. Uniform colors: Uniform robes (without spots) completely white or black are accepted but not preferred by breeders and in show rings.

Coat

The Bukovina Sheepdog has double coat. The outer coat is moderately long, harsh, dense and straight. It is abundant on all body except for head and forelegs. The undercoat is soft and dense. Hair length can be 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches.

Personality

The Bukovina Sheepdog is best known for its loyal and very protective nature. The dog is very intelligent, loving, affectionate, gentle and friendly with its family. It is a very playful breed that shows patience and kindness to children. Primarily a cattle guardian, the dog has strong protective instincts. It will protect its family and property courageously till the end if such situation arises. The dog is distrustful of strangers like all cattle guardian dogs. It will signal an alarm to indicate arrival of an stranger and will make very good watch and guard dog. It is loyal and obedient to its family but can be stubborn and willful at times. Early socialization and training is a must for this dog and it should be trained to follow the rules set for it. This high energy dog is not suitable for indoor living or apartment life and will suit active families with large open spaces and time to take this dog for exercise. The Bukovina Sheepdogs have earned appreciation as family pet with their very stable and calm temperament. It is an excellent pet to have as well as excellent watch and guard dog.

Care

The coat requires frequent brushing to keep it clean. This breed's thick and gorgeous coat requires almost constant attention such as brushing and grooming in order to prevent matting and maintain its attractive appearance.

Training

Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Bukovina Sheepdog as the dog is independent and somewhat stubborn when it comes to repetitive training sessions. The trainer needs to establish himself as dog's packleader early on to make it obey his commands and follow training routines. This breed requires an experienced, patient, and confident handler with a stern and serious approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.

Activity

Accustomed to roaming around freely during herding and protecting cattle, the dog has high exercise demands. It needs daily physical and mental stimulation to be happy and content. It is most suitable to suburban or rural setting where its energy can be put to good use. The dog is not suitable for apartment or small house living. An under exercised dog can become destructive and start showing undesirable behaviors such as barking, digging, chewing or howling.