Bulgarian Shepherd Dog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a very old breed. They are said to be the descendant of the ancient domestic dogs of the Balkans and were used by nomadic shepherds centuries ago. It's possible that the original stock for these dogs came from Afghanistan and Iran when the people of the Balkans came from those areas.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed of dog is an outstanding livestock guarding dog but they are very serious about their work. They will attack to defend their flocks and property. If you intend to keep a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog as a pet then you need to make sure that they are very well socialized from the time they're a puppy. These are very loyal and brave dogs and they are devoted to their families. It's part of their nature to be territorial and protective.

Color

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog varies in coat color. In the shepherds' way of life the prevailing white color with big, asymmetric black spots established as a coat cover of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, but it could not be taken as a breed standard. Wholly black coat dogs are serious fault, and wholly white arouses suspicion for mix with breeds distant from the natural area of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog.

Coat

The coat is of medium length to long. The fore-face is covered with short hair. Some of the dogs have short hair at ears also. Shorter is the hair at the dorsal part of the forelegs and at under-shoulder to the paws. The lower tights from the middle and below and metatarsus's are also covered with short hair. The volar part of the under-shoulder and plantar part of the tights are covered by long hair. The fluff layer is thick and covers the whole body except the regions with short hair.

Personality

The Bulgarian Shepherd dog is an independent working guard dog. When it is used as such and on the job, aggressiveness is not strongly expressed, but at the same time the dogs are reserved in their attitude towards strangers and demonstrate distance by warning growling and eventual attack. Towards predatory animals (often even toward dogs) aggressiveness increases. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is alert, easily adapted to the environment, adequately reacting in situations in which is involved. Towards its master or handler demonstrates devotion and fidelity. Its basic sensuousness via sense of smell, hearing and sight is very well developed. Usually tolerant to the children they have been raised with, they love and bond with all people and children within their own family.

Care

These dogs have a thick coat and it requires brushing several times per week. Their coats should be brushed about every 2-3 days. They also have pendant ears which means that you will need to clean their ears regularly to avoid ear infections. Bathe only when necessary.

Training

They are intelligent dog breeds and are very easy to train. They need a firm, fair and consistent trainer. Harsh methods are not recommended for these breeds, but with positive reinforcement.

Activity

This dog does best in a clean country environment where he can receive extensive daily exercise and a job to do. They need plenty of daily exercises and a job to do. They should be taken on daily, long, brisk walks. They can work as active Livestock Guarding Dogs for about 7 to 9 years.