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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Bulgarian Shepherd Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dog profile picture
OriginBulgaria flagBulgaria
Other Names
What other names does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have?
Karakachanska OvcharkaKarakachansko KucheThracian MollosOvcharsko kuche
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog get?

What is the average size of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog weigh? How much should a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? How much does a full-grown Bulgarian Shepherd Dog weight?
Male: 100-115 pounds (45-52 kg), Female: 70-90 pounds (32-41 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Male: 115.5 pounds (52.5 kg), Female: 88 pounds (40 kg)
Height
How tall is the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog height:
Male: 25–30 inches (63.5-76 kg) Female: 24–28 inches (61-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Male: 27.5 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog in the United States? How much money is a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

Where to buy a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? How many Bulgarian Shepherd Dog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Is the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentIntelligentDominantProudBraveVigilant
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog sensitivity:
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
High: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Karakachanska Ovcharka need? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog social needs:
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Bulgarian Shepherd Dog roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have high prey drive?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Karakachanska Ovcharka bark?
Low to Average: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog indoors by introducing daily routines.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog alone?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? How much bite force does a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have? How strong is a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite force: The Strongest. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Bulgarian Shepherd Dog measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs is impressive, and their Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Karakachanska Ovcharka? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog do?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog see the vet?
Frequent
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs live? How old can a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be? What is the age limit of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? How many years can the oldest Bulgarian Shepherd Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Bulgarian Shepherd Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have? What is the activity level of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog need? How much exercise do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs require per day?

Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed need?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? How much food should I feed my Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog weight regularly.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Thick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Bulgarian Shepherd Dog coats?
Spotted Tricolor Black & White
Grooming
How to groom the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog and how often? How often should I take my Bulgarian Shepherd Dog to the groomer?
Advanced: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Bulgarian Shepherd Dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Karakachanska Ovcharka? Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs shed a lot?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Bulgarian Shepherd Dog every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog drool?
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog temperament with other people:
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Bulgarian Shepherd Dog temperament with children:
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed live with a cat?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs good office canines? Do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Karakachanska Ovcharka temperament with senior people? Are Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Bulgarian Shepherd Dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Bulgarian Shepherd Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have? How many puppies can a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog give birth to?
5-10 puppies

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Watchdog Ability: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed in the home.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog History

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, or in its other name, the Karakachan is considered to be a Molosser-type of breed, that can trace its origins back to Bulgaria and the surrounding countries. It is thought that the breed first emerged several centuries ago, consequently, it is difficult to prove their true ancestry and their development process.

However, it is widely accepted that the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a descendant of multiple ancient Central-Asian herding breeds. The breed derives its name from a native shepherding tribe that is believed to have created them, called the Karakachani, who were indigenous mostly to Bulgaria, but they were also present in Greece and in Albania. These nomadic people paid great attention to animal breeding, as well as preserving their own breeds. Moreover, this tribe is also credited with the upbringing of the Karakachan Horse and the Karakachani Sheep. Fascinatingly, that breed of sheep is considered to be one of the oldest among the domesticated sheep breeds, moreover, they are known for their remarkable resistance to illnesses. The tribe developed the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog in order to help them guard and patrol the livestock on the local mountains. The dogs’ purpose was to warn off any predators that threatened the flock, by deep, guttural barks and growls. The breed was believed to be a really strong one, who could fight off any predator including bears and wolves without hesitation. Because of their great territorial behavior, the Karakachan tribe realized that the breed would make an excellent guard of house and property, so they started to bring their dogs home, to look out for people’s homes too. Besides, some specimens were employed as border patrol dogs.

During the late 19th and the early 20th century, the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog was frequently mentioned in records and documents, and the breed was known to be pretty well-known and respected among the farming communities around the southern regions of the Balkan area. However, when the agricultural industry in Bulgaria was nationalized in the late 1940s, all of the livestock was transported to communal farms, and the dogs became unnecessary, which resulted in extermination for many specimens. Furthermore, during the 1950s, the Bulgarian government began to focus more on the production of foreign breeds, which they thought to be superior to their indigenous counterparts. For these reasons, the population number of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog decreased dramatically, and the breed was pushed to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a handful of specimens survived on remote farms, and local farmers and breeders were trying to re-establish the breed. Later in 1991, the breed standard was drawn up, which got accepted in 2005.

In 2003, former President of the United States, George Bush visited Bulgaria, where he was presented a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog puppy. After the American success, the former Bulgarian Prime Minister publicly gifted Vladimir Putin a tri-colored puppy. Later, in an interview, Putin told that he became fond of the breed since then. This shows how much the breed’s perception changed in the recent decades, and how valuable the specimens became. In 2004, the breed was imported to the United States of America, in order to boost its popularity. Nowadays, the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog remained in rarity, and they are mostly kept as family companions and guard dogs.

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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Bunyard

    Feb 8, 2023, 9:45:47 PM:

    Your knowledge on the bulgarian shepherd is shockingly terrible. As an owner of one of these dogs and having spoken to many dog breed experts, i can assure you that maybe 10% of what you have said in this article is correct. 90% is wrong. Totally wrong.

  • Alexandra

    Oct 18, 2021, 12:57:32 PM:

    Excellent dog, but it is NOT for first time owners. These are stubborn and temperamental dogs, which need an owner with experience.

  • Nedyo Nedev

    Mar 12, 2021, 10:12:40 AM:

    Excellent dog for families

  • Tomasz Wlodarczyk

    Sep 26, 2020, 4:09:53 AM:

  • Petra Dimitrova

    Aug 12, 2019, 11:49:25 AM: