The four breeds of dog native to Romania give some indication as to the wild expanses of forests and mountain ranges that so distinguish that area of central Europe. Here, wolves and bears are still a regular sight and a notable threat, so Romania’s dogs are all extremely large, wary and alert breeds: a toy dog just wouldn’t cut it in this environment!
Dog breeding in Romania is regulated by the Romanian Kennel Club, Asociația Chinologică Română.
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Bucovina Shepherd Dog
Size: Giant
Height: 64-78 cm (25-31 inches)
Weight: 50-90 kg (110-200 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Mostly short with longer hair on the body; in white or white and beige with patches of grey, red or black
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian]
Personality
Originally bred to fend off wolves and bears, the very rare Bucovina Shepherd is a gentle giant with their family; calm, affectionate and loving, particularly with children. However, this can quickly evaporate into suspicion and a hail of loud barking when a stranger comes onto the scene. As with all dogs of this type, they are best recommended for experienced handlers only.
Carpathian Shepherd Dog
Size: Very Large
Height: 59-73 cm (23-29 inches)
Weight: 32-45 kg (71-99 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Mostly short with longer hair on the body and tail; in wolf grey
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
The smallest of Romania’s dog breeds, the still-enormous Carpathian Shepherd is an intelligent and independent-minded working dog. With their families they will be extremely gentle, playful and affectionate, but they are naturally suspicious of strangers and will put down any threats to their pack with unfailing bravery and courage. Carpathian Shepherds are very good with familiar children and tend to form an extremely strong bond with one particular owner, who they will listen to and obey over any other. On account of their size and strength they are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Size: Giant
Height: 65-75 cm (26-30 inches)
Weight: 50-60 kg (110-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick, long and fluffy; in white or white with grey or cream patches
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
A vast shaggy dog that originated in the Carpathian Mountains, the Mioritic Shepherd takes its name from the Romanian word for “young sheep”. They are calm, obedient and well-mannered dogs who are devoted to their family and generally tend to form a particularly strong bond with one favoured human. As with most livestock guardians, they are naturally wary of strangers and care needs to be taken to prevent this becoming a problem.
Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
Size: Giant
Height: 65-80 cm (26-31 inches)
Weight: 50-60 kg (110-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length double coat; in solid black
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as a Corb, this imposing black dog belies its fearsome stature with a playful, calm and submissive nature around its family. However, the breed are also noted for their bravery, courage and alertness, with strange people naturally treated with a great deal of suspicion. On account of their size and strength Raven Shepherds are not recommended for novice owners.