Bulgarian Shepherd Dog
Overview
The Bulgarian shepherd dog is a dog breed resulting from mixing the Karakachan with various larger Eurasian breeds such as the Central Asian shepherd, the St. Bernard, The Moscow watchdog, the Caucasian shepherd or the Newfoundland. Originally from Bulgaria, this dog breed also goes by the name Thracian Mollos or Karakachan and was originally bred to guard or herd livestock. The dog is characterized by its molossoidal head and a black nose that features broad nostrils. They have strong teeth that range from white to ivory in color.
The Bulgarian shepherd dog has deep-set eyes with a compact and symmetrical body. They have relatively broad and deep chest with moderately-sprung chest. Also, the dogs are also characterized by straight forelegs and hind legs that are parallel to one another and vertical to the ground.
What’s Their Temperament Like?
As they are most used as guard dogs, the Bulgarian shepherd dogs are not only massive but have a slippery temperament to match. However, these dogs do not easily demonstrate their aggressiveness. They exhibit a more reserved attitude towards strangers and will try to give warning growls to strangers and intruders. However, when provoked, the dog will not hesitate to attack and when it does, it becomes very difficult to restrain it.
But perhaps one of the best traits that make it an excellent shepherd and guard dog is its alertness and adaptability to different environments. They have a remarkable sense of sight, smell and hearing, and are great for families with children due to their high tolerance to children. Not only that, they are also known to defend other pets from external aggression, as well as protect their owners.
Lifespan
The Bulgarian shepherd dog can live for between 12 and 14 years. During this duration, they can also work as livestock guarding dogs for up to nine years. There are very few health problems associated with this breed.
However, its lifespan can still be determined by various environmental factors such as poor feeding as well as aggression from other dogs and pets.
To ensure that they live as long as possible, these dogs lead a rather busy and active routines. It is their primitive adaptability to farm life and flock shepherding that accounts for their active lifestyles. Therefore, if you intend to raise them in an urban setting, you must ensure you create an enabling environment for their hyperactive routines as well as spare some time regularly and exercise with them. That will not only make them live longer but will keep them safe from doggy lifestyle-related diseases.
Shedding
Bulgarian Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders, thanks to their thick and heavy coats. During their shedding seasons, it is paramount to brush them daily. Brushing also ensures you remove the flues that normally attack and infest their coats. In addition to brushing, you may also consider bathing and blow-drying them.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | # |
| Origin: | Bulgaria |
| Breed Group: | Working |
| Size: | Medium |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Brave Dominant Independent Intelligent Proud Vigilant |
| Height: | Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm) Female: 25-28 inches (63-72 cm) |
| Weight: | Male: 99-125 pounds (45-57 kg) Female: 88-114 pounds (40-52 kg) |
| Colors: | Black White Tricolor |
| Litter Size: | 5-10 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $800 - $1000 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooper | Molly |
| 2 | Jack | Lola |
| 3 | Duke | Sophie |
| 4 | Bentley | Roxy |
| 5 | Teddy | Zoey |
| 6 | Winston | Ginger |
| 7 | Jackson | Emma |
| 8 | Diesel | Maya |
| 9 | Roscoe | Izzy |
| 10 | Beau | Roxie |
| 11 | Rusty | Angel |
| 12 | Koda | Cleo |
| 13 | Chico | Hannah |
| 14 | Bruce | Heidi |
| 15 | Mickey | Lucky |