4 Romanian Dog Breeds (With Pictures & Facts)
Updated on
There are currently 360 officially recognized dog breeds in the world. While many of these breeds are popular in the United States, there are other types of dogs that aren’t as well-known to Americans. These lesser-known breeds are unique in their own ways and make excellent pets.
Here are four dog breeds from Romania that you may not have heard of before.
The 4 Romanian Dog Breeds:
1. Carpathian Shepherd Dog
A large type of sheepdog, the Carpathian Shepherd Dog is from the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Used throughout the Danube Carpathian region of Romania to guard and protect livestock, this imposing breed can grow to be around 29 inches in height and has a life span of 12 to 14 years. The Carpathian Shepherd Dog has a thick, long, double-layered coat and a bushy, curled tail. Despite its job as a watchdog, this breed is well-balanced and calm.
These dogs are eager to please and easy to train. In 1998, a group of fans of the breed founded the Carpathian Shepherd Dogs Club.
2. Bucovina Sheep Dog
Large and powerful, the Bucovina Shepherd Dog is a rustic livestock breed that was originally developed in the Carpathian Mountains. Also known as the Southeastern European Shepherd, this breed can grow to stand as high as 31 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Generally, all white with black, grey, or red-fawn patches, the Bucovina Shepherd Dog is used for herding and protecting flocks of sheep.
This breed has a combative, courageous disposition and makes an excellent guard dog. Deeply devoted to its family, the Bucovina Shepherd Dog is gentle with children and wary of strangers. Thus, this Romanian dog needs to be socialized starting from a very early age.
3. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Popular in the Sibiu and Brasov regions of Romania, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed of herding dog that can be traced back to Celtic tribes. The breed’s name comes from the Romanian word mioară, which translates to “young sheep.” Originally used to protect herds of livestock, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a massive canine covered in thick, fluffy white, cream, or gray fur. A flexible and friendly breed, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog can grow to be 28 inches tall.
This pooch is extremely devoted and can develop a deep attachment to his owner. Because of this, it is critical to start socializing a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog from the get-go. In 2005, the breed was provisionally recognized by the World Canine Organization.
4. Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
Affectionately called “crows” because of their black coats, the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog, or Corb Shepherd is a livestock breed that was officially recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club in 2008. Originally bred in the Arges, Brasov, Dambovita, and Prahova County regions of Romania, this breed can grow to be around 31 inches tall.
An extremely brave dog, the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is used to defend sheep and other livestock from bears and wolves. Friendly around its family, this dog is suspicious of strangers and must be socialized from an early age.
Final Thoughts
These four Romanian dog breeds are gentle giants and can make amazing family companions with the proper training. If you’re looking for a unique breed, consider one of these Romanian dogs.
Check out some of our other international dog breed posts (all including pictures):
Featured Image Credit: maximus19, Shutterstock
