Dog Breeds - Romanian Carpathian Shepherd

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection showcased by a breed towards family members or individuals they know well can significantly vary. While certain breeds may adopt a reserved attitude towards everyone outside their owner, others warmly embrace everyone they are acquainted with, considering them their best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
When considering a dog breed, it's important to assess their level of tolerance and patience towards children's behavior and their overall friendliness towards families. It is crucial to remember that dogs should always be supervised when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
When it comes to a breed's general friendliness towards other dogs, it's important to remember that dogs should always be supervised during interactions and introductions with their fellow canines. However, it should be noted that certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs, whether it's within the home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
It's important to consider the amount of fur and hair a specific breed is expected to leave behind. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating a breed, it's crucial to factor in the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance required. It's essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you have available for this particular aspect of care. Additionally, keep in mind that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
It's worth considering how prone a breed is to drooling. If you happen to be someone who values cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes might not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
It's important to assess how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the environment. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally eager and happy to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
It's worth considering how enthusiastic a breed is about play, even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain their desire to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to relax on the couch with you most of the time. Understanding a breed's inclination towards play is important to match their activity levels with your lifestyle and preferences.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
It is essential to consider a breed's tendency to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are inclined to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
It's important to assess how well a breed handles change, including adjustments in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are more adaptable and can easily acclimate to new circumstances, while others may be more sensitive and find it challenging to deal with change. Considering a breed's flexibility can help ensure a better fit between their needs and your lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
It's crucial to consider how easy it will be to train your dog and their willingness to learn new things. Certain breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are eager learners, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want. Understanding a breed's inclination towards training can help you choose a dog that aligns with your training preferences and goals.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
It's important to consider the amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires. High energy breeds are always ready for action and enthusiastic about embarking on new adventures. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing needing regular exercise throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with lounging around and enjoying some quality snooze time. Understanding a breed's energy level can help you match their exercise needs with your own lifestyle and availability.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
It's important to consider how often a breed vocalizes, whether through barking, howling or other vocalizations. Certain breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or even react to birds at the window, while others may only bark in specific situations. Additionally, some breeds that are considered to be barkless may still vocalize through other sounds to express themselves. Understanding a breed's vocalization tendencies can help you choose a dog that aligns with your own noise tolerance and living situation.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
It's crucial to consider the amount of mental stimulation a breed needs to remain happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, especially those with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities, require sufficient brain exercise to thrive. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the projects their owners would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation for a breed is essential to prevent boredom and the development of undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The degree of affection showcased by a breed towards family members or individuals they know well can significantly vary. While certain breeds may adopt a reserved attitude towards everyone outside their owner, others warmly embrace everyone they are acquainted with, considering them their best friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

When considering a dog breed, it's important to assess their level of tolerance and patience towards children's behavior and their overall friendliness towards families. It is crucial to remember that dogs should always be supervised when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

When it comes to a breed's general friendliness towards other dogs, it's important to remember that dogs should always be supervised during interactions and introductions with their fellow canines. However, it should be noted that certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs, whether it's within the home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

It's important to consider the amount of fur and hair a specific breed is expected to leave behind. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When evaluating a breed, it's crucial to factor in the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance required. It's essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you have available for this particular aspect of care. Additionally, keep in mind that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

It's worth considering how prone a breed is to drooling. If you happen to be someone who values cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes might not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

It's important to assess how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the environment. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally eager and happy to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

It's worth considering how enthusiastic a breed is about play, even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain their desire to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to relax on the couch with you most of the time. Understanding a breed's inclination towards play is important to match their activity levels with your lifestyle and preferences.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

It is essential to consider a breed's tendency to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are inclined to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

It's important to assess how well a breed handles change, including adjustments in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are more adaptable and can easily acclimate to new circumstances, while others may be more sensitive and find it challenging to deal with change. Considering a breed's flexibility can help ensure a better fit between their needs and your lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

It's crucial to consider how easy it will be to train your dog and their willingness to learn new things. Certain breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are eager learners, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want. Understanding a breed's inclination towards training can help you choose a dog that aligns with your training preferences and goals.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

It's important to consider the amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires. High energy breeds are always ready for action and enthusiastic about embarking on new adventures. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing needing regular exercise throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with lounging around and enjoying some quality snooze time. Understanding a breed's energy level can help you match their exercise needs with your own lifestyle and availability.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

It's crucial to consider the amount of mental stimulation a breed needs to remain happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, especially those with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities, require sufficient brain exercise to thrive. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the projects their owners would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation for a breed is essential to prevent boredom and the development of undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Sable	164
Wolfgray & Black	228

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd dog is a remarkable breed known for its natural guarding abilities, courage and loyalty. They have an unwavering attachment and devotion to their family, whether it is their human family or the herds they protect. They are dignified, proud, calm and balanced, demonstrating a noble elegance.

Carpathians are intelligent and brave making them efficient working dogs in their traditional role of guarding herds and flocks from predators like wolves and bears. They have a gray wolf-like appearance and possess great agility and power. Despite their formidable capabilities, Carpathian Shepherds can also be playful and engaging with their family members. They tend to recognize one human as their ultimate master, whom they will obediently follow.

These dogs continue to serve their original purpose in the Romanian mountains, working diligently and faithfully. When not engaged in their working duties, they prove to be loyal companions and vigilant guardians of their homes and families. The Carpathians' calm and balanced demeanor makes them appear indifferent at times, but they are always prepared to spring into action with surprising agility, speed and determination when faced with a genuine threat.

Overall, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd is a breed of exceptional loyalty, strength, and guarding instincts, making them excellent working dogs as well as devoted companions.

What to Expect When Caring for A ROMANIAN CARPATHIAN SHEPHERD

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Romanian Carpathian Shepherd: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	In Romania, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherds have naturally evolved as a selectively bred breed. The breeding process in their country of origin prominently involves allowing mother nature to play a significant role in facilitating the survival of each puppy. Due to this careful approach, the purebred Romanian Carpathian Shepherds boast a clean genetic slate without any known issues. These dogs naturally consume a smaller portion of food than anticipated for their size and typically stop eating once their hunger is satisfied. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

Grooming

	The thick, dense double-coat of the Romanian Carpathians Shepherds serves as a reliable protection against both cold and heat. This furry coat varies in length ranging from short around their limbs and head to longer on their tail, chest, back of limbs and neck. During the onset of warmer seasons typically around May-June, they naturally shed a considerable amount of their undercoat. To maintain their coat's health occasional brushing is necessary. You can employ a de-shedding brush or a dog undercoat rake for this purpose. For the areas with longer fur, it's best to use a de-matting brush. Additionally, it's essential to regularly trim their nails, brush their teeth and clean their ears to ensure their overall well-being.

Exercise

	The Romanian Carpathian Shepherds fulfill their role as diligent guardians by accompanying their flock on the mountainous terrain. They carefully conserve their energy so they can effectively safeguard the herd from frequent encounters with bears, boars, wolves and bobcats, which are to be expected in the Carpathian Mountains. In the absence of a flock to protect, it is important to provide these dogs with 1-2 hours of moderate activity per day. This includes enjoyable activities such as walks, engaging in nose work, solving puzzles and playtime. These dogs are primarily motivated by their pack instinct rather than food or toys. Providing them with a fenced yard or keeping them on a leash is necessary as they have a natural inclination to explore and maintain control over their territory.

Training

	The Romanian Carpathian Shepherds have been selectively bred to possess an independent mindset thriving even with minimal human direction. Their primary focus is on vigilantly overseeing and safeguarding their flock. These highly intelligent canines exhibit strong personalities and excel in building companionship through interactive activities with both humans and their fellow canines. They are quick learners who keenly observe before applying new knowledge. While they are naturally inclined towards obedience training, their motivation is typically not driven by food or toys in the long term. When not engaged in herding responsibilities, these dogs require stimulating activities such as nose work, puzzles and amusing games to keep their minds and bodies energized.

Nutrition

	In their natural environment fully grown Romanian Carpathian Shepherds consume a diet consisting of polenta or bread soaked in milk, sourced from sheep, goats or cows. They typically eat once or twice a day, although they have the ability to endure longer periods without food, which occasionally occurs when they are in mountainous regions. On occasion, they also enjoy consuming raw and/or cooked meat, cooked chicken, rice and vegetable stews. For puppies, a common feeding routine involves kibble soaked in milk usually provided three times daily. While a recommended option by veterinarians is a well-balanced low-protein formula designed for large breeds, it's worth noting that these dogs generally exhibit a preference for wet food over dry kibble.

Historiography

For centuries, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has served as a loyal companion to Romanian human shepherds residing in the Carpathian Mountains. Their primary role is to safeguard the herds and provide protection for family or tourist cabins, houses and barns. It is worth noting that the Carpathian Mountains of Romania are renowned for harboring more than 50% of Europe's brown bear population and over 37% of Europe's gray wolves adding to the significance of the dog's protective duties.

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd breed has evolved naturally over time from an indigenous dog breed found in the Carpathian-Danubio region. The selection process initially prioritized performance and effectiveness in guarding and protection. In 1934, the Zootechnical National Institute of Romania established the first breed standard. However, it was not until 2015 that the Carpathian Shepherds gained international recognition and an official breed standard. At that time, a multitude of dogs exhibiting the same defining characteristics and temperament were presented to international canine judges. The International Canine Federation took this opportunity to officially recognize the breed and publish its standard as FCI Standard 350.