Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Romanian Bucovina Shepherd" you know certain factors.

Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Natural breed known for centuries in the Bucovina region, in northeastern Romania, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd was brought to light for the first time in 1934 by G. Radulescu Calafat, publisher of the first Carpathian Sheepdog standard, who mentioned in an article published in the journal Vet Sciences another shepherd dog of molosoid type called «Dulau» or «Capau».. Until then, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd had been compared to Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog, smaller.

While the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd has long been used as a guard dog for flocks of sheep against large predators in the Carpathians, like bears, wolves and lynx, it has also been used for many years by Romanian farmers as a guard dog.

In 1982 the Romanian Cynological Association, the canine organization of reference in the country, developed a first standard that described the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd. It was updated in 2001 and 2002 in accordance with the FCI requests (International Cynological Federation) with a view to their recognition of the breed, what actually happened provisionally in 2009.

In 2019, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd obtained the definitive recognition of the FCI. On the other hand, not yet recognized by the British reference organization, The Kennel Club, nor by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

In fact, still very rare outside its country of origin and some neighboring countries, like Ukraine or Serbia. In Romania there have been 6.000 specimens in the Romanian Stud Book, but only the breeding of 300 females and 200 males, as Romanian law imposes many restrictions on the breeding of dogs.

Photo: Ciobanesc de Bucovina – Romania 2018 by 1jagdterrier – YouTube

"Romanian Bucovina Shepherd"

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd they are huge dogs with a body slightly longer than the tall, powerful lower limbs and a horizontal, muscular back. Placed high on the body, its long tail is carried hanging at rest and rises in the back in a slightly upward curve when in the gazebo.

The head, which is wide and carried slightly higher than the body, blends in with the voluminous and moderately long neck, which forms an angle of 100 to 110 degrees with the rest of the body.

The muzzle is black, the eyes are relatively small in relation to the head, the powerful jaw is chisel-shaped and the V-shaped ears with rounded tips fall along the cheeks.

While the head and the front of the legs are covered with short hair, the rest of the body is covered with dense hair, long (6 to 10 cm.) and quite stiff. The coat is predominantly white, marked with black spots, gray or leonadas well defined. But, the standard of Romanian Bucovina Shepherd it also recognizes unbleached, uncoloured specimens that are completely white, white as snow, gray like ash or black.

Sexual dimorphism is well marked in the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd, being the male larger than the female.

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is a quiet dog, balanced, devoted and who loves children, what can make it an ideal dog for a family. On the other hand, especially wary of strangers, so it is important to socialize him from an early age with the people with whom he can come into contact: friends, neighbors, postmen…

Accustomed to guarding herds in the company of other dogs, coexists perfectly with its congeners and other pets that share its territory.

It is not aggressive at all, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd they are not prone to attack without reason. On the other hand, their very protective character makes them react in a very intimidating way if they perceive an intrusion into their territory. However, Their growls and especially their serious and powerful barks are just a way to scare off "invaders" and are rarely a precursor to offensive action.. But, If you feel that your "family" (which is simply the herd that is in charge, if he has always lived like a sheepdog) is threatened, this extremely brave and protective dog risks going on the attack, without even backing down in front of a bear or a pack of wolves.

Independent and used to wandering alone in the wild mountains of Romania, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd tolerates loneliness quite well and can be left alone for a few days without too much trouble, although he obviously prefers the company of his family. But, your ability to keep busy depends on having enough space to walk freely.

Due to its size, his resonant voice and his need for great spaces, the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd They are not dogs that can live comfortably in apartments and are not recommended for urban areas. They greatly prefer sparsely populated areas, where they can patrol their territory in peace and quiet without risk of unwanted encounters.

A very active and resistant dog, he needs daily physical activity and is happy to accompany his master on his long walks in the countryside.

"Romanian Bucovina Shepherd"

The puppy's socialization phase is of primary importance for the puppy. Romanian Bucovina Shepherd, and it is very important that you meet your family very soon, to possible other household pets, as well as the other people and animals that you will meet regularly during your life. In effect, once adult, you find it difficult to accept a new person in your environment (including for example a prospective dog handler or dog behaviorist), although this is not impossible.

As an intelligent and obedient dog, can be easily trained and trained for his future role as a sheepdog or watchdog from his first birthday. Despite its independent nature, responds very well to positive reinforcement methods, but the teacher must ensure that he always maintains a strong and authoritative demeanor.

It also, instead of a long daily training session, it is advisable to opt for several short sessions spread throughout the day.

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd it is a particularly healthy and resistant breed.

But, like most large breeds of dogs, are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. To reduce risks, you have to make sure that he does not undergo too much physical activity during his growth period.

Gastric dilation of the dog is another problem that can affect this breed. Due to ingestion of food too fast, especially if they are dry, can be life-threatening and requires urgent intervention by a veterinarian. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to leave large amounts of water available when the dog eats, divide his daily ration into at least two meals and let him rest after these meals.

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd they are long-haired dogs that need to be brushed once a week, and even more often during the moulting period. Losing her hair galore, not recommended for people who do not like to find dog hair all over the house and always have a perfectly clean interior.

It also, at the end of winter, it is advisable to cut the hair between its pads to protect your dog from heat.

It is not necessary to bathe your dog unless, of course, is particularly dirty. In any case, no more than 2 or 3 times a year, as this can damage the natural protective layer of the skin.

On the other hand, it is necessary to regularly check the inside of the ears, since it is common for external parasites to hide there, and clean them well to avoid any risk of infection.

The dog's claws should be checked monthly and trimmed if natural wear and tear is not enough.

If he Romanian Bucovina Shepherd he has always been fed what his shepherd used to prepare for him, good quality commercial croquettes are today an ideal solution, If and when, of course, the manufacturer's recommendations are followed.

Bones are important in this dog's diet, so it can be useful to give him a bone to gnaw on from time to time. But, chicken bones and other poultry should be banned as they can cause serious damage to the digestive system.

It also, as with any dog ​​at high risk of bloating-twisting stomach, the daily ration should be divided into 2 or 3 meals and ensuring that the dog remains calm during and after these meals. This means, for example, make sure he sees his food coming instead of discovering it in front of him when he wakes up, avoid having another animal around you when you eat, and do not stimulate him during his meal or in the following hour.

It also, is essential for Romanian Bucovina Shepherd have large amounts of fresh water available at all times.

a puppy of Romanian Bucovina Shepherd usually sold between 500 and 1000 EUR, but prices have tended to rise as the breed has been the subject of some interest after its recognition by the FCI. Males tend to be more expensive than females, and the price is higher when the animal has a smooth coat.

It is necessary to be well informed about the origin of the puppy and check the documents with the Romanian Canine Association. Since 2015, the breeding of dogs without a pedigree or not registered in the Romanian Stud Book is prohibited in Romania, and the marketing of these puppies is illegal.

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group :
• Section : . .

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 1 Herding dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs ⓘ

Use:

Guardian of the flocks and excellent guard dog.

General appearance:

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is a large size dog, imposing, haughty and proud. The breed has obvious sexual dimorphism.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The length of the skull is
equal to the length of the snout.

Balanced, calm and loyal, likes children. He is a very good guardian of the flocks, brave and a true fighter against possible prey animals (bear, wolf and lynx). Has a loud bark. When strangers or animals approach, his bark is very loud, with a low tone. During the night he patrols around the house or the herd/flock.

Head:

• Skull: Moderately wide, slightly domed. The upper profile of the skull and snout are slightly divergent.
• Seen from the front the skull is slightly domed, seen from the side it is almost flat. Skull width: males: of 16 to 18 cms, females: of 15 to 17 cms, the zygomatic arches are moderately developed.
• The occipital protuberance is inconspicuous.
• Depression links (stop): Slightly pronounced.

facial region:

• Truffle: Large and well developed, black.
• Snout: Abrupt cut, the same length as the skull; well developed, progressively narrowing towards the nose but never pointed; strong jaw.
• Lips: Thick and firm, heavily pigmented.
• Jaws / Teeth: Strong jaws, full dentition, strong teeth, healthy and white, well placed, scissor bite. Pincer bite is tolerated.
• Cheeks: Not prominent.

Neck:

Body:

Good resistance.

• top line: Horizontal.
• Cross: It is slightly evident.
• Back: Strong and muscular.
• Pork loin: Muscular and strong.
• Rump: Muscular and moderately inclined towards the base of the tail.
• Breast : Wide and deep, descending to the elbows, well arched ribs.
• bottom line: slightly upward.

Tail:

Tips

PREVIOUS MEMBERS:

• General appearance: Straight seen from the front or side. Blades: long, oblique, well muscled and well connected to the body. The scapulohumeral angulation is approximately between 100 and 110 degrees.
• Arm: Moderately long, muscular.
• Elbows: Glued to the body, with free movement.
• Forearm: Strong, not too long.
• Carpo (wrist): Strong.
• Metacarpus: Short, slightly inclined.
• Previous feet: Oval, compact and massive, fingers together and arched, black or ash-colored nails.

LATER MEMBERS:

• General appearance: Muscular and strong. Normal posture.
• Thighs: Medium long, widths, very muscular.
• Knees: Femoro-tibial angle of 110 degrees approximately.
• Legs: Moderate long, muscular.
• Hocks: Widths, seen from the side at moderate angle. Seen from behind parallel to the median plane of the body.
• Metatarsus: Strong and upright. The presence of dewclaws should not be penalized.
• Hind feet: Oval, compact and strong. With black or ash-colored nails.

Movement:

Mantle

PIEL: Thick, body-hugging with dark ash pigmentation.

• Fur: The head and the front of the limbs are covered with short hair. The hair on the body is abundant, long (6-9 cm.), effortless power impression. The preferred step is trotting. Exceeding will be penalized. plane, straight and rough. The undercoat is shorter, very dense and soft and lighter in color. In the neck region the hair is much longer, forming a mane.; on the back of the front limbs the hair forms fringes, on the back of the hind limbs the hair is longer and forms breeches. The tail is thick hair.

COLOR

• Cclassic smell: The main color of the coat is a light white or yellowish white with distinctive gray spots, black or black with red highlights. Small black or gray spots may appear on the legs. Tabby appearance on patches should be rejected.
• Csolid odors: Solid Colored Individuals (no patches) are accepted but should not be encouraged: white, yellowish white, ashy gray or black.

Size and weight:

Altura to the cross:

• Males: 68 to 78 cm., ideal 71-75 cm..
• females: 64 to 72 cm., ideal 66-68 cm..

Tolerance: -4 cm. Weight: In proportion to height.

Fouls:

Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria is considered as a fault and the severity of this is considered to the degree of the deviation to the standard and its consequences on the health and well-being of the dog..

• • Lack of substance or too heavy.
  • Insufficient sexual character.

• Absence of a non-PI tooth.
• Short ears.
• Short tail.
• Subject too heavy or weak.
• Because I cut it differently (less than 6 cm.)
• Too long hair (more than 9 cm.)
• Absence of mane or fringes on the limbs.
• Tail curled or carried in the shape of a ring.
• Flabby fingers facing in or out.
• Elbows turned outward.
• Heavy movement.

FALTAS GRAVES:

• atypical expression.
• Wiggly eyes, round.
• Erect ears.
• Loose or saddled top line.
• Too short hair.
• Curly or poorly textured hair.
• yellow eyes
• Eyes of different color one than the other (heterochromatic).
• cow hooves.

FALTAS DISQUALIFYERS:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of abnormalities
• physical or behavioral.
• Lack of typicity.
• Prognathism or enognatismo.
• Absence of incisors or canines
• albinism.
• Natural absence of tail or tail with atrophy.
• height below 64 cm or about 82 cm for males.
• height below 60 cm or about 78 cm for female

• Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

Lthe latest changes are in bold.Standard-FCI No. 349 / 09.01.2006 / IS

1. Bucovina Sheepdog, Bucovina Shepherd, Southeastern European Shepherd (English).
2. Berger roumain de Bucovine, Berger de l’Europe du Sud-Est (French).
3. Ciobănesc Românesc de Bucovina (German).
4. (em romeno: Ciobanesc Romanesc de Bucovina) (Portuguese).
5. (en rumano: Ciobănesc de Bucovina) (español).