The “Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog”, or Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic in romanian, it is a natural breed that has been present for centuries in the Carpathians, especially in southern Transylvania, in the mountainous regions near Sibiu and Brasov. Its exact origins are unknown, but it seems that their ancestors came to Romania around the 13th century with the Tatars who came to settle in the Danube Delta region and along the Black Sea coast.

In the middle ages, some local rulers used these powerful dogs to accompany their armies. This fueled the legend that the dogs often seen in ancient engravings depicting the battles between the Roman Empire and the Dacians, a native people of the Carpathians, they are the shepherds of Mioritza. However, since these battles took place over 1000 years before the arrival of the dog's ancestors to the region, it is in fact unlikely that he can claim to have any connection to these feats of arms.

In fact, the Mioritza Shepherd Dog he was above all the faithful companion of the illiterate peasants and shepherds isolated in the mountains. Stunning, mighty and brave, protected, and still protects today, herds against the many predators that live in the Carpathians: line, Wolf, bear…

His name is also a reference to his qualities as a pastor, Since the word “mioara” means “sheep” in romanian, precisely the animal that it has been protecting for several centuries.

Even today, many shepherds claim that only one of these dogs can scare away a bear, and popular belief says that it is the only race in the world capable of facing a bear and getting out alive.

The first written references to Mioritic go back to 1930, when Professor Gheorghe Moldoveanu, studying the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog, made a first distinction between the different romanian sheepdogs. In 1934, the National Zootechnical Institute published a description of the dog Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, but it wasn't until 1981 that a first breed standard was defined, prepared by the Romanian Cynological Association (ACR).

This standard was revised in 2002 to meet the requirements of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), who accepted the dog Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog provisionally in 2005, before finally recognizing it in 2015. In the meantime, had taken off across the Atlantic, as recognized by the American United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006. The other reference body in the country, the American Kennel Club (AKC), did the same in 2018. However, neither the British nor the Canadian Kennel Club have followed suit.

It is estimated that the population of Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is of 10.000 individuals in Romania, but the vast majority are pedigree and unregistered dogs. In fact, Although the breeding of non-pedigree dogs is prohibited in the country since 2015, ancient habits are slowly changing. Thus, there is often a dog left “field” from which a puppy is delivered to the neighbor of the village when a litter is born, rather than a pedigree dog that is purchased from a professional breeder.

On the other hand, although they are still relatively popular in the Romanian mountains, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog remain largely unknown outside of their home country, despite the efforts of Barbara Fallent, an Austrian-based breeder dedicated to popularizing them in Europe.

Photo: Ciobanesc Mioritic by DorinRodina, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes nicknamed “wool bear”, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is tall, powerful and furry. It is often confused with the Old English Sheepdog (or Bobtail), with which it has many physical similarities.

They are big and massive, but harmonious and very agile for a dog of this size, while its legs are muscular and erect. The tail stands tall and falls when at rest, but it rises horizontally when in the gazebo.

The neck is of medium length but broad and powerful, and bears a massive head of large size in relation to the rest of the body. The skull is slightly domed and ends in a rather short muzzle, tapering towards the nose. The latter should be black and well developed. The powerful jaws are scissor bite. The triangular ears with rounded tips fall along the cheeks and “disappear” in the fur.

The eyes are medium in size, often hazel or dark brown in color, but they can also be lighter in color, except yellow, which is not accepted by the standard of Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog. They express calm and intelligence.

The coat of the mioritic it is very long, measure at least 10 cm.. Covers the whole body, from head to tip of tail, going through the legs, where however it is a little shorter. The top coat is rough, while the lower layer is more flexible and dense, which makes the coat perfectly adapted to harsh weather conditions.

The coat can be uniform, white or gray, but most often it is variegated, with distinctive black or gray spots protruding from the white fur.

Sexual dimorphism is moderately marked, the female being only slightly smaller than the male.

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog he is a calm and balanced dog that has an extraordinarily strong bond with his master and his family, bond that forms naturally during the growth period. We know that it is “a master's dog” – the person who adopted and raised him – making it very difficult to adopt an adult dog from Mioritic Shepherd Dog.

He is incredibly devoted and loyal to his family, at least the family he grew up with. Adults, children, pets or farm animals…: everyone he lives with is part of his family, and once he is an adult he will stop at nothing to protect them. Quiet and affectionate, gets along very well with children, without being an ideal playmate, especially for the little ones and / or restless, since he prefers quieter activities. In addition, given its size, could unintentionally push a small one.

A typical sheepdog, who distrusts strangers. Although tolerate close friends who come often, barks vigorously when a stranger approaches, and only allows him to enter his territory with the agreement of his master. Therefore, a lot of work on socialization and obedience is necessary from an early age to prevent this dog's power from, able to scare away wolves and bears, be misdirected, with dramatic consequences.

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog need space, and it is not at all a breed of dog adapted to apartment living. Its territorial and protective character makes it not an ideal option for people who live in a residential area., even with a large garden. Rather, they adapt better to the field or the mountains, where they have space and where they find less “threats” potentials, especially since they can easily spend their days and nights outdoors.

Having said that, if you need space, the mioritic neither is it a dog that needs a lot of exercise, at least not as an adult. It is true that the puppies of this breed are hyperactive and need to exercise daily, either in the form of games or walks. But the adult is much calmer, as are most sheepdogs, who prefer to stay close to their herd and not stray too far from it: patrolling the garden and taking an occasional walk with his master is more than enough for him.

However, it is important to know that the “territory” that defends the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog it is not limited to your garden: protect the place where your family is, establishing a kind of security perimeter around it in all circumstances. Like this, if your flock grazes in the mountains, don't let anyone get close, and if your family walks in a park, does the same.

However, the Mioritic Shepherd Dog not spontaneously aggressive, and never attacks for no reason. Barks to warn the intruder that they are not welcome, and leave the one who understands the message alone. On the other hand, anyone who risks ignoring the warning without his master's consent risks finding out why this dog has been the best friend of Romanian shepherds and protector of their flocks for centuries.

At last, used to accompany them alone, have learned to make decisions on their own. Although loyal and obedient, his independent character and power make him a dog that is not suitable as a first dog.

If socializing the puppy from an early age is necessary for all breeds, is even more indispensable in the case of Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog. You must meet the people you may meet as an adult as soon as possible and get used to the situations that will be part of your life: walks in a crowded place, visits to the vet, sessions at the hairdresser… The latter should also allow you to get used to being handled without hesitation, which is absolutely essential to avoid any problems once adult, given its size and power.

In the same way, learning obedience should begin as soon as the dog is adopted. Smart and devoted, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog it is relatively easy to train if your master has the necessary experience and knows how to remind your dog who the master is if necessary. On the other hand, Inconsistent or hesitant orders can lead you to take matters into your own hands and choose the attitude that seems most appropriate. Unfortunately, in such cases, unlikely to make the desired decision.

In any case, although professional help can be useful as support, education must be provided by the teacher himself. You are the only person whose authority you recognize and trust.

In addition, traditional training methods should be banned, as they run the risk of damaging the strong bond between student and teacher. Positive reinforcement-based dog training is a much better option.

Regarding your role as guardian, does not require any special training. In fact, their instinct for protection is innate, so you don't need any specific training to become an excellent watchdog. In the same way, learn to become a good herding watchdog by observing adults, and just reproduce this behavior when it grows. Once again, no specific training is required.

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog he is a very healthy dog: is not subject to hereditary diseases, it is only slightly sensitive to common diseases and is resistant to harsh weather conditions. In fact, many individuals reach the age of 14 years or more, which is unusual for a dog of this size.

However, like all large dog breeds, may suffer from ..:

▷ Hip Dysplasia;
▷ elbow dysplasia;
▷ gastric dilation-torsion.

In addition, its long and dense coat can become a refuge for many parasites, especially if you spend most of your time outdoors. Therefore, it is essential to regularly ensure that all your deworming treatments are up to date.

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog It is an easy-care breed of dog: a weekly brushing of his coat is enough to get rid of his dead hairs and ensure that he has no injuries that can be hidden by his long hair.

However, during the move, the dog should be brushed more frequently to avoid accumulation of dead hair, that could create knots and become true “parasite nests”.

Bathing the dog is unnecessary, since the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog has a self-cleaning coat. Even if he rolled in the mud before he came home, leaving it outside in a dry place should be enough to get rid of dirt. “A Mioritic dry is a Mioritic clean”, as the shepherds say.

On the other hand, it is essential to check every 2 or 3 days that your eyes and ears are not dirty and do not show any signs of infection. Their teeth and claws may be checked less regularly, but special attention should be paid to the dog's paw pads to make sure there is no accumulated dirt.

It is a good idea to get used to Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog to these grooming sessions from an early age, to avoid any problems later, given its size and power. If the teacher knows how to do it, they can become beautiful moments of complicity between him and his partner.

On the other hand, if it has to be prepared by a professional, the presence of your caregiver is necessary to calm you down and ensure that you do not have any aggressive reaction towards the stranger who is manipulating you.

A puppy Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog costs between 1000 and 1200 EUR. A male is more expensive than a female, because males are more sought after by shepherds.

In any case, It is necessary to be well informed about the origin of the puppy and to check its documents with the Romanian Canine Association (ACR). In fact, from 2015, the breeding of dogs without pedigree or not registered in the Romanian Origin Book is prohibited in Romania, and the marketing of these puppies is illegal.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, your care and if you have young children, their level of tolerance towards them.

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

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 1 Herding dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs ⓘ
• – AKC – Foundation Stock Service ⓘ
• – UKC – Herding dogs ⓘ

FCI - Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

1. Romanian Mioritic, Mioritic Shepherd Dog, Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic (English).
2. Mioritic (French).
3. Mioritic, Mocano, Barac (German).
4. (em romeno: Ciobănesc românesc mioritic) ciobanesc romanesc mioritic (Portuguese).
5. Mioritic (Spanish).

The “Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog”, also known as Carpatin (of his original name Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin), He is native to Romania, more precisely from the Danube Delta.

It is said to be descended from the Lupo races – molosoides, comparable in size to ancient mastiffs, but with a morphology closer to that of the wolf, and that has been used to protect herds for more than 9.000 years, namely, since the beginning of the domestication of cattle in this region.

Legend has it that their ancestors, to whom he is physically very close, they interbred naturally with wolves, resulting in a powerful and fearsome race. Although there is no irrefutable evidence, such hybridizations between dog and wolf are known to have in fact occurred in various regions of the world, what makes this theory plausible.

Often hunting in packs, nothing stops this dog with his courage and unerring protective instinct. There have even been cases where a herd of Carpathian shepherds has been seen repelled by an adult bear. The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has been selected over the centuries with the main criterion of utility, which explains why it has kept its herding dog qualities intact to this day, especially since Romania still has many predators on its territory, including wolves and bears. Over the years, they have also become increasingly integrated into the family as guard dogs; very protective of their master, it's a role they play wonderfully.

The first breed standard was developed in Romania in 1934. After the fall of communism in 1989, a few passionate breeders of the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog developed the breed so that its standard could meet the criteria of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Their efforts paid off, since the latter finally recognized it provisionally in 2005, and then definitely ten years later, in 2015. Among the other large canine organisms, the Société Centrale Canine and the United Kennel Club also recognize the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog, what is not the case with the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or the Kennel Club, the leading organization in Great Britain.

Although they are increasingly known and appreciated in the rest of the world, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog still quite rare outside of their home country. On the other hand, still very popular in Romania, where it is used as a herding dog and as a guard and companion dog.

Photo: Possibly Carpathian sheepdog or Bucovina sheepdog by Alex Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog he is a large dog with an impressive physique.

The body is rectangular, vigorous and well developed, without heaviness. Its length is greater than the height at the withers, and the lumbar region may be slightly longer in females than in males.

The tail is held high, reaching or slightly exceeding the point of the hock. With abundant hair, hangs at rest but is carried high and slightly curved in action. It is neither flat nor rolled in the back.

The head is strong but not heavy, of type lupoid, with a stop moderately marked. The nose is always black, big and wide. The scissor bite is powerful. The eyes are medium in size, almendrada form, dark brown. The ears, slightly above the eye line, they are triangular in shape, a little rounded at the tip, and fall close to the cheeks.

The inner layer is dense and flexible, color clear, but the hair is rough, smooth and dense. It is shorter and flatter on the head and front of the legs, longer in the neck, the back of the legs and tail. It is abundant and of medium length in the rest of the body. The fur is sable (Wolf) with white markings, and the skin is ash colored.

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is balanced, calm and brave. They are innate herding dogs with a very strong protective instinct, with an unconditional attachment to his flock and a closeness to his master and family that is far greater than that of most other guard dog breeds.

This protective instinct makes them mistrust strangers. In the presence of a stranger, will come between him and his family and bark as a warning, until his master makes him understand that there is no danger.

However, due to its friendlier temperament than the average of other guard dog breeds, it is also an excellent companion dog. As a breed of dog adapted to children, he is very gentle with them and is a great playmate for them. Regarding the cohabitation of the dog with the cat, generally goes well. Last but not least, the fact that they have long gotten used to defending themselves and working in packs also explains why they generally manage to get along with their peers, although they can be dominant with them.

Although it suits all families quite well, this large and energetic dog needs a lot of exercise and play to maintain his mental balance and physical health. Therefore, better suited to a family that likes to move, and thus you can enjoy hiking with your dog (dogs-rando), from running with your dog (canicross) or cycling with your dog (cani-mountain biking). To feel completely fine, need at least an hour of daily exercise.

Therefore, not at all suitable for use in an apartment: too small a space and insufficient physical exercise could cause behavioral disorders in the dog, including uncontrolled aggression (even towards their owners) and / or destructive behavior on the part of the dog. This is all the more true since the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog is slightly more sensitive and less independent than other guard dog breeds; therefore shows more anxiety in case of prolonged loneliness, especially if you are indoors with nothing to do to keep busy. Therefore, the ideal home for him is one with a large enclosed garden where he can run, and a master who is available to play with his dog and walk him for long hours.

Although the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog it is a calm and balanced dog that is easier to train than other guard dog breeds, needs a strong education to start at an early age, since it has a strong character. It is imperative that the owner immediately show his dog who the master is and impose his authority, at the risk of seeing his partner with his impressive physique take control.

Of course, firm does not mean brutal. Positive dog training, with incentives and rewards, is always the best way to earn respect and obedience. Purely authoritarian training would only lead to confrontation with this voluntarily dominant dog.

Although there have been cases of hip dysplasia or eye problems in some individuals, the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog it is a robust breed of dog, able to stay outdoors in inclement weather without being unduly hindered and, In addition, does not have a congenital predisposition to certain pathologies.

Therefore, daily exercise and a balanced diet are enough to keep the dog healthy, vigorous and toned.

However, be careful not to give too large a portion of food before physical exertion: like all big breeds, is particularly exposed to the risk of stomach dilation-torsion.

Although the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has a long fur, rarely needs professional grooming. However, it is recommended to brush the dog's hair daily with a wire brush or detangler, especially during the shedding period.

If you spend most of your time outdoors, it is recommended to wash your dog once a month. However, if you stay inside, a dog bath every three to four months is sufficient.

On the other hand, it is important to regularly examine and clean the dog's ears, as for all dogs with lop ears. A buildup of ear wax or bacteria could lead to infections, like ear infections.

In addition, as in all races, brushing your dog's teeth at regular intervals is essential to avoid tartar problems. Ideally, you could do this two or three times a week.

At last, how often a dog's claws are trimmed depends on its level of activity. It is best to inspect them from time to time and trim them if necessary.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, your care and if you have young children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Photos:

1 – “Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog” by https://pxhere.com/es/photo/1434185
2 – “Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog” by https://pxhere.com/es/photo/1625909

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

Federations:

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

FCI - Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog

1. Romanian Shepherd, Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, Carpathian Sheepdog (English).
2. Chien de berger des Carpathes (French).
3. Carpatin, Zavod (German).
4. (em romeno: Ciobănesc românesc carpatin) (Portuguese).
5. Carpatin, Pastor de los Cárpatos, Perro pastor de los Cárpatos (Spanish).