Bucovina Shepherd Dog

The Bucovina Shepherd (Câine Ciobănesc de Bucovina) is one of the largest and most powerful, rustic livestock guardian dogs, with strong watch dog qualities, which was developed over many centuries by shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains.

There are three types of Romanian shepherd dogs: the Mioritic (old name Barac), the Carpatin (old name Zăvod) and the Bucovina Shepherd. In the FCI, this particular breed is known as the Southeastern European Shepherd.

Temperament

The Bucovina Shepherd dog was bred to protect sheep flocks and cattle herds, and proves courageous and very combative when potential predators are afoot. It is an excellent watchdog, having a very deep, powerful bark and being very alert when strangers enter its territory. During the night, it patrols around the property or herds. An adult Bucovina Sheepdog needs plenty of space to run around with a large back yard.

This breed is balanced, calm, very devoted, and loves children. It strongly mistrusts strangers.

Appearance

Large sized dog; commanding, haughty and proud. The breed has an obvious sexual dimorphism.

Coat

Head and the front part of the legs are covered with short hair. On the body, hair is abundant, long (6-9 cm), flat, straight and rough. Undercoat is shorter, very dense and supple, and of a lighter colour. At the neck region, hair is much longer forming a mane; on the backside of the forequarters, the hair forms fringes; on the backside of hindquarters, the hair is longer and forms culottes. The tail is bushy.

Color

Main colour of coat is a clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey, black or black with red-fawn reflections. Black or grey ticks can appear on the legs. Brindle aspect of patches to be rejected.

Size

The male Bucovina Shepherd is 68–78 centimetres (27–31 in) tall. The females are close in size, at 64–72 centimetres (25–28 in).

Conformation

The Bucovina Shepherd's head is massive, slightly elevated with respect to the back line. The skull is moderately wide. The stop is slightly marked. The nose is black well developed and wide. The muzzle has the shape of a truncated cone, of the same length as the skull, well developed. It becomes progressively narrow towards the extremity but it is never pointed.

The lips are thick, well applied, with strong pigmentation. This breed should have strong jaws, with healthy white teeth and a scissors bite. Level bite is allowed.

The cheeks are not prominent. The eyes are small in comparison with the dimensions of the skull, almond-shaped and slanting, chestnut colored or slightly lighter, never yellow.

Its eyelids are well pigmented. The ears are high, “V” shaped, with rounded tips, fallen, and very close to the cheeks. The neck is moderately long, bulky and strong, without dewlap.

The muscular body is massive with a well supported back. The chest is wide and tall, reaching the level of the elbows with well arched ribs. The skin is thick and dark gray. The hair is short on the head and forelegs. On the body, the hair is abundant, straight, thicker and harder, 2½- 3½ inches (6–9 cm.) long. The next layer of hair is shorter and thick, with a lighter color. On the neck, the hair is longer and forms a mane. On the backside of the legs, the hair forms fringes of moderate length.

The tail is bushy, covered with longer and thicker hair. When the dog is relaxed it tends to hold the tail low, reaching the point of the hock or even lower. When the dog is alert and is paying attention or is in action, the tail is elevated. In this case it may rise above the level of the back, sickle shaped.

Gait

Harmonious, elastic, well coordinated, giving the impression of effortless power. Preferred gait is the trot.