What makes the Mioritic Sheepdog Unique?
Mioritic Sheepdogs are known for their imposing stature and their courageous dispositions, traits which have caused them to retain their historical popularity in their homeland of Romania to this very day.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 70 to 75 cm (27 to 29 inches) Females – 65 to 70 cm (25 to 28 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 35 to 70 kg (77 to 154 pounds) Females – 35 to 70 kg (77 to 154 pounds) |
| Origin: | Carpathian mountains in Romania |
| Life Span: | 12 – 14 Years |
| Colour: | Black & White, Gray / Salt & Pepper, White / Cream |
| Litter Size: | 3 to 9 puppies |
Is the Mioritic Sheepdog Right For You?
Mioritic Sheepdogs tend to be naturally wary of unfamiliar people because it has long been their job to protect their herds from any potential threats which in the past have included wolves, lynxes, and bears. It is also in the nature of these dogs to be watchful and deal with any problems that they observe.Therefore, it is not a good idea to allow strangers onto property that is being guarded by a Mioritic Sheepdog that has been raised as primarily a working animal rather than a family pet.
In 5 Words
- Courageous
- Ferocious
- Vigilant
- Incorruptible
- Protective
Characteristics
Learn About the Mioritic Sheepdog
Description
General Description
Mioritic Sheepdogs are incredibly large animals with lengthy, rectangular bodies and an athletic physique. They have wide skulls, large heads, tapered muzzles, and muscular necks. These dogs also possess large chests and wide shoulders. Members of this breed additionally have prominent black noses. Their teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Triangular, high-set ears that hang down beside their heads are another breed feature. These dogs will also have average sized, oval eyes which will range from hazel to amber in hue.
Mioritic Sheepdogs have large, oval shaped feet with small toes. Meanwhile, the arched elbows found on members of this breed are of a particularly large size. Viewed at most angles, the dogs will have limbs that appear to be straight but their hind legs will look like they are set at a parallel angle. In regions where the practice is not illegal, these dogs may have their ears and tails docked. In dogs that retain their tails, there should be a noticeable curvature at the tip. Tails on members of this breed are carried high and nearly level with their backs.. However, this appendage should not reach over the back of the animal in question.
Size
Female Mioritic Sheepdogs typically weigh between 110 and 130 pounds (50 and 60 kilograms). They stand around 26 to 28 inches (65 to 70 centimeters) in height. Male dogs have the same average weight as their female contemporaries but they are slightly taller at 28 to 30 inches (70 to 75 centimeters) tall.
Coat
These dogs have thick, fluffy double coats that are comprised of a thick, smooth inner layer and a wavy, coarse outer layer that is between 3 and 6 inches (8 and 16 centimeters) in length. Mioritic Sheepdogs are usually white, cream, or light grey in hue as well as any mixture of the three shades. They may also have patches or markings in these colors but white markings are the most commonly seen. Litters may even contain both dogs that are completely white and those with fur that is a mixture of the available hues.
Short History of the Mioritic Sheepdog
This ancient breed comes from the Brasov and Sibiu regions in Romania where it has been used by shepherds for many centuries. It was widely believed that these dogs were the only canines that could survive bear attacks. However, earlier ancestors of the breed may not be native to the area as they seem to have come along with the Tartar tribe during their migrations to the Caspian and Black Sea regions. Similar dogs also accompanied the Celts on their journeys as well. Mioritic Sheepdogs are currently recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the National Kennel Club (NKC), the Romanian National Cynological Association (RNCA), the American Canine Registry (ACR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA).
Temperament
Mioritic Sheepdogs have well-balanced personalities that allow them to be effective at their jobs as livestock guardians without sacrificing their ability to be a part of a family. When the situation calls for it, these dogs are fearless and courageous. However, they can also be calm and well mannered. Mioritic Sheepdogs typically become very close to the human members of their household. Therefore, they make incredibly loyal, obedient pets when they are properly trained. In fact, members of this breed are especially fond of children but they should always be supervised around little ones since their large size increases the potential for accidents to occur.
Mioritic Sheepdogs tend to be naturally wary of unfamiliar people because it has long been their job to protect their herds from any potential threats which in the past have included wolves, lynxes, and bears. It is also in the nature of these dogs to be watchful and deal with any problems that they observe.Therefore, it is not a good idea to allow strangers onto property that is being guarded by a Mioritic Sheepdog that has been raised as primarily a working animal rather than a family pet.
Caring for Your Mioritic Sheepdog
General Health
Born in litters of anywhere from four to twelves puppies, Mioritic Sheepdogs have an average life expectancy of twelve to fourteen years. Members of this breed have hardy constitutions that help them resist diseases and deal with inhospitable climates. There are not any serious ailments that are known to bother members of this breed. However, pet owners should always be sure to purchase puppies from reputable breeders to avoid health problems from arising later on in their dog’s life.
Care
Daily
These dogs need a good deal of exercise on daily basis, preferably in the form of a long, briskly paced walk. Mioritic Sheepdogs also may enjoy jogging. Owner should be aware that proper leash etiquette is particularly important for members of this breed. These dogs also need large area where they can safely and freely run about because they love nothing better than playtime. If space is tight at home, Mioritic Sheepdogs will require even more workout sessions. However, these dogs will be in top form if they if they are given a job to occupy their time.
Weekly
Mioritic Sheepdogs should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis to keep them in good oral health.
Monthly
All pets need to be given parasite prevention medications once a month to keep harmful insects at bay.
Grooming & Bathing
Owners will need to brush their Mitotic Sheepdogs every so often to keep these animals looking their best.
Exercise & Training
Members of this breed need to be taught proper behavior and should be well socialized at a young age because their strong desire to protect their property and families can otherwise lead them to indulge in potentially dangerous behaviors. Even so, Mitotic Sheepdogs are a fairly obedient breed. However, their stubborn nature and large size can mean that managing them can be difficult at times. Therefore, this breed should only be adopted by experienced pet owners. Like most other canines, Mitotic Sheepdogs benefit from a firm hand, patient instructions, and consistent rules during their train period. Members of this breed will also do much better with their lessons once they learn to trust their owners. Of course, positive reinforcement methods work wonders in this regard.
Mioritic Sheepdog Picture Gallery
