Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin

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Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin

70-100 lbs

23-26"

Romania

Carpathian Shepherd Dog, Carpathian Sheepdog, Romanian Shepherd, Caine Ciobanesc Carpatin, Romanian Carpatin Herder

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin, also known as the Carpathian Shepherd Dog, is a large, dignified breed with a penchant for guarding at all cost. Although there is no true record of their history, recent studies have shown that there is a good chance they developed over 9000 years ago, just after the domestication of livestock in the region. They've been used throughout their existence as guard and watch dogs and take their jobs quite seriously. So much so, in fact, that their personalities largely reflect their ancient duties, as they are vigilant, patient, and highly protective, yet show their families quite a bit of affection and will guard them endlessly without question. They are independent, strong-willed and have significant endurance for standing watch and will employ their massive barks should they feel spooked or as a warning to their family that something is amiss. But above all else, their loyalty and and overall devotion to their family are why many revere them as both guardians and as companions and helped to generate a healthy number of breeding groups and appreciators.

Purpose
Guarding, Watchdog, Companion


Date of Origin
Ancient Times


Ancestry
Ancient Lupomolossoids

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Health

Average Size

Height: 26-29 inches Weight: 70-100 lbs

Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 70-100 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Mast Cell Tumors

Minor Concerns

Eye Problems
Skeletal Deformities
Arthritis

Occasional Diagnoses

Bloat

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Eye Examinations
Blood Panel

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Breed History

Because of its status as an ancient breed, there are few official records of the eventual development of the Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin. If it wasn't enough that documentation was rare even into the last thousand years, this breed was also largely kept by farmers in some of the most remote areas of Europe, most of which were also illiterate, which kept any form of record keeping nearly impossible. However, there is a strong belief that this breed is truly ancient, its earliest roots stemming back at least 9000 years, just after the domestication of herding animals such as sheep and cattle. It is also believed that they are likely descendants of Lupomolossoids, which were similar in size to ancient Mastiffs but with a greater lupine influence, which is largely why many breeds that developed from them have more wolf-like qualities. Because of the way they were employed, many think that those chosen for breeding were selected purely based off of performance over any other quality, as their ability to protect flocks and families were of the utmost importance. But that may have changed over the last hundred years or so, if not a bit longer, as modernization created less demand for working ability than temperament or aesthetics. Some of the first written accounts of this specific breed appeared in the mid-1800s, as they were written about in early dog-based publications. As they became more popular, there was a greater demand for recognition, so the first breed standard was published in 1934 by the National Institute for Animal Breeding, but it wouldn't be until 1982 that the Romanian Kennel Club made their first round of changes, then subsequently followed up with more in both 1999 and 2001. In 2005, it was revised once more and finally recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. A year later, in 2006, it was also recognized by the United Kennel Club. In Romania, the breed is both well-known and popular but because of its lack of recognition until the 21st century, remains a rare breed outside of its native region.

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Breed Appearance

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin is a large breed, standing just over two feet tall at the withers and weighing up to 100 pounds, but generally averaging closer to 80. Their distinct appearance is somewhat wolf-like, especially in their face and overall coloration. Their heads are wedge-shaped with their skull being wide and slightly domed, their muzzles a bit conical and nearly as long as the skull, capped with a wide, black nose. Their eyes are almond-shaped and set slightly oblique, contributing to their somewhat lupine look, and their ears are medium set, triangular and folded. Their necks are a medium length but highly-muscled and strong, descending into a straight topline. Their front legs are sturdy, thick-boned and straight, although they do have a slightly convex look to them and are separated by a deep chest that reaches to their elbows. Their bellies are moderately tucked but not dramatic. Their tails are high set, bushy, and are usually carried straight or saber-like at rest or high when alert. Their coats are dual-layered with a dense, soft undercoat and a harsh yet dense topcoat that is moderate in length and exaggerated on the neck, back of the limbs and tail. The base color is a pale fawn and features a range from light grey to black.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Fawn

Gray

Black

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Breed Maintenance

Despite their long coats, the Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin only requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Their coats do need brushing a few times a week but rarely, if ever, need professional grooming. A slicker brush or firm bristle brush should do the trick to help keep their coats free of dirt and loose hair and free of tangles, although a de-matter can also be used if matting becomes an issue. If they mainly stay outside, they will need to be bathed with more frequency, usually around once a month to keep them clean and healthy. Otherwise, if kept indoors, they do a fairly good job with self-maintenance and need bathing considerably less often. Because they have folded ears, they will need to be checked to make sure they aren't accumulating an excess amount of wax or moisture that could cause infections and if so, will need to be cleaned with some regularity. Their nails should also be monitored and trimmed when necessary to prevent cracking and/or breaking and their teeth should be brushed once a week to help them maintain good oral hygiene.

Brushes for Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Temperament

While they are considered a relatively easy dog to train compared to other guardian breeds, the Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin are still relatively strong-willed and will assert their dominance if they see that no one else is doing so with regularity, so it is important that they are trained early on with a firm and consistent hand to get the best of their behavior. Their patience makes them good with children but does not apply to strangers, who they are very watchful of. If they feel a stranger brings a threat, they will issue a warning bark and position themselves between the newcomer and their family unless told or trained to do otherwise. Unlike other guardian breeds, these canines were often kept in groups, as it was advantageous for many farmers to do so when employing them as watch and guard dogs, so they generally get along well with other dogs, depending on their level of acquaintance. They will still try to position themselves within the group hierarchy, however, and may show short bouts of aggression to do so. If they sense an unfamiliar dog as a threat, they will treat them the same way as strangers, acting as a watchful sentinel until the threat leaves or elevates the situation, in which they will confidently assert themselves. Overall, despite the few flaws they possess, they are still highly regarded for a variety of reasons from their ultimate devotion to their protective and yet affectionate nature.

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Activity Requirements

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin are considered a medium to high energy level breed and thus need a considerable amount of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. While they do appreciate a space to run, they are usually happy joining their owners on a long walk or run daily and if given an open yard, will generally expel at least some energy on their own, patrolling it and checking out new smells, sights, and noises. Their behavior generally improves the more exercise they are given, so it is best for families to find their threshold and do their best to tire them out regularly. It is recommended that they get at least 70 minutes of solid exercise a day. Compared to other breeds of the type, the Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin are a bit less independent and a bit more sensitive than others. Although they are able to withstand long periods of being on watch and acting as guardian, they form very tight bonds with their family members and may develop separation anxiety if left alone too long, especially if they're trapped in the house without a job to do, and may become frustrated or even destructive. The same has a chance of happening if they are kept in smaller spaces like an apartment. But realistically, besides those two elements, they are extremely well-behaved and do a good job of adapting to different family structures and living situations, although they do prefer to be with a moderately active family and one with a large house and yard that they can watch and patrol at will. In the home they are calm and easy-going, happy to spend time just lounging around with the family, but they do also require a good amount of exercise and will become restless if it is not provided to them. They are endlessly loyal and devoted and will happily follow the family around as they do things around the house and yard, doing their best to self-appoint themselves as the local guardian.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
18 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
70 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin

Similarly Sized Breeds to Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4.5 cups
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $2.50
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $75.00

Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin Height & Weight

6 Months

Height: 19.5 inches
Weight: 60.5 lbs

Height: 17.5 inches
Weight: 60.5 lbs
12 Months

Height: 23.5 inches
Weight: 74.0 lbs

Height: 21.0 inches
Weight: 74.0 lbs
18 Months

Height: 27.5 inches
Weight: 85.0 lbs

Height: 24.5 inches
Weight: 85.0 lbs

Written by a Puggle lover Jonathan Powell

Published: 03/08/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

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