Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic

As with many ancient breeds, there is little documentation that occurred along the sprawling timeline of the Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic. There have been hints, however, that this is a truly ancient breed with storied roots. The earliest images are featured in carved images in Rome, images that depict the Romans engaging in battle with the Daci, who were aided by large, bearded dogs. While the proof is still few and far between, many believe they descended from the Molossus dogs of ancient Rome, and their size and overall muscular build seem to agree. Although depicted more as warriors in the early periods, the Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic, or the dogs they descended from, were more often used for hunting, herding, and guarding sometime after the domestication of livestock. Because of their time and area of use, however, which largely included illiterate rural farmers, there are few other indications of the breed's overall development, at least until the late 19th and early 20th century, when others began to take notice and written accounts of the breed began to surface with greater frequency. But it still took until 1981 for the first breed standard to be published and until 2005 until the breed was finally recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. The United Kennel Club followed suit just one year later, granting full recognition in 2006. Today, they are a rare breed outside of their region of origin, but are still highly-regarded in their homeland for their distinct appearance, excellent temperament, and top notch working ability.