Kuchi

84-120 lbs
27-32"
Afghanistan, Pakistan
Sage Kuchi, Sage Koochee, Sage Jangi, De Kochyano Spai, Jangi Spai, Afghan Shepherd

The Kuchi is a rare breed that was bred to be a guardian and protector. They are athletic, fast and agile. This breed is also known for their relentless stamina. While the Kuchi is not recognized as a breed by any kennel clubs in the western hemisphere, they are beloved in their native Afghanistan and Pakistan. This breed is extremely suspicious of strangers and it takes a long time before they begin to accept anyone as friend. Do not expect them to willingly greet people. Early socialization is a must for the Kuchi to prevent them from becoming aggressive towards strangers. 

purpose Purpose
Livestock Guardian Dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Molosser-type Dogs

Kuchi Health

Average Size
Male Kuchi size stats
Height: 28-35 inches Weight: 88-176 lbs
Female Kuchi size stats
Height: 27-32 inches Weight: 84-120 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Bloat
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Yearly Physical Examination
  • OFA on hips and elbows

Kuchi Breed History

The Kuchi was named after the Afghan Kochi people who are thought to have first discovered these molosser-type dogs. The breed is thought to have been developed by the nomads of Afghanistan as a working breed given the task of guarding the caravans and livestock against predators and thieves. Since there is very little written about the Kuchi, the date of origin is unknown and their ancestry is still somewhat of a mystery. This makes historians believe they are a primitive breed that has been hidden from the world while traveling with their masters through Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is known that they are considered molosser-type dogs and are genetically close to the Central Asian Ovcharka. Some researchers claim the Kuchi is simply a variation of the Central Asian Ovcharka. They are able to adapt to their native environment quickly making them ideal for all climates in the Middle East. The Kuchi has three different classifications: mountain type, steppe type and desert type. Some breed enthusiasts have even classified them further into either tiger type or lion type. The Kuchi is a large breed that has the ability to basically fend for themselves from centuries of traveling with nomad groups throughout all types of terrains and climates. They had to have the wherewithal to catch their own food to survive because the nomads did not always have the ability to provide food for them. Many enthusiasts of the breed are beginning to promote responsible breeding practices and develop an acceptable breed standard. There is a higher population of Kuchi in Pakistan and Afghanistan but is considered a rare breed everywhere else in the world. 

Kuchi Breed Appearance

The Kuchi has been classified into three varieties. All varieties have the same basic, sturdy, large boned structure with a massive head. They all should have dark eyes and a black nose, although self-colored noses are acceptable in lighter colored dogs. Their ears are generally cropped close to their head and their tails are also docked. The mountain type Kuchi has bigger bones than the other two varieties and also has a longer coat that is very dense. The mountain type is able to move quickly over uneven terrain but is slower moving over flat land. The steppe type of Kuchi has a lighter bone structure and is able to move fast over flat lands. They have a medium to long coat that is somewhat dense, but not as dense as the mountain type. The desert type of Kuchi has a short coat that becomes dense with a woolen undercoat during colder seasons. These dogs also have a heavier bone structure than the steppe type. All three varieties come in several different colors including black, red, fawn and grey. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Kuchi eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Kuchi nose
Black
brown Kuchi nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Kuchi coat
Black
gray Kuchi coat
Gray
red Kuchi coat
Red
fawn Kuchi coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Kuchi straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Kuchi Breed Maintenance

The Kuchi is a self-sufficient breed and however, during seasons of heavy shedding they do require much more grooming and maintenance. All three varieties have a dense undercoat that does completely shed out during the spring. This requires daily brushing to stay on top of hairs floating all over your home and getting onto your clothing. Otherwise they can be brushed once a week using a pin brush, metal comb and if necessary a de-matter and de-shedder. Their ears are generally cropped close to their heads but they do still need to be cleaned often to prevent any ear infections from occurring. Since they are heavy seasonal shedders, this breed is not hypoallergenic. Being a molosser-type breed, the Kuchi does drool and snore. They can have a strong smell when they have been out working but they should not be bathed too often. Bathe them every few months using a mild shampoo. 

Brushes for Kuchi
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Kuchi requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Kuchi Temperament

This is a fiercely independent breed that was bred to be vigilant and hard. They are also very clever and extremely trustworthy. The Kuchi is surprisingly agile for their size and have great stamina. When confronted with a predator trying to attack their flock, the Kuchi will fight fearlessly and to the death if need be. They are very territorial and do not do well with other dogs within their area. Therefore, they are recommended to be the only dog in the home. The Kuchi does bond closely with their family and will become very protective of them. Do not walk them around other people or dogs that they may perceive as a threat. These dogs are very suspicious of strangers and it takes them a long time to accept new people. Generally, the Kuchi does not do well having to be re-homed and bond with a different family. They are not recommended to simply be a family companion, their temperament does not allow them to be content just being a pet. 

Kuchi Activity Requirements

The Kuchi is a moderately active dog that does require regular exercise. Being from a nomadic background, they enjoy long hikes over various terrains. They will require a strong leash when they are being walked around other people and dogs. These dogs may become aggressive if they perceive someone or something is threatening them or their owner. Do not allow them to run in a dog park, however, they do need time to run in a large yard with a sturdy fence. Provide plenty toys that they cannot easily destroy with their powerful jaws. They need a job to do, without a specific purpose they will be very unhappy.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Kuchi Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Kuchi Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Kuchi size stats at six months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 59.5 lbs
Female Kuchi size stats at six months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 50.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Kuchi size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 90.0 lbs
Female Kuchi size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 80.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Kuchi size stats at 18 months
Height: 31.5 inches Weight: 132.0 lbs
Female Kuchi size stats at 18 months
Height: 30.5 inches Weight: 102.0 lbs

Kuchi Owner Experiences

Arlo Hades Tomlinson
3 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
very aggressive but I love her with all my heart
5 years, 3 months ago
Pablo
5 Months
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with the ball
He is more of a one man dog , not to be botheted much.
5 years ago
Albita
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Agility
Very intelligent, strong, territorial, loyal to owners, not a friendly dog tomost people
4 years, 5 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Hi, I have a kuchi pet gift from my friend based on Pakistan /afghan border.. Don't know much about kuchi breed.. Ur article helped alot. Is there anyway I can share my pet pics with you.. Just need to know what kind of kuchi I have. Ali Aheer

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

My pet is afghan kuchi puppy his ears is standing how afghan kuchi real look or sign of afghan kuchi

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Nutrition
Question

My kuchi shepherd is 12months old and is getting weak. What am I supposed to do? Can you suggest me a healthy diet plan or some other recommendations?

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd