Carpathian Shepherd

also known as Romanian Carpatin Herder, Rumanian Carpathian, Câine Ciobănesc Carpatin, Carpatin Ciobănesc Românesc Carpatin, Romanian Shepherd Dog, Romanian Sheepdog, Carpatin, Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, Carpathian Sheepdog

Pros History


The Carpathian Shepherd Dog is a breed of large working dog that originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. These dogs were traditionally used as guard dogs and livestock herders, and they are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong protective instincts.

The history of the Carpathian Shepherd Dog can be traced back to ancient times, when the Romans used large working dogs to guard their livestock and protect their property. Over the centuries, these dogs were bred and developed in the Carpathian Mountains, where they were subjected to harsh weather conditions and a rugged terrain. As a result, they became strong, rugged, and highly adaptable, with a thick coat that protected them from the cold and damp.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Carpathian Shepherd Dog was recognized as a distinct breed and began to be exhibited in dog shows. The breed gained popularity and was officially recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club in 1936.

Despite their popularity in Romania, the Carpathian Shepherd Dog is not as well-known in other parts of the world. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in this breed, and they are now being imported and bred in a number of countries.

Carpathian Shepherd Dogs are large, muscular, and athletic, with a strong, muscular build and a thick, double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, brown, and white. They have a powerful, broad head, with a strong jaw and a distinctive black mask. Their ears are usually cropped, and their tail is usually docked.

Carpathian Shepherd Dogs are intelligent and independent, and they are known for their strong protective instincts. They are highly trainable and excel in a variety of roles, including guard dog, livestock herder, and search and rescue. They are also used as police and military dogs in some countries.

Despite their formidable appearance and reputation as a guard dog, Carpathian Shepherd Dogs are actually quite gentle and loving with their family and are known to be good with children. They do, however, require proper socialization and training to ensure that they are well-behaved and obedient.

Breed Information


Type

Is Carpathian Shepherd a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Carpathian Shepherds originally used for?

Shepherd, Flock and Family Guardian

Lifespan

How Long Do Carpathian Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Carpathian Shepherd? How long can Carpathian Shepherds live?

12-14 years

The average Carpathian Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Carpathian Shepherd Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Carpathian Shepherd?

What is the average height of a Carpathian Shepherd? How big is a Purebred Carpathian Shepherd height? Carpathian Shepherd dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) 27.5 inches (69.9 cm)
Female 23-26 inches (58.4 - 66 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Carpathian Shepherd? How much should Carpathian Shepherds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 80-100 pounds (36 - 45 kg) 63.0 pounds (29 kg) 81.0 pounds (37 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg)
Female 70-90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) 56.0 pounds (25 kg) 72.0 pounds (33 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Carpathian Shepherds get fat easily?

The Carpathian Shepherd is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Carpathian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Carpathian Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Carpathian Shepherd personality? What are Carpathian Shepherd dogs best known for?

Courageous
Dignified
Calm

Shedding Level

Are Carpathian Shepherds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Carpathian Shepherd Shed?

Carpathian Shepherd dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Carpathian Shepherd. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Carpathian Shepherd dog?

Carpathian Shepherds are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Carpathian Shepherd is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Carpathian Shepherds come from?

Carpathia

Ancestry

What are Carpathian Shepherds descended from?

Unknown

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Carpathian Shepherd breed?

American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Carpathian Shepherds first bred? How old is the Carpathian Shepherd breed?

Ancient Times

Carpathian Shepherd Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Carpathian Shepherd eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Carpathian Shepherd nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Carpathian Shepherd coat be naturally?

Gray
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a Carpathian Shepherds coat?

The coat of a Carpathian Shepherd is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Carpathian Shepherd Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Carpathian Shepherd?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Carpathian Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can a Carpathian Shepherd have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Carpathian Shepherd can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Carpathian Shepherd dogs are a breed that can have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments. They tend to be more comfortable in familiar and consistent surroundings.

Carpathian Shepherd Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Carpathian Shepherds have a lot of health problems?

The Carpathian Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Carpathian Shepherd?

Elbow Dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Carpathian Shepherds?

Entropion
Ectropion
Arthritis

Occasional Diagnoses

Cataracts

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Carpathian Shepherd breed?

Eye examination
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Carpathian Shepherd Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Carpathian Shepherds have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Carpathian Shepherds may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Carpathian Shepherds need socialization? How social are Carpathian Shepherds?

Carpathian Shepherd have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Carpathian Shepherds get?

The Carpathian Shepherd dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Carpathian Shepherd have? Do Carpathian Shepherds sleep a lot?

The Carpathian Shepherd breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Carpathian Shepherd drool a lot?

The Carpathian Shepherd is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Carpathian Shepherd is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Carpathian Shepherd dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Carpathian Shepherds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Carpathian Shepherds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Carpathian Shepherd running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Carpathian Shepherd dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Carpathian Shepherds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Carpathian Shepherd busy?

Chase, Groom, Go to Park, Walk, Run, Watch tv, Sleep, Play, Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Carpathian Shepherd? How much energy does a Carpathian Shepherd have?

Medium

Carpathian Shepherds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Carpathian Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should a Carpathian Shepherd walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Carpathian Shepherd, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Carpathian Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does a Carpathian Shepherd need?

60 minutes

In general most Carpathian Shepherds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Carpathian Shepherd?

The Carpathian Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Carpathian Shepherd?

Weekly

Carpathian Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Carpathian Shepherds?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Carpathian Shepherd eat?

3 cups

For an average 80-100 pound (36 - 45 kg) Carpathian Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Carpathian Shepherd Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Carpathian Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Carpathian Shepherd Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Carpathian Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Carpathian Shepherd Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Carpathian Shepherd?

Carpathian Shepherds has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Carpathian Shepherd is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Carpathian Shepherd dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Carpathian Shepherd dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Carpathian Shepherd do well in apartments? Are Carpathian Shepherds good indoor dogs?

The Carpathian Shepherd is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Carpathian Shepherds good with kids? Are Carpathian Shepherds good around children?

Carpathian Shepherds are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Carpathian Shepherds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Carpathian Shepherds good with cats? How friendly Carpathian Shepherds are toward cats?

Carpathian Shepherds are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Carpathian Shepherds can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Carpathian Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are Carpathian Shepherds OK with other dogs?

Carpathian Shepherds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Carpathian Shepherd dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Carpathian Shepherds friendly with strangers?

Carpathian Shepherds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Carpathian Shepherds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Carpathian Shepherds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Carpathian Shepherds like to play? Are Carpathian Shepherds playful?

Carpathian Shepherds are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Carpathian Shepherd easily trained?

Carpathian Shepherd dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Protective and loyal
    Carpathian Shepherds are protective and loyal dogs that are devoted to their families. They make great guard dogs and can be protective of their homes and loved ones.
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a quieter dog, this breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Carpathian Shepherds are intelligent dogs that are generally easy to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
  • Good with children
    Carpathian Shepherds are generally good with children and make great family pets. They are patient and gentle, and are known for their affectionate and loving nature.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    Not paying attention to a Carpathian Shepherd's weight can cause it to become overweight.
  • High energy
    Carpathian Shepherds have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They may not be suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to keep up with their needs.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of Carpathian Shepherds can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.
  • Sensitive
    Carpathian Shepherds can be sensitive dogs that may not respond well to harsh training methods. They may also be sensitive to changes in their environment and can become anxious or stressed if not properly cared for.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Carpathian Shepherd in an office may not be ideal
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Living in an apartment may not be suitable for Carpathian Shepherd breeds.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Having a cat in the household may not be compatible with having a Carpathian Shepherd.
  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, Carpathian Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, such as Elbow Dysplasia, Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd), Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat and Skeletal/Joint Conditions, and heart conditions. It is important to work with a reputable breeder and be proactive about maintaining your dog's health to minimize the risk of these conditions.