Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dogs
This is our registered male Karakachan. His name is “Moses.” He has a very sweet personality and wants to please. He was the second largest in his litter and is learning the ropes from our alpha female, “Mercy.”
When researching livestock guardian dogs for our homestead and family, we were told about the Karakachan breed- a dog I’d never heard of. We were immediately convinced this was the right direction for us and have been such a big fan of these dogs ever since. We loved our first K so much, we got a second!
The Karakachan is one of Europe’s most ancient breed of dog originating in today’s region of Bulgaria and protecting the nomadic Karakachan people and their livestock. This breed is known for fighting off large predators such as bears and wolves. The Karakachan is very loyal to his/her family, is very territorial, and it has been our experience that this breed barks only when necessary, such as when a threat is present. It was for these reasons that we chose the Karakachan over the common Great Pyrenees for our homestead.
After owning them for 2+ years, we can also attest to their ease of care. They are incredibly smart, love routine, and are also known to have a stubbornness and independent nature about them. Like any breed of dog, they require consistent training and exposure from a young age to routines, livestock, and family members (especially children).
Most importantly- they do their job of protecting our livestock, property, and family. Surrounded by coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and aerial threats (to our feathery flock), the dogs have done a great job keeping all safe. They’ve even been trained to chase/bark off herons coming anywhere near our pond and taking our koi fish.
This breed does take intentional training, awareness, and patience but the reward is great. They absolutely have a fierce side and switch to ferocious in an instant to a perceived threat.
I love having our Ks nearby and have such confidence in their ability to keep all safe. It truly is a relief and comfort to have them.
*We do plan to breed our pairing at least once and expect puppies early 2025 or summer of 2025. IF you’re interested in a pure-bred Karakachan and want to be on our waitlist, please reach out via email to be added to the list (LavenwellHome@gmail.com- Please let me know if you’re wanting a Male or Female).
