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PORTUGAISAlbanian cattle dog
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog albanian cattle dog!
Here, you will find all the useful information about albanian cattle dog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Albanian Cattle Dog is an ancient Molosser descended from the original Alaunt. It shares a close relationship with the dogs of Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Yugoslavia, although it is less standardised. This versatile breed excels at work and is not limited to simply herding cattle.
It is also used as a sheepdog, herding dog and even fighting dog. Some consider the Albanian Cattledog to be a variant of the Qen Stani rather than a distinct breed.
The Albanian Cattledog is often used as a property guard dog, a role it takes very seriously. They are extremely aggressive towards strangers, whether people or other dogs.
As a result, this breed is not suited to life as an urban companion. Despite the Qen Gjedhe's attractive and impressive appearance, its fierce personality makes it a poor choice as a pet. These dogs can be gentle and playful when they are young, but can become temperamental and vicious as adults.
The Albanian Cattle Dog is an imposing, massive and powerful dog. Its size and coat type vary according to its use and region of origin. Their head is broad and round, with a strong muzzle and powerful jaws.
Its body is strong and muscular, with a broad chest. Some dogs may have their ears cropped, but most retain their natural ears. The tail may be docked, although this practice is mainly associated with certain rural areas of Albania.
There are generally two types of Albanian Cattle Dog: the mountain type, which is larger with a long coat, and the plain type, which is smaller with a short coat. Cross-breeding between these two types is common, as selection focuses more on the dogs' working skills than their appearance.
The Albanian Cattle Dog's coat is mainly solid or predominantly white with grey, red, brown, brindle or black patches. In terms of size, males generally measure between 56 and 76 cm (22 and 30 inches) at the withers.
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Origins
The Albanian Cattle Dog, also known as Qen i Sharrit or Sharri Dog, gets its name from the mountainous region of Sharri located on the border between Albania and Kosovo. This sturdy breed is the result of a harsh environment and a constant need to protect herds from predators. These dogs are known for their endurance and ability to survive in extreme weather conditions.
History
The history of the Albanian Shepherd Dog is closely linked to that of the Balkan shepherds. Used mainly to guard sheep and goats, they have also been used to protect homes against intruders. The breed, although popular locally, has only recently begun to be recognized internationally. Efforts are underway for its preservation and formal recognition by international cynological organizations.
Standard
The standard of the Albanian Shepherd Dog breed has not yet been universally established. However, these dogs are generally large in size, with well-developed musculature and a thick coat that can range from gray to black. They have a wide head, dark eyes, and medium-sized ears that hang along the head. Their expression is often serious and attentive.
Physical characteristics
Robust and resilient, the Albanian Shepherd Dog has a strong constitution suitable for guarding and protection. It has a straight back, a broad chest, and powerful legs. Its long and dense coat provides effective protection against bad weather and low temperatures, typical of the mountainous region of the Balkans.
Character
The Albanian Shepherd Dog is known for its loyal and protective temperament. He is wary of strangers but extremely devoted to his family. With proper training, he can be an excellent family companion. He is intelligent, which makes training easier, but he also has a strong character that requires a firm and experienced hand.
Life expectancy
The Albanian Shepherd Dog breed generally enjoys good longevity for dogs of their size, with an average life expectancy of 11 to 14 years. This durability is partly due to their history of outdoor living and their sturdy constitution.
Exercise and activity needs
Given their working history, these dogs have high exercise needs. They require daily walks and plenty of space to expend their energy. A too confined environment can lead to destructive behaviors out of boredom and frustration.
Recommended diet
The Albanian Shepherd's diet must be rich in proteins and balanced to support their large size and activity level. Quality nutrition, adapted to their life stage (puppy, adult, senior), is crucial to maintain their health and vitality.
Training and obedience
Training for the Albanian Shepherd should start early due to their size and strength. They respond well to consistent and respectful training. Positive reinforcement and early socialization are essential for developing a balanced and safe behavior.
Behavior with children
Although protective and loyal, their large size and strength can pose risks to young children. Supervision is necessary during interactions to ensure everyone's safety. With proper socialization and training, they can become great companions for older children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Albanian Shepherd Dog can coexist with other pets, especially if raised with them. However, their predator instinct may sometimes manifest with smaller animals. A cautious and supervised introduction is recommended.
Grooming needs
The grooming of the Albanian Shepherd is not excessively demanding despite their dense coat. Regular brushing is sufficient to maintain their fur in good condition and minimize hair loss. Regular care of the ears and claws is also necessary.
Health
Overall, the Albanian Cattle Dog is a robust breed with few specific health problems. However, like all large breeds, they may be prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular visits to the veterinarian are advised to prevent common health problems.
Average price
The price of an Albanian Shepherd puppy can vary considerably depending on the location, lineage, and availability. On average, a puppy can cost between 800 and 1200 euros, although this price can increase for puppies from particularly reputable or certified lineages.
Expenses
Annual expenses for an Albanian Shepherd Dog include food, veterinary care, insurance, and grooming, and can range between 1000 and 1500 euros, or approximately 1100 to 1650 dollars. These costs may vary depending on the specific needs of the breed and living conditions.
Name ideas
Traditionally named for their qualities, Albanian Bouviers often bear names that reflect their strength and courage. For example, "Bardh" means "white" in Albanian, often given to dogs with light fur. "Hektor" and "Leonidas" evoke ancient heroes known for their bravery. "Roshi" may be inspired by the mountainous nature of their region, while "Dreni" recalls courage and tenacity. Choosing a name for such a dog can also reflect personal traits like "Besnik", meaning loyal, or "Zjarr", meaning fire, evoking their energetic temperament.
Legislation and regulation
No specific restrictions are associated with the Albanian Bouvier. However, it is always advisable to inquire about local laws regarding the ownership and training of large dogs, as some regions may impose specific restrictions.
Official recognition
The Albanian Shepherd Dog is not yet officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Efforts are underway to document and establish a breed standard for future recognition. Local organizations in the Balkans are working to promote and protect the breed.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees for the Albanian Cattle Dog are currently being developed. Local registers are often used to trace the lineage of these dogs, but a formal international system has yet to be established.
Destination and usage
The Albanian Shepherd Dog is primarily used as a guard and protection dog. Its rugged and protective nature makes it ideal for guarding flocks or protecting properties. However, with proper training, they can also excel as companion dogs.
Prohibitions
There is currently no specific ban on the Albanian Shepherd Dog in any country. However, as with all large guard dog breeds, it is crucial to check local regulations that may affect the ownership of such dogs.
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