Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd Dog)
Named after the Afghan Kochi people, the Kuchi or Sage Kuchi is a breed of working dogs developed for helping nomads, guarding their caravans and livestock against wild animals and thieves. The Kuchis have genetic resemblance with the Central Asian Ovcharka and are often considered a variant of the CAO. These are tall dogs that come with cropped ears, strong muzzle, long, thick neck, straight backline, and docked tail.
Kuchi Dog Pictures
- Afghan Kuchi Dog Pictures
- Afghan Kuchi Dog
- Afghan Kuchi Fighting Dog
- Afghan Shepherd Dog
- Kuchi Dog Images
- Kuchi Dog Pictures
- Kuchi Dog Puppies
- Kuchi Dog
- Kuchi Dogs
- Kuchi Lion Type
- Kuchi Tiger Type
- Sage Kuchi
Quick Information
Other Names | De Kochyano Spai, Sage Jangi, Sage Kuchi, Jangi Spai |
Coat | Short/medium/long, thick undercoat |
Color | Any color, dark spots may appear on the body |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Category | Molosser, Mountain Dog, Livestock Guardian Dog |
Lifespan | About 12 years |
Weight | Female: 84-120 lbs Male: 88-176 lbs |
Size | Large |
Height | Female: 27-32 inches Male: 28-35 inches |
Shedding | Seasonal, moderate |
Size of Litter | 6-8 puppies |
Temperament | Courageous, intelligent, loyal, athletic |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Good with Children | Yes |
Barking | High |
Country Originated in | Afghanistan |
Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information | Not registered by any canine associations and kennel clubs |
Sub-types
The Afghan Shepherd Dogs are classified into large-boned, heavy coated mountain-types, lighter and medium/long haired steppe-types, and short/medium haired desert-types. Sometimes these sheepdogs are also categorized into thick-coated, heavily built lion-types and short-haired, athletic looking tiger-types.
History
The Kuchis, believed to be a primitive breed, have been raised by the Afghan Nomads for ages. As dogs with outstanding ability to adapt to their native environment, the Sage Kuchi could travel with the nomads without food and shelter, as well as protect their livestock on varied terrains like mountain ranges, flat grasslands, or in deserts. These fearless dogs were robust enough to challenge predators like mountain lions, wolves, and bears.
Temperament and Behavior
The Afghan Shepherd dogs are fierce, vigilant, and tough, but at the same time can be independent, trustworthy, and incredibly clever. Possessing great strength and agility, they perform their duties even when confronted with danger.
They are friendly and devoted to their owners, also sharing a good rapport with other members of their family. Being extremely territorial, they do not hesitate to defend their people aggressively against encroachers including humans and other dogs.
Years of association with nomadic lifestyle combined with their independent minds along with a keen sense of pride and ownership do not make them suitable for Western homes.
Care
Exercise
The Kuchi is a naturally active dog that needs plenty of regular exercises. As a family pet, it loves going out on long, leashed walks with its owner, and free-runs in a large, fenced area.
Grooming
It does not require much grooming except brushing its coat during the shedding season and occasional bathing.
Health Problems
The Kuchi is a healthy breed free from common genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Training
Sage Kuchis are instinctively intuitive and do not need any special training for doing their guarding duties. However, consider the following methods if you want to deal with their common behavioral issues.
Socialization: To make your Kuchi less aggressive towards other dogs and humans, acclimate it to different sounds during its puppyhood. Make sure your Kuchi puppy is handled and cuddled by various people. On the other hand, adult dogs need continuous pleasant exposure to unfamiliar people and positive interactions with other dogs.
Desensitization: To control fear aggression and overprotective behavior you need to identify what triggers unsettle and induce a fearful response from your dog. Prolonged eye contact, moving unusually fast or slow at the dog, reaching over its head, neck or shoulder, and any sudden movement can be provoking. Pair its trigger stimulus with positive reinforcement including praise or treats to establish pleasing connections between the two. Contact a dog behaviorist to get instructions on this training technique.
Feeding
A nutritious formula created for large working dogs will help meet its energy needs and keep its body in shape.
Interesting Facts
- Big, fierce dogs such as Afghan Kuchis and Mastiffs are often entered to fight in illegal blood sport in Afghanistan.