Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 20th September 2023Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
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Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 20th September 2023The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is lively, loving, and gentle. Its enormous build, long and shaggy coat, and alert nature indicate its use as a herding dog. Named after the Romanian “mioară,” meaning “little sheep,” it is famed for its sense of danger and protectiveness towards its flock. This sturdy breed is devoted to its family and protects them with its life.
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Quick Information
| Other names | Ciobănesc Românesc, Mioritic, Mioritic Sheepdog |
| Coat | Long and shaggy double coat |
| Color | White, black, or gray, with some patches |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Livestock Guarding Dog |
| Life expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Size | Large |
| Height | Male – 27 – 29 inches Female – 22.5 – 28 inches |
| Weight | 100-130 pounds |
| Litter Size | 4-12 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Calm, courageous, loyal, alert, and protective |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | Moderate; they bark to alert their owners |
| Climate compatibility | Moderate; it does well in colder climates but can overheat in summer |
| Apartment compatibility | Low; they need outdoor activity |
| Do they shed | They shed in small amounts |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Moderate; they are independent and wilful |
| How much do they cost | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/Information | FCI, UKC |
| Country | Romania |
History and Origin
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, developed from an existing local breed chosen for its vigor and utility. It is still being determined when it first appeared, though it is believed to date back to the Roman era. Murals depicting battle scenes between the Romans and the Daci, inhabitants of the Carpathian region, show large, burly, and shaggy dogs resembling the Mioritic. Medieval kings likely kept these dogs in their armies, as they could defend against massive predators like bears and lynx. For centuries, this muscular, hairy, and fiercely loyal dog was used by illiterate Romanian peasants as a protector of their lands. This watchdog likely developed into the breed seen today.
Due to its use as a herding dog and its muscular appearance, it is popular in its home country. However, its rarity abroad means the AKC has yet to give it full recognition. The Romanian Kennel Club fixed breed standards in 1981 and revised those following FCI guidelines in 2002.
Temperament and Personality
They are intelligent, independent, and confident in guarding their flock and staying vigilant. Their herding instincts make them wary of strangers, and it may take some time to become comfortable. Extremely territorial, they prefer to watch over their family from a higher point. As puppies, they are loyal to whichever pack accepts them, be it horses, cats, or other dogs. This large breed needs plenty of open space and is unsuited for apartment living. They are incredibly attached to their owners and follow them everywhere, and leaving them alone causes restlessness. They are fond of kids and often act as a cuddly playmate. A well-trained Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a gentle, loyal, and loving companion, willing to go to any lengths for its pack and family.
Care
Exercise
Despite their vast size, they have moderate activity needs due to their role as guarding dogs. Puppies need ample exercise, but adults are content with daily brisk walks. Thus, longer and slower hikes are better than intense playtimes. Activities like ball games and interactive toys are great for mental stimulation. Ensure your pet has plenty of open space to run around in. Providing jobs in the form of obedience and agility training is also a good option.
Grooming
They are relatively low-maintenance, although their thick, shaggy coats suggest otherwise. Only weekly brushing is required. Should they become wet or muddy, you should wait till the hair is dry enough to brush it out. Check their ears regularly for infection and brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent tartar build-up. Finally, clip the nails as needed. Establishing grooming routines early on is best to help your pet acclimatize properly.
Health Concerns
Due to its status as a rescued breed, limited medical information is available. The most observed issues are bloat and hip dysplasia, common to all large dogs.
Feeding
Its diet should be fixed, considering a large, medium-energy breed. It is crucial to control the rapid growth rate of puppies; otherwise, they might develop musculoskeletal issues. Thus, you should feed them a high-quality, large-breed puppy formula until they are about 80% of their adult weight, then switch to adult formulas.
Adult dogs eat moderately for size, lower than most recommended amounts on food packets. Shepherd Dogs cannot fully metabolize higher quantities of proteins, so choose a kibble with lower content. Give a mix of kibble, ground raw meat, vegetables, eggs, fruits, and some table scraps such as rice and oats to an adult. Mealtime should be twice daily to avoid bloat and overfeeding. Puppies can have a meal up to four times daily, but be careful of overeating. Remove uneaten food if left out for more than fifteen minutes and provide at least one to two hours of rest after a meal. Lastly, always ensure fresh water is available, especially in the summer.
Training
Beneath a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog’s stubbornness is a sensitive and loving pet recommended only for experienced families. When trained by a calm and firm owner, it is a gentle and lovable companion.
Socialization: Early socialization is a must to avoid aggressive behaviors like barking, charging, and self-displaying in front of strangers. Due to its tendency to be close to its master, you should commence training after establishing a solid bond. Expose your dog to new places, sounds, and people to help it adjust to unfamiliar situations. Its independence might make it wilful. Thus, a firm hand and strong leadership are required to make it obey commands. It benefits from a reward-based training regimen with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Leash: Keep your dog leashed when outside, ensuring it walks behind you to enforce leadership hierarchy. It requires a large, open area for off-leash play. Dog baskets or special mattresses aren’t necessary as they prefer sleeping on the ground. As a herding breed, the Mioritic requires no special resting place.
Interesting Facts
- The FCI gave it provisional recognition in Buenos Aires on July 6th, 2005. It has since achieved full recognition.
- Though it is yet to be included by the AKC, the UKC classifies it as a Herding Dog and the FCI as part of Group 1 as a Sheepdog.
FAQs
The correct pronunciation is “Romanian Me-or-it-ick Shepherd Dog.”
