Bulgarian Shepherd vs Beagador - Breed Comparison

Beagador is originated from United States but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Beagador may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. Beagador may weigh 39 kg / 85 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. Beagador may live 42 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Beagador may have less litter size than Bulgarian Shepherd. Both Beagador and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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United States
Bulgaria
Height Male:
45 - 60 cm
17 - 24 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
40 - 55 cm
15 - 22 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 18 kg
22 - 40 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 16 kg
22 - 36 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Labbe Retriever, Labeagle
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
black, brown, black and white, black and brown, white and tan, sometimes even tricolored
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
short and smooth
Single
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Beagador, the gorgeous medium size dog, is a mix of two beautiful breeds: Labrador retriever and a Beagle. This mix was made on purpose in the USA and resulted in a breed that got all the best of both breeds. The Beagador is an intelligent dog, very good in sports and very sociable. This made him very popular around the globe and one of the most desirable dog pets.

bulgarian shepherdThe Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. Among the oldest and most valued of the working dogs of Europe, the Bulgarian Shepherd breed was created by mixing the Balkan breeds with the dogs from Central Asia by the proto-Bulgarians around the 7th century. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. Although the breeds are not the same, most of the dog world does not know the difference.

In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. These dogs were so prized by the shepherds that the dogs ate first before the people. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. The Bulgarian Shepherd lives a long life of often over 20 years. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century.

Following World War II, the wolves were close to extinction and property in Bulgaria was nationalized. There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. The Communist government exterminated large numbers of sheep dogs including the Bulgarian Shepherd. Only those species on government owned farms and in remote regions survived. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. Only those in the mountains survived. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program.

Use of breeds such as Sarplaninacs, Caucasian Ovcharkas, St. Bernards, Central Asian Ovcharkas and Bosnian Tornjaks in these programs resulted in Bulgarian Shepherd or Karakachans that were a lot different from the original breed. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. Today’s Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock.

The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered “true” Karakachans. The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. They are recognized by both the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology (BRFC) a member of the FCI.

Description

The Beagador got his height genes from the Beagle. That means that he is a bit shorter than the Labrador. Generally, they look a lot more like the Labrador, but in some cases, the puppies actually look more like a Beagle. So, actually, there is no rule about this. They have the short coat, usually very smooth. Sometimes it turns out softer and sometimes it doesn’t. They come in many colours, and they are usually two-coloured. So, the real truth is that Beagador breed appearance depends on the stronger genes between parent mix of Beagle and Labrador.

bulgarian shepherd puppy - descriptionA massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. They are intelligent and reliable. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. The Bulgarian Shepherd’s eyes are deep, oblique and small. They are either hazel or dark. They have an intelligent and confident, yet firm almost grim expression.

Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. They have a broad back, well-muscled body with a deep chest and long, rough tail. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. There are two types of coats – longhaired and shorthaired with no undercoats.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

The Beagador is a friendly breed. They will make no difference between adults and children, and they will bond easily even with complete strangers. But, children are usually more active than adults, so, in situations where he can choose, he will definitely choose to play with children. Some say that this dog never grows up in his heart. Maybe that is the reason they like children more.

Special talents

Hunting, sports

Adaptability

The Beagador has the sweetest temper. But, for him, everything is a game. He might be a little bit too happy for other dog breeds. He likes to chase, jump, wrestle and be very physical with other animals. Some animals will enjoy this, but most of them won’t. If you start training him while he is still a puppy and socializing him from his early days, he will learn how to fit in and take a break once in a while.

Learning ability

The Beagador is very intelligent breed. They will be easy to train but only if you are experienced teacher. If you are not, they will try to get the things on their own way and you will end up being trained. It is advisable to use the reward technique, but make sure you don’t prise your Beagador with food. Early training is a must.

bulgarian shepherd dog - characteristicsThis is a working dog, intelligent and independent guard dog. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked.

Health Problems

Eye problems

The problems with their third eyelid, high risk of corneal wounds since they get too playful all the time, a disease that causes the dysfunction of the tear glands, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, blindness.

Dwarfism

When the puppies are born with skeletal defects that causes them to remain small.

Skin problems

Atopic dermatitis – very dry skin. If not treated, it will result in wound made by scratching the itchy and dry skin.

Ear problems

Since they have dropped ears, they don’t have the natural airflow and that causes the most of the infections.

bulgarian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. This includes knee and elbow dislocation; hip dysplasia; bloat; entropion and osteosarcoma. All of these conditions require medical intervention, but bloat and osteosarcoma are the deadliest. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer.

Caring The Pet

Diet tips

One of the first things you will notice is – you will never be able to feed your Beagador. He is always hungry, and he can always have just one more bite. But, this usually leads to very dangerous obesity. Make sure you feed him with prescribed portions: three times a day until he is 6 months old, and two times per day once he grows up. Their diet must be sugar-free.

Points for Good Health

The Beagador is one of the lovable breeds. They need a lot of love and they show a lot of love. They have playful nature and they get happy just by being with people. They shouldn’t be left alone for too long because they will easily develop the separation nervousness. They like to eat and they will use any chance to beg for food. That makes them very obese in no time. Keep in mind that giving them the prescribed proportion is for their own good. They need moderate grooming since they shed regularly. If you bathe them once in a month and brush them two times per week, they will do just fine.

Games and Exercises

The Beagador is a very active dog. They need daily activity. Since they are very friendly, you will have a great chance to meet a lot of people at the dog park! They will run with you, run along while you drive your bike, play in the water, fetch.

Feeding

bulgarian shepherd dogs - caringThese are large dogs with large appetites, but you want to keep them lean and active. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum.

Health issues

Patellar Luxation – a floating kneecap or dislocated knee. Will cause lameness.

Bloat - distended or twisted stomach. Can cause death.

Osteosarcoma – bone cancer must be treated immediately as it is potentially fatal.

Entropion – eye issues when the eyelid turns inward and damages the eye.

Hip Dysplasia – May cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Beagador vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Beagador vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Beagador vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  33. Beagador vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Beagador vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Beagador vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Beagador vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Beagador vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Beagador vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Beagador vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Beagador vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Beagador vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Beagador vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Beagador vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Beagador vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Beagador vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Beagador vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Beagador vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Beagador vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Beagador vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Beagador vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison