Bulgarian Shepherd vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison

Bulgarian Shepherd vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed ComparisonAustrian Pinscher is originated from Austria but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Austrian Pinscher may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. Austrian Pinscher may weigh 39 kg / 85 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. Austrian Pinscher may live 43 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Austrian Pinscher may have less litter size than Bulgarian Shepherd. Austrian Pinscher requires High Maintenance. But Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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Austria
Bulgaria
Height Male:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 18 kg
22 - 40 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, Austrian farm dog
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
The combination of the black and golden yellow, brown and golden yellow. They can have white mark that stretches from the top of the head and across the belly.
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
short or medium long roughish and thick coat, with softer undercoat
Single
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

austrian pinscherThe Australian pinscher exists from the early nineteenth century in Australia. They were originally breed and raised to be great family pet and the guard of the property. They don’t have the gene for a hunting and that’s why they were kept close to the family. Since they were thought to live in areas where they can roam and run free, they have a high daily need for the activity.

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

austrian pinscher puppy - descriptionThe Australian pinscher, medium sized dog breed, with strong and solid body muscularity, is a happy dog with generally very positive personality. They don’t weight much, and they have usually athletic bodies because they are very active dog kind. Their head is built as a roundish triangle with wrinkled wide forehead and strong cheekbones. They have strong scissor bite and usually darker lips. They have brown or golden brown lively eyes, medium to small ears that fit perfectly to the head size. Their tails are most of the time happy and up in the air, usually fluffy because of the longer hairs on the tails.

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

austrian pinscher dog - characteristicsIf you decide to have an Austrian pinscher as a pet in a family with small children, you will make a great choice. Their playful nature and energetic behaviour have been accepted by the children very well. They have an affectionate attitude towards their family, and they will be the great watchdog for your children.

Special talents

Guarding a farm, large yard, animals on the farm or in a yard. Guarding and playing with children, long runs or long bike rides. They will follow you anywhere.

Adaptability

Since they are great with the family and children as well, they can’t be rated with a five-star grade for stranger friendliness and other dog’s friendliness. Sure, they can be trained to be very socialized if you have the time and the patience, but if you don’t you shouldn’t be surprised if they are generally not stranger friendly. It’s their nature. They are devoted only to the family and they usually have a hard time when their family leaves them. This breed is not advisable to be kept indoors or with the seniors that don’t move much.

Learning ability

The Austrian pincher's ability to learn fast and be trained quickly is not super good. They do well – they will listen to their owners always but they are not so great when it comes to learning trick for fun. They will be more than happy to run to catch the ball, but they won’t give it back because they can play alone. They can be learnt to do the basic things, but their lovable and playful nature will overall and they will end up asking for an ear scratch or a belly rub.

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

austrian pinscher puppies - health problemsThey usually have no health issues like skin irritations, problems with eyes or ears, but they need to be groomed regularly because they shed a lot. They don’t need the regular baths, but when you do bathe them, take a good care of washing and rinsing their thick undercoat. Keep their ears clean and their claws tidy, and you will be happy together. There is a normal percentage of the joint injuries and heart malfunctions due to the increased activity. But, if you take a good care of your Austrian Pinscher, you wouldn’t have to worry about this at all.

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

How to feed the Austrian pinscher

austrian pinscher dogs - caringJust like any other active dog, the Austrian Pinscher loves to eat. But they usually know their limit and they are almost never obese. While they are pups, it is best for them to have meals in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. Meals should be rich in nutrients and in small portions. When they grow up, they will need two meals during the day. Take a good care while feeding them – read about the portion needed for their weight and don’t give him extra portions or human junk food. They generally don’t like raw meat, but you can chance on of the daily portions with some meat cooked in the water without any spices.

Good Health tips

Organize your day to have an hour or two for this lovely pet. Austrian pinscher likes to be cuddled, petted and being played with. Be affectionate towards this dog breed because they will be happier and more protective towards you. They like to show love but they also have a need to be appreciated and loved. Keep them off the leach as much as possible and don’t leave them alone for a long period.

Games and Exercises

This lively and energetic dog breed will do well while they have enough place to run. If you have a small yard, take them for a run with you or drive a bike and let them follow. They like to bark, and they will do that if they want your attention.

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