Bakharwal Dog

The bakharwal dog is also known as: bakharwal mastiff, Gujjar watchdog, Kashmiri bakharwal, and the mastiff Kashmiri. The breed is not recognized by the FCI.

Origin and History

The bakharwal dog is similar to the Molosser dog, and is a livestock guardian dog found in the Pir Panjal mountain range, in Kashmir. The tribes of nomadic pastoralists bred him to protect belongings and guard the herds. He is among the oldest breeds of the Himalayas.

Description

Deep-chested, muscular and agile, the Kashmiri sheepdog has a straight back and broad shoulders. Its body is long-legged, with a powerful neck and a large head. The coat is of medium length, with plenty of undercoat, occurring in black and various shades of brown, including tri-color and spotted. Depending on the area, the size varies between 60 and 75 cm high at the shoulder.

Care

Famous for his loyalty to his owners and his courage, the bakharwal is also known for his ferocity and relentless activity. He protects the goods and chattels, but is also aggressive toward strangers and predators.