Mioritic Breed description: Character & Co

About

Mioritic - the Romanian dog breed in breed portrait

The Mioritic is a fuzzy Romanian shepherd and mountain dog, which is very rare in German-speaking countries.

The origin of the Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic

The Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic is one of three recognized Romanian shepherd dogs. "Ciobănesc Românesc" means Romanian shepherd dog and "Mioritic" means small sheep. So it is the shepherd dog that was preferably used for herding sheep.

As a breed, this dog was created by natural selection. Farmers and shepherds exchanged particularly talented animals. The Mioritic did not have an easy task. Sheep are in the Carpathians a found food for bears, wolves and birds of prey. Even if the Mioritic looks like a fluffy cuddly bear at first, there is a bold and, if necessary, powerful heart in him.

A breed standard was first formulated in 1991.

Due to its primitive nature and the close connection to the free way of life, it is only conditionally suitable as a family dog.

The FCI has fully recognized the Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic only in 2015. Since then, it has been listed under Standard 349, Group 1: Herding Dogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1: Sheepdogs.

long-haired Romanian shepherd dog
very original working dog
only conditionally suitable as a family dog

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Alternate Name	Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic
Origin	Romania
Life expectancy	10 - 12 years
Care requirements	high-maintenance

Activity level	average
FCI group	Sheepdogs
AKC group	Foundation Stock Service
KC group	not recognised

Characteristics

The typical character traits of the Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic.

This dog is fearless and strong. If he smells danger from the ground or from the air, it has to strike immediately. Herding is in this dog's marrow.

So unless you are a shepherd, farmer or landowner again, you will not be able to satisfy the disposition of this animal.

Otherwise, the Mioritic is considered very sociable, open to people, but always critical and watchful. They are very intelligent and obedient, yet used to making their own decisions in an emergency.

obedient and responsive herding dog
people friendly
working dog through and through

Character

loyal
quietly
brave

Usage

Herding Dog

Breeding

Breeding, acquisition and keeping of the Mioritic

A Mioritic puppy will not be so easy to get in the German speaking countries. In Austria there is an association which is only dedicated to this dog. If you are sure that the Mioritic could fit to you, you can inquire there.

romanian dog breed, dog from romania, shepherd dog, longhaired big dog, big dog breed

The breed characteristics of the Mioritic

The rough country life in the Carpathians has produced an amazingly fine shepherd dog. With a height of about 70 cm, he is very tall, yet graceful and light-weight. Trademark is the long coat. In working use in the Carpathians he is shaggy and matted. If it is groomed or presented at agricultural shows, it shows a wonderful silky fine coat.

Appearance and coat of the Mioritic

The Mioritic is large and fine boned. Most of his body structure remains hidden under the fuzzy coat. It is powerful, long-legged and compact. Due to the sometimes very long coat, it appears more square and compact at first glance.

The coat is soft and extremely robust. In winter it develops a thick undercoat. It is always white to grey or tan, with lighter markings. The paws can be huge and will carry it safely over rocky terrain. If this dog is not trimmed and coiffed, the expressive eyes disappear completely under the head hair.