Karakachan LGDs

In Spring 2017, Vernal Vibe Rise acquired a breeding pair of AKDA Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs), Read Hopping Acres (dam) and Buckshot Raindrop (sire). Farm-raised male and female puppies are available as livestock guardians and breeding dogs.

Karakachans are very rare Bulgarian livestock guardian dogs, and have been introduced to farms in the United States only recently. Vernal Vibe Rise Karakachans live and work in an active farm environment here in the mountains of West Virginia. They manage predators, livestock, and care for all aspects of farm guardianship.

“Less wandering than some breeds, extremely protective and ever vigilant, our predation losses to domestic dogs and coyotes has been reduced to virtually zero. While the Karakachan is fully capable of using force, they generally use intimidation as a very effective tool to move predators to less risky environs. Sometimes a little reticent to engage with people, they are well-mannered and loyal, none the less. Each has its own personality and level of desire for interaction with people. They can be fierce and are both intelligent and independent.” (Massey Creek Farms)

“The Karakachan dog is one of Europe’s oldest breeds. It is a typical Mollos, created for guarding its owner’s flock and property; it does not hesitate to fight wolves or bears to defend its owner and his family in case of danger. Its ancestors started forming as early as the third millennium BC. The Karakachan dog is a descendant of the dogs of the Thracians, renowned as stock-breeders. The dog is named after the Karakachans. Due to their conservative stock-breeding traditions, they managed to preserve some of the oldest breeds of domestic animals in Europe – the Karakachan sheep, the Karakachan horse, and, of course, the Karakachan dog. It is with this name that the Karakachan dog appears in the works of some of the classics of Bulgarian literature, namely Yordan Yovkov, Georgi Raitchev and Yordan Radichkov. In 1938 H.B. Peters wrote about it in the German cinologycal magazine “Zeitschrift für Hundeforschung” [Zentralblatt für Kleintierkunde und Pelztierkunde “Kleintier und Pelztier”, Verlag Dr. Paul Schöps, Leipzig]. The first researcher of the breed was Todor Gajtandjiev, who proposed the standardization of the breed in the 1970s. The Karakachan dog’s bravery and dignity, together with its incredible loyalty, make this dog an invaluable friend and helper.” (Hopping Acres)

Vernal Vibe Rise is currently accepting reservations for pups from Read and Buck’s upcoming litter. Please CONTACT me for more information, and be prepared to share about your farm, fencing system, and livestock management practices. Thank you!

For more information, please visit the American Karakachan Dog Association.