Doxiepoo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Doxiepoo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria but Doxiepoo is originated from United States. Bulgarian Shepherd may grow 50 cm / 20 inches higher than Doxiepoo. Bulgarian Shepherd may weigh 50 kg / 111 pounds more than Doxiepoo. Bulgarian Shepherd may live 42 years more than Doxiepoo. Bulgarian Shepherd may have more litter size than Doxiepoo. Both Bulgarian Shepherd and Doxiepoo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
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Bulgaria
United States
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
45 - 57 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 6
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Dachshundpoo , Doxiedoodle
Colors Available:
BlackWhiteTricolor
grey, tan, white, Cream, black, apricot
Coat:
Single
Short, medium to long curly or wavy coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

doxiepooThe Doxiepoo is a designer dog breed - a combination of the Dachshund who was used to hunt for Badgers and the Poodle, a dog bred in France to essentially be a lap dog. There is however some dispute as to whether the Poodle descends from Germany or from the French Barbet.

Wherever the parents hail from, the Doxiepoo hails from the United States of America.

With both the Poodle and the Dachshund being intelligent, fun and loving type of canines, the two of them together have brought out a wonderful hybrid pet in the Doxiepoo. Today, the Doxiepoo is bred with other Doxiepoos.

Description

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.

doxiepoo puppy - descriptionThe Doxiepoo can range from being a small to medium sized dog, standing at anything between 20cm to 25cm in size and weighing between 3kg and 7kg, depending much on whether a standard, miniature or toy sized poodle was used in the breeding.

The Doxiepoo could look like either one of the two breeds, but he will have a strong, sturdy body with a curly or wavy coat of varying lengths and various colors - cream, black, tan, apricot, grey or white. The poodle side of him ensures he is a hypoallergenic dog.

Temperament:

Between the Dachshund and the Poodle, you’re going to get a wonderful array of characteristics as they both come with their strong points. Certainly you will be well entertained and amused by your pet, while he can also be useful as a watchdog.

Being a small dog, he will fit well into life in the city or in the countryside. He is as bright as a button and learns tricks and new skills quickly. With training and socialization he becomes obedient and well behaved wherever he is, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with all children and adults.

The Doxiepoo is a lively, alert, energetic dog and will require being exercised – lots of ball games and a walk will keep him lean, muscular and content.

Characteristics

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.

The Doxiepoo is a sweet, loyal, loving dog, making an excellent family pet.

doxiepoo dog - characteristicsEvery dog, even the little ones like this, will require some kind of input from you if you want to get the best from him. Every puppy bought as a gift when they’re cute and cuddly turns into an adult, and often the very person who received him as a gift, loses interest and neglects him. Then they wonder why the dog becomes irritating and destructive.

A dog is a long term investment and if you commit to your sweet Doxiepoo, you’ll get years and years of devoted friendship.

Health Problems

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.

doxiepoo puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of the Doxiepoo is around 12-15 years of age if he is well looked after. He is a robust dog, but he can still face some health issues that both his parents contend with.

Just some of the diseases that the Doxiepoo might face while in your care are ear- and skin infections, dental disease, digestive tract problems, heart conditions and epilepsy. If you think your pet has any kind of illness, it is imperative to get him to the vet for a checkup.

Poodles, particularly are prone to skin disorders. They can be allergic to grass, parasites and food. If your Doxiepoo chews or licks his paws or some other area a lot, and the skin is red, he could have a skin allergy.

The vet will be able to diagnose your dog’s allergies with some skin- or blood testing. For instance, sebaceous adenitis is an inherited allergy that affects the lubrication of the skin and hair follicles. Symptoms of the disease include scaly skin, sore and even hair loss.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

doxiepoo dogs - caringYou can’t be sure what kind of coat your Doxiepoo will have but he will certainly require brushing at least twice a week. In some instances it may be wise to seek out the services of a professional groomer who does an excellent job of trimming the hair, cleaning the teeth, checking the ears and clipping the nails.

Training:

The Doxiepoo, just like any other dog, will need to be trained and socialized early as he is a stubborn dog and will need to be trained to be obedient. With this training and socialization, he becomes amicable around children and pets in the home. He learns easily too and this is what makes him a great pet for first time dog owners.

Exercise:

The Doxiepoo is a moderate energy dog, so he will do well on a walk every day. You can also make use of ropes, balls and frisbees to give him a bit of a workout in the garden.

He loves water too and will enjoy a run on the beach and cooling off in the ocean. He adapts easily to life in the city or in the country, so long as he is with his human companions.

Diet:

The Doxiepoo will eat dry kibble, particularly if it is from the highest quality brands and chosen according to the dog’s size, age and activity levels.

Now and then you can add in a little bit of cooked rice, vegetables and chicken for variety. Some raw meat can play an important role in keeping the skin healthy and free from dryness and itchiness. Make sure that he always has fresh, cool water available to him.

Comparison with other breeds

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  34. Doxiepoo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  38. Doxiepoo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Doxiepoo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Doxiepoo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Doxiepoo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Doxiepoo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Doxiepoo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Doxiepoo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Doxiepoo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Doxiepoo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Doxiepoo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Doxiepoo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Doxiepoo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Doxiepoo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison