Pakistani Shepherd Dog

		Pakistani Shepherd Dog
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Pakistan
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The Pakistani Shepherd Dog is a breed from Pakistan that has been used for breeding and protection for centuries. The word "Bhagyari" comes from the Punjabi root word "Bhagyaar", meaning "wolf". "Kutta" means "dog". This breed is mainly found in the Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan. There are various theories as to the origin of the Bhagayari Kutta. According to the most popular theory, the Pakistani Shepherd Dog was born between a wolf and a domestic dog, hence the name Pakistani Shepherd Dog (meaning "wolf dog"). If you've ever seen an Asian (Pakistani) wolf, you'll see that the Pakistani Shepherd Dog truly resembles this type of wolf.

Pakistani Shepherd Dogs are very strong, muscular dogs. They have a rounded forehead and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their lips are black and their noses are mainly black. Their feet have very hard soles. Adult Pakistani Shepherd Dogs have erect ears. The Pakistani Shepherd Dog's coat is usually black and beige, but can be gold, and some can come in white, which is rare but does happen. Colors vary from region to region.

The Pakistani Shepherd Dog is a breeding breed. They are very eager and love herding animals, sometimes even small children and their owners. They are dedicated to their work, courageous, fearless and alert. Very protective of their property, owners and sheep, they can be trained easily as they love to learn new things. Pakistani Shepherd Dogs are very loyal to their work and their manager, loving their family. They obey their owner's every command. Pakistani Shepherd Dogs have a loving nature and are very playful with children, enjoying games. This breed is born to work, and can't stay idle all the time. Being able to work is their passion. They should be socialized from an early age, and training should start as a puppy. The Bhayri Kutta should not be left alone with other small non-dog pets. It is a very obedient and loyal breed that is not aggressive, but will protect its owner to the death if the need arises. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, yet firm, confident and consistent manner.

This energetic, relentless breed continues to work in desert temperatures of 104° F (40° C) and sometimes higher.

It is prone to flea allergies.

The Pakistani Shepherd Dog loves intense activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, as these dogs are highly intelligent and need a good challenge. When they're not working, they need to be walked every day, going for long walks, jogging or running alongside you when you're cycling. When walking, the dog should be heeled beside or behind the person holding the leash, because in a dog's mind, the leader leads the way, and that leader must be the human. Most Shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. This breed does best with a job to do. Without enough exercise, mental and physical, it will become dull and destructive, affecting its good temperament.

This breed throws out bits of hair all the time and is a fairly heavy excreter. If it's inside the dog, it should be brushed every day or you'll have hair all over your house. Bathe him only if necessary; excessive bathing can cause skin irritation due to oil depletion. Check ears and trim claws regularly.

Height at withers for males 61 to 64 cm, for females 50 to 61 cm, weight 35 to 45 kg.