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The Kurdish Mastiff is a massive dog breed that's steeped in history and culture. Originating from the Kurdistan region of the Middle East, this gentle giant has been a loyal companion to its owners for centuries.
The Kurdish Mastiff is an ancient breed, with records of its existence dating back to the 13th century. They were initially bred as guard dogs to protect livestock and families from predators.
This breed is known for its impressive size, with males weighing up to 200 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.
General Information
The Kurdish Mastiff is an ancient breed that originated in the Middle East.
This breed has been used for guarding and protection for thousands of years.
They are large dogs, typically weighing between 120 and 200 pounds.
Their distinctive appearance includes a short, dense coat that comes in various colors.
Their lifespan is relatively long, with some living up to 10 years or more.
Physical Characteristics
The Kurdish Mastiff is a large breed of dog, with males typically weighing between 70-90 kg and standing at a height of 70-80 cm at the shoulder.
Their weight can reach up to 80 kg, with an average of 73.50 kg. This makes them a sturdy and robust breed.
The average body length of a Kurdish Mastiff is around 75 cm, with some aged dogs reaching back lengths of over 88 cm.
Description
The adult dogs can reach a weight of 80 kg, with an average of 73.50 kg, ranging from 67 kg in some cases to 80 kg in others.
Their average body length is about 75 cm.
Some dogs, particularly the aged ones, can have a back length of over 88 cm.
Fur Length & Colour
The Kurdish Mastiff's fur is a thick and dense coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather, and its length varies depending on the individual dog, but it's generally medium to long.
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This coat is quite coarse, which helps protect the dog from scratches and other injuries. The most common colours for the Kurdish Mastiff are black, brown, and white, although some dogs may have a combination of these colours.
The fur is often patterned, with stripes or spots of different colours, which can make each dog unique. Black is a common colour for the Kurdish Mastiff, as is dark brown.
Some dogs may have white markings on their fur, particularly on their chest or paws. A shiny, well-groomed coat is a sign of a healthy dog, which is great to see in any furry friend.
Temperament and Behavior
The Kurdish Mastiff is a calm and composed breed, not easily provoked and generally friendly towards their owners and other animals.
They can be protective of their territory and may exhibit aggression towards strangers if they feel threatened, which is why socialization from a young age is crucial.
Their loyalty and devotion to their owners make them excellent guard dogs.
Kurdish Mastiffs can be stubborn and independent, requiring a firm and consistent approach to training.
Positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise can be effective in motivating them to learn.
They are not aggressive or territorial, and are known to be very patient and tolerant with children and other animals.
The Kurdish Mastiff is a highly protective breed, and they will not hesitate to defend their family and property if they feel threatened.
With patience and persistence, Kurdish Mastiffs can be trained to be well-behaved and obedient companions.
Overall, the Kurdish Mastiff is a wonderful breed that is well-suited to families looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Family and Living Situation
Kurdish Mastiffs require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so if you're considering bringing one home, make sure you have a large living space that can accommodate their physical needs.
They need room to run around and play, which is one reason why they're not suited for families living in small apartments.
If you have a big backyard or a house with a yard, a Kurdish Mastiff would thrive in that environment.
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Suitability for Multi-Pet Families
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Kurdish Mastiffs can coexist peacefully with other pets in the household, but it's essential to introduce them slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a good match for families with multiple pets, but individual temperament can vary.
Proper training and socialization play a significant role in how well a Kurdish Mastiff gets along with other pets.
They are generally calm and gentle, which can make them good companions for other animals.
It's crucial to remember that every dog is unique, and their behavior around other pets will depend on their individual temperament and upbringing.
With patience and proper introduction, Kurdish Mastiffs can live harmoniously with other pets in the household.
Kurdish Shepherd Dog
The Kurdish Shepherd Dog is a very old livestock guardian breed of the Kurds, used to drive and protect their Karakul sheep from wolves, bears, and thieves.
This breed has a rich history dating back to the 3rd millennium, according to Assyrians and Babylonian clay tablets found in what is today's Kurdistan.
It's a rugged working Molosser that comes in a variety of coat types and colors, from short-haired dogs to those with a full rich coat, and even some bearded specimens can be rarely seen.
The Kurdish Shepherd Dog is similar in appearance to the Turkish Kangal Dog, but it's lighter and leaner.
It's a tall, deep-chested, and muscular dog, a resilient and athletic Molosser that's held in high regard by Kurds everywhere.
The breed is relatively unknown and unrecognized, but it exists in sufficient numbers and is still used by shepherds to guard their flocks.
Milad Faizi, a dog breeder from the rural Iranian Kurdish district of Saqqez, raises Kurdish Mastiffs, also known as the Pshdar or Assyrian Shepherd, which are among the oldest breeds in Asia, dating back 5,000 years.
Males of this breed can grow to 90 centimeters in height and weigh up to 80 kilograms, making them strong and intelligent guard dogs.
Milad brings the puppies from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to raise and sell in Iran for guard duties or blood sport, but he also takes care of their health, bringing a veterinarian to the farmhouse every week to give them a checkup.
Breed and Breeding
The Kurdish Mastiff is a dog landrace native to the mountainous Kurdistan Region in Iraq, especially the Pshdar region in Sulaymaniyah Governorate.
They are often used as a livestock guardian against predators and number around a few thousand heads, with some comparisons made to the Kangal Dog and the Akbash.
The Kurdish Mastiff is also known as the Pshdar dog, a common nickname for this breed.
The weight of adult dogs increases with age and can reach 80kg, with an average weight of 73.50kg, ranging from 67kg in Sangasar to 80kg in Qira Diza.
The average body length is about 75cm, with the back length of aged dogs reaching over 88cm.
Size & Breed Category
The Kurdish Mastiff is a large breed of dog that originates from the Kurdistan region of Iran. They are known for their impressive size and muscular build.
Males typically weigh between 70-90 kg and stand at a height of 70-80 cm at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 50-70 kg and standing at a height of 65-75 cm at the shoulder.
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Their coat is thick and dense, with a range of colours including black, brown, and cream. The breed is also known for their distinctive facial features, with a large head and powerful jaws.
Here's a breakdown of the average weights and body lengths of adult Kurdish Mastiffs:
The weight of the adult dogs increases with age, and their body length can reach up to 88cm.
Saqqez Dog Breeder Raises Famous Dogs
Milad Faizi is a dog breeder from the rural Iranian Kurdish district of Saqqez, where he raises Kurdish Mastiffs, also known as Pshdars or Assyrian Shepherds.
These dogs are among the oldest breeds in Asia, dating back 5,000 years, and are known for their strength and intelligence.
Males of the breed can grow to 90 centimeters in height and weigh up to 80 kilograms, making them a formidable guard dog.
Milad brings the puppies from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to raise and sell in Iran for guard duties or blood sport.
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Pshdar dogs have an authentic ancestry on both the male and female side, which is a key factor for their customers.
Milad's customers know what they're looking for in a Pshdar dog, and they're willing to travel from far and wide to get one.
The dogs sometimes get sick in the cold weather and suffer with seasonal influenza, but Milad takes good care of them by bringing a veterinarian to the farmhouse every week.
Milad makes sure the dogs are properly documented to make their medical care easier, including creating ID cards with their date of birth, vaccines, and medications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a Kurdish Mastiff?
The Kurdish Mastiff typically weighs between 67-80 kg and measures 75-88 cm in length, with an average weight of 73.50 kg.
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