Meliteo Kinidio vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Meliteo Kinidio may grow 43 cm / 16 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may live 42 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may have less litter size than Bulgarian Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio requires Low maintenance. But Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

bulgarian shepherd - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
Origin:
Greece
Bulgaria
Height Male:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
white or black, Beige, blonde
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
Long- and short-haired
Single
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

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.

Characteristics

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

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.

Health Problems

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

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.

Caring The Pet

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Argentine Dogo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Giant Schnauzer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Goldador vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Cubano vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Sardesco vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Central Asian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Mackenzie River Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Pyredoodle vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Lurcher vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Sarplaninac vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Mountain View Cur vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Native American Indian Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Greenland Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Komondor vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Bulgarian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. PekePoo vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  27. Schipperke vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  28. Schweenie vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  29. Meliteo Kinidio vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  30. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  31. Meliteo Kinidio vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  32. Meliteo Kinidio vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  33. Meliteo Kinidio vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  34. Meliteo Kinidio vs Malti-Pom - Breed Comparison
  35. Meliteo Kinidio vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  37. Meliteo Kinidio vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Meliteo Kinidio vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  39. Prazsky Krysarik vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  40. Pugalier vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  41. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  43. Pomeranian vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  44. Pug vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Schnauzer vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  46. Papillon vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature English Bulldog vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Dachshund vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  50. Miniature Poodle vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds