Chinese Shar Pei vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Chinese Shar Pei vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonChinese Shar Pei is originated from China but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. Chinese Shar Pei may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. Chinese Shar Pei may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. Chinese Shar Pei may live 46 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Chinese Shar Pei may have less litter size than Bulgarian Shepherd. Both Chinese Shar Pei and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

chinese shar pei - historyThe Chinese Shar-Pei is originally from Canton, China. The Shar-Pei has a blue-black tongue and many deep wrinkles. They have more wrinkles as a puppy than the adult dogs do. They are one of the rarest breeds in the world and are considered a basal breed – meaning their existence predates modern canines. Most canines are related to the gray wolf through genetic admixture. However, there are breeds like the Siberian Husky, the Greenland Dog, Finnish Spitz and the Shar Pei are all related to the Taymyr Wolk of North Asia through admixture. The Shar Pei is found throughout the centuries in Chinese artwork, especially found during the Han Dynasty, and are considered one of the most ancient of breeds on earth today. In this period, they were fighting dogs then became beloved pets. Today the Tibetans still use them as fighting dogs.

Following the Communist Revolution, the Char Pei was almost extinct until Margo Law saved the breed. During this time, they smuggled around 200 dogs into the United States. All the dogs in the United States today come from those 200 dogs. They were accepted in 1992 into the AKC. The dogs served as trackers, hunters, ratters, guard dogs and herders.

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:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
China
Bulgaria
Height Male:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
43 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 24 kg
35 - 53 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 11 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Shar-Pei, char pei
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
cream, red, blue, black silver sables, black bronze sables, isabelle (silver shading on a dilute-colored dog), cream dilute, flower (white with either blue or black patche , apricot dilute, lilac, chocolate, five-point red, sables, chocolate dilute, black, red fawn, brown
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
Horse-coat, Brush-coat and Bear-coat
Single
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Responsive, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

chinese shar pei puppy - descriptionThe Chines Sar Pei has what if known as a Horse-coat which is prickly, harsh, and rough to the touch on one direction and rough to touch on the other. Western Shar Peis can be Horse, Bearcoat and Brush. The Brush is longer and smoother while the Bear coat is rare and in-between the two. The Bearcoat is not accepted by the AKC while the other two types of coats are.

The Shar Pei should have a hippo shaped head, a black-purple tongue, black mouth, deep set almond shaped dark eyes, small ears and red coats. His profile is square, and his muzzle is full and wide. Most Shar Peis only have facial and neck wrinkles left as adults.

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

chinese shar pei dog - characteristicsThe Shar Pei must be socialized early to other people, children and animals if he is to be friendly with them. He is loyal to his people and instinctively wary of strangers. He will be completed devoted to his people, but he is reserved and independent. They can be aggressive and territorial if not socialized. They are stubborn, loving and loyal. They are dominant, brave and playful. They are great watch dogs. Keep them busy because they tend to think a lot independently and if they don’t have a job they may create one.

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

chinese shar pei puppies - health problemsBecause of the rushed and inexperienced breeding programs in the United States due to the popularity of the breed, there are many health issues in the North American version of the Shar Pei. Their life expectancy is generally under ten years. They are prone to:

  • Familial Shar Pei Fever - congenital
  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF
  • Entropion eye issues
  • Ear infections
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary

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

Feeding

chinese shar pei dogs - caringFeed a good quality dry dog food but do not overfeed. You should feed twice a day about one cup per six pounds for puppies. Adults should have two cups a day.

Health issues

• Familial Shar Pei Fever – congenital and serious. This produces fevers that can last from 24 hours to three days. Swelling around the ankles is due to fluid retention.

  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF and leads to renal failure.

• Entropion eye issues – eyelashes curl in and inflame the eye. Can cause blindness if not treated. Requires surgery.

  • Ear infections – yeast infections – clean them often.
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary – causes swollen hocks syndrome and fever.

Exercise and games

Both as a puppy and an adult this is a pretty active dog. He needs at the very least to be walked every day or have a back yard to play in. They are sensitive to heat so bring them in when its really hot and don’t walk them in the heat. They love to play, are athletic and competitive. Try agility, tracking, rally and obedience trials.

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. Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  2. Dalmatian vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  3. Chinese Shar Pei vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  4. Chinese Shar Pei vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  5. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  6. Keeshond vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  7. Mexican Hairless vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  8. Tibetan Terrier vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  9. Standard Poodle vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Lundehund vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  12. Golden Doodle vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  13. Pomsky vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  14. Sakhalin Husky vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  15. Other vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  16. Chinese Shar Pei vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  17. Chinese Shar Pei vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Chinese Shar Pei vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. Chinese Shar Pei vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Chinese Shar Pei vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  22. Samoyed vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Presa Canario vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Labrador Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Argentine Dogo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Giant Schnauzer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Goldador vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Dogo Cubano vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Dogo Sardesco vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Central Asian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Mackenzie River Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyredoodle vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Lurcher vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Sarplaninac vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain View Cur vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Native American Indian Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Greenland Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Komondor vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Bulgarian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds