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Bedouin Shepherd Dog |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Sahara | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Ishtarenhund
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| The Bedouin Shepherd Dog is considered a very ancient breed of dog originating from the African continent. This dog was used for many centuries by the nomads of the Sahara desert. There are two variants of this dog, one larger than the other. The smaller of the two types are strong, efficient herding dogs that have been used to help shepherds with livestock. They were also used to protect livestock from predators. The larger variant was used to protect the nomad camps themselves. As "payment" for the work the dogs do, they are fed by the nomads from their own tables. Interestingly, humans and dogs have little interaction with each other. Although they live together and help each other by providing food, security, herding and guarding, these dogs are by no means pets. They are not pets. They simply coexist in life according to their needs. It's not in the Bedouin Shepherd Dog's fundamental nature to be social with humans or other animals. They are not ideal pets, especially for owners with children or other pets. Even the most competent trainers find that the breed is almost "wild" and cannot be trained by their instincts. There are some who have been able to coerce the dog into giving and providing for its basic needs, but the recommendation is that they remain in the nomadic life to which they are accustomed. Bedouin Shepherd Dogs are medium to large animals, weighing over fifty pounds and measuring twenty-three inches or more, measured from the ground to the withers. They have short black coats. The coat helps protect the dog from the extreme heat of the desert climate in which it lives. They have relatively long legs and a well-muscled body with very little fat. Although the Bedouin Shepherd Dog has existed for as long as we have a recorded history, they are becoming extremely rare. This is largely due to the fact that the number of nomads crossing the Sahara desert is dwindling. Dog and nomad have a relationship that is dependent on each other in many ways, so the numbers remain rather proportionate to each other. Many assume that the Bedouin Shepherd Dog will eventually disappear altogether. At the time of writing, there are no breed clubs accepting this breed for registration. |
English (United Kingdom)