Pet Wiki

Bucovina Shepherd Dog

Also called Ciobănesc Românesc de Bucovina, Romanian Bucovina Shepherd, Bucovina Sheepdog, Southeastern European Shepherd

Steady, calm and devoted to its family, and known to be fond of children.

SizeGiant
Weight50 to 90 kg (110 to 198 lb)males 50 to 90 kg, females 50 to 80 kg12
Height64 to 78 cm (25 to 31 in)males 68 to 78 cm, females 64 to 72 cm21
CoatLong, double
OriginRomania, from the Carpathian Mountains and especially the Bucovina area in the north-east.21
GroupFCI group 2
Recognised breedShort profile
calm and loyal
brave flock guardian
fond of children
2

Personality what they are like

Steady, calm and devoted to its family, and known to be fond of children. As a flock guardian it is fearless and watchful, announcing strangers with a deep, low bark.21

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, double

A thick, straight, rough coat 6-9 cm long with a dense undercoat, forming a mane at the neck, feathering on the legs, 'trousers' behind and a bushy tail. The head and front legs carry shorter hair.21

Colourswhite or white-beige with grey patcheswhite or white-beige with black patcheswhite or white-beige with black and red-fawn patchessolid whitesolid white-beigeash greyblack2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bucovina Shepherd Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working livestock guardian that likes space and a territory to patrol rather than high-speed exercise.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long, dense coat needs regular brushing, especially through the mane, leg feathering and 'trousers'.2

Home where they are happiest

Best with plenty of outdoor space, such as a farm or large fenced property.21

Company who they like around

Very loyal to its household and protective of its people and animals.2

The story where it all began

A natural guardian breed shaped by shepherds in the Carpathians, particularly in Bucovina, to protect flocks moved between pastures. A written standard followed in 1982 and was revised in the early 2000s to FCI format, with full FCI recognition in 2019.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its job was to guard flocks against bears and wolves.2

  2. 2

    It is one of several Romanian shepherd breeds and is related to other Balkan guardian dogs.1

  3. 3

    Its bark is noted for being strong and low, getting louder as a stranger comes closer.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Bucovina Shepherd Dog is native to the historical Bukovina (Bucovina) region in northeastern Romania, and its name reflects this geographic origin.1

Name ideas for your new friend

BucovinaCarolCodruțDacianFlocoGigantLupMioaraMountainOvidiuStefanUrs

A day in the life told by a Bucovina Shepherd Dog

I wake before dawn and patrol the garden, my territory. The children laugh as I gently herd them to the gate. Later, I lie on the grass, watching the sheep in the distance. When a stranger approaches, I give a low, rumbling bark to warn my family. At night, I sleep by the door, guarding. My people pet me and say I'm a gentle giant. That's my day, watchful, calm, and full of love.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 357, Group 2, Section 2.2 Mountain type Molossoids; standard dated 01.09.2023. Provisionally accepted 26.03.2009 and definitively 29.04.2019 per the FCI; Wikipedia gives 2005 for provisional recognition.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bucovina Shepherd Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Bucovina Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.24

What should a Bucovina Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give human foods like alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs.25

How often should I bathe a Bucovina Shepherd Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 70 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its natural coat oils.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bucovina Shepherd Dog need brushing?

Brush your Bucovina Shepherd Dog every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Its long, dense coat with a mane and feathering needs regular attention to prevent mats.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bucovina Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.26 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bucovina Shepherd Dog need?

This breed needs daily walks and play, but it's a calm livestock guardian that prefers patrolling a large space rather than intense running. A farm or big fenced yard is ideal.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bucovina Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush its teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and check ears every two weeks. Clean ears gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal.26 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bucovina Shepherd Dog live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care, so ask your vet for a typical range for this breed. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help support a long life.

Is a Bucovina Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is steady, calm, and devoted to its family, known to be fond of children. It is protective of its people and other animals, making it a great companion for a household with kids and pets.21

Can a Bucovina Shepherd Dog be left alone?

This loyal and protective breed prefers to be with its family and may not do well left alone for long periods. It's best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Bucovina Shepherd Dog (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, weight, history, facts
  2. FCI Standard No. 357 Romanian Bucovina Shepherd fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history, facts
  3. FCI nomenclature: Romanian Bucovina Shepherd fci.beused for recognition dates
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.