Pet Wiki

Kurdish Mastiff

Also called Pshdar dog, Pişder dog, Assyrian Shepherd

A strong, loyal flock guardian that takes its job of protecting livestock seriously.

SizeGiant
Length75 to 88 cm (30 to 35 in)1
CoatMastiff-type body, mostly tawny coat
OriginThe mountains of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, especially the Pishdar area of Sulaymaniyah Governorate.1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
powerful guardian
loyal to its shepherd
hardy mountain dog
1

Personality what they are like

A strong, loyal flock guardian that takes its job of protecting livestock seriously.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kurdish Mastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

mastiff-type body, mostly tawny coat

A massive mastiff-type guardian, mostly tawny in colour, with a long tail.1

Colourstawny1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to guard flocks in the mountains, so it needs space and a working role.1

Home where they are happiest

Best kept in a rural setting with livestock.1

Company who they like around

Closely tied to its shepherd family and flock.1

The story where it all began

Kurdish shepherds have relied on these large dogs for centuries to protect their flocks from predators. Western writers described them by the late 19th century, noting how closely they are tied to their home region, and they are still held in high regard by Kurdish communities.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    An 1892 publication remarked that these dogs do not adjust easily to a change of country.1

  2. 2

    The population is estimated at only a few thousand dogs.1

  3. 3

    The dogs keep gaining weight as they mature, with older dogs reaching up to about 80 kg.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Pişder (Pishdar) region in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, where it is native. It is also known as the Assyrian Shepherd, tracing back to the Assyrian Empire, and the Kurdish Mastiff.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ZagrosPshdarLavanKurdanSherkoBaranRojinGoranAsoDilanDaraShilan

A day in the life told by a Kurdish Mastiff

I wake before the sun, stretching my giant limbs on the cool earth. My flock is stirring, so I circle them slowly, counting each sheep and goat. A jackal slinks near the edge of the meadow, but one low rumble from my chest sends him trotting away. Later, my human brings water and pats my head, whispering a word of thanks. I spend the afternoon dozing on a high rock, one eye open, watching over my charges as they graze. At dusk, I lead them home, my tail wagging proudly. This is my life, and I love every moment.

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

Recognised by the official bits

None
A traditional livestock guardian not recognised by major kennel clubs.1

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 Kurdish Mastiff, and at what times?

Feed your Kurdish Mastiff at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent mealtimes help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Kurdish Mastiff eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to large breeds is a great choice for your Kurdish Mastiff. Keep dangerous foods away, especially grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are very toxic to dogs. Always avoid raw meat, bones, and dairy too.5

How often should I bathe a Kurdish Mastiff?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty outdoors. The general rule is at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep that tawny coat clean.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kurdish Mastiff need brushing?

Brush your Kurdish Mastiff weekly to keep its coat healthy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki recommends a weekly brushing session, which is perfect for this mostly tawny, mastiff-type coat. It's a nice bonding time too.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kurdish Mastiff's nails, and how often?

Trim your Kurdish Mastiff's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kurdish Mastiff need?

Your Kurdish Mastiff needs daily exercise and plenty of space to roam, as it was bred to guard flocks in the mountains. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play, but this breed truly thrives with a working role. A large, secure yard is ideal.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kurdish Mastiff's teeth and ears?

Brush your Kurdish Mastiff's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check the ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Pet Wiki recommends daily brushing and weekly ear checks for best care.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kurdish Mastiff live?

The lifespan of a Kurdish Mastiff can vary, so it's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for a more specific estimate. With proper care, many large dogs live around 8 to 12 years, but individual factors matter.

Is a Kurdish Mastiff good with children and other pets?

The Kurdish Mastiff is a loyal flock guardian that bonds closely with its family and livestock. It can be good with children and other pets if raised with them, but its protective nature means supervision is important. Always introduce new animals carefully.1

Can a Kurdish Mastiff be left alone?

This breed is closely tied to its shepherd family and prefers to have a job, so it does not do well when left alone for long periods. It needs company and purpose, making it best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time.1

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.

You might also like

Kangal Shepherd DogAkbashCentral Asian Shepherd Dog

Where this comes from

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

  1. Pshdar dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  3. kurdistanchronicle.com kurdistanchronicle.com
  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.