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Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Also called Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic, Mioritic

Checked 2026-09-30 · 4 sources

A composed, even-tempered dog that stays close to its people and takes its guarding job seriously.

Key facts
SizeGiant
Height65 to 75 cm (26 to 30 in)males 70 to 75 cm, females 65 to 70 cm123
Lifespan12 to 14 years2
CoatLong, double coat
OriginRomania, in the Carpathian Mountains, where shepherds kept it to guard their flocks.123
GroupSheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1)
Calm and steady
Devoted guardian of family and flock
Gentle with children in its own household
132

what they are likeRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog temperament

A composed, even-tempered dog that stays close to its people and takes its guarding job seriously. It is naturally watchful with strangers, but at home it is described as well-mannered and good with children. Its working roots show in a bold readiness to face large predators on behalf of the flock.132

how to spot oneRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog coat and colours

long, double coat

A big, sturdy but not heavy dog, a little longer than it is tall, wrapped in a thick coat of straight, harsh outer hair at least 10 cm long over a softer, paler undercoat. The legs carry shorter hair and the tail is richly feathered. Males are clearly larger and more powerful than females.132

Colourswhitegreywhite with black or grey patches (piebald)creampale grey132

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Romanian Mioritic 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

how busy a day looksRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog exercise needs

Built for long days outdoors with a flock, so it is happiest with room to patrol and regular walks rather than intense sport. A secure yard suits it better than apartment life.13

the hands-on bitsRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog grooming and care

The long, harsh double coat needs regular thorough brushing down to the undercoat, with extra sessions during seasonal shedding.13

where they are happiestRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog at home

Best suited to a home with a large, securely fenced outdoor area; its size and guarding nature make it a rural or suburban dog.23

who they like aroundRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog with people and other pets

Bonds strongly with its family and does best as part of daily household life, with early, calm socialisation to strangers and visitors.23

where it all beganRomanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog history

The breed took shape naturally among Carpathian shepherds, who valued it purely for how well it worked. The Romanian Kennel Club wrote its first standard in 1981, and the FCI accepted it provisionally in 2005 and fully in 2015.142

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. 1

    Its name comes from the Romanian word 'mioară', meaning a young ewe, a nod to the flocks it guarded.2

  2. 2

    The standard asks for dark pigment on the ears, nicknamed 'earrings'.1

  3. 3

    It was bred to stand its ground against bears, wolves and lynx in the mountains.1

  4. 4

    The coat on the body should be at least 10 cm long.1

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed name 'Mioritic' is derived from the Romanian word 'mioriță', which refers to a young ewe or lamb, reflecting the breed's traditional role as a guardian of sheep flocks in the Carpathian Mountains.1

for your new friendName ideas

MiorițaCarpațiBucurLupStâncăVântZoriCodruFloareMunteSoareNorișor

told by a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd DogA day in the life

I woke with the sun, my thick coat warm from the night. I stretched and walked the meadow's edge, checking every shadow. The sheep grazed calmly, I stood between them and the forest. My human brought me a bowl of water and spoke softly. I wagged my tail once, then resumed my watch. A fox slipped through the fence, and I gave a deep, steady bark. It turned and ran. At dusk, I circled the flock one last time before settling beside the fire. This is my home, and I keep it safe.

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

the official bitsRecognised by

FCI
Standard no. 349, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs. Provisional acceptance 6 July 2005, definitive acceptance 9 June 2015; current standard published 29 September 2022.4
Romanian Kennel Club
Breed standard first drawn up by the Romanian Kennel Club in 1981.1
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 1 July 2006.3

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

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

the things everyone asksOwner questions

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

Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so offer breakfast and dinner at the same times each day.5

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

A high-quality dog food suited to its size and age is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always check the label and ask your vet for amounts.6

How often should I bathe a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, 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. Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog need brushing?

Brush its long double coat thoroughly every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces loose hair around your home.13 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog need?

This breed needs daily walks and playtime, plus room to patrol a secure yard. It is built for long days outdoors, so regular exercise keeps it happy and healthy.13 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush its teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; ask your vet if you see any issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog live?

This breed typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care and regular vet check-ups, many enjoy a long, healthy life.2

Is a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is described as well-mannered and good with children, especially when raised with them. Early, calm socialisation helps it get along with other pets, though its guarding nature means it may be wary of strangers.132

Can a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog be left alone?

This breed bonds strongly with its family and does best as part of daily household life. It can be left alone for short periods, but extended solitude may cause anxiety; a good breeder can offer more specific advice.23

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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Sources (4)

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

  1. FCI standard no. 349 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, height, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, name origin, colours
  3. UKC breed standard: Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, size, coat, temperament
  4. FCI nomenclature: Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic (349) fci.beused for recognition dates
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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