Carpathian Shepherd Dog Behavior

Carpathian shepherds who have been socialized well tend to be extremely loyal and dedicated to their families. They don’t tolerate threats and, if necessary, will fight to the death to keep their loved ones safe. Because of their traditional work guarding flocks of sheep, these guys can and do think independently and can be strong-willed. If you aren’t confident in your leadership, your Carpathian shepherd can become dominant, demanding and even aggressive. With firm guidance, though, these dogs are usually mellow, quiet and content to stay mostly in the background.

Carpathian shepherds might not be best friends with other animals, but their guardianship often extends to pets they’ve grown up with. Again, socialization is very important in these dogs. If he's well trained and accustomed to other animals, he likely won't be hostile toward fellow canines. You should be able to take your dog for walks, runs and hikes without worrying about how he’ll act when you encounter other people and pets.

These dogs need room. Being cooped up in an apartment will quickly lead to a discontented dog -- he might become anxious, aggressive or destructive, and he’ll probably pace holes in your carpet. With several hours of exercise every day, though, he should be a happy fellow. Although he probably wants to spend time inside with you, he'll also be content outside and might even prefer to sleep outdoors sometimes.

Your Carpathian shepherd needs a job in order to be fulfilled. These dogs tend to be very focused, serious, hard workers. Unless you live on a farm, he probably doesn’t have herds to guard, but you can keep him challenged in other ways. If you've ever considered working with search and rescue or tracking, this dog will be an excellent partner. You might both enjoy agility and advanced training, too, and obedience classes can help you encourage the calm, dignified behavior for which Carpathian shepherds are known.