Mioritic Shepherd Dog

General It is a big sized shepherddog, whose area of spreading is the territory of Romania only. Being a very old breed, it could be perpetuated due to the environment and economic conditions and to the Romanian shepherds care, especially those from Northern Moldavia and Bucovina. It is a balanced animal, but becomes very aggressive in his guarding territory or when its master is attacked. In these cases, it can make even sacrifices. Being a dog very fond of children it is ready to play with them anytime. Its courage and devotion inspired many story tellers and many legends were written about this dog. Its body has a robust and compact structure. In spite of the impressive massiveness, it is very agile, enduring to hard existence conditions, rapidly adapting to any habitat. It has a strong personality. Head Strong, in harmony with the body, the head is broad, the occipital bone being large and pronounced. The skull, of moderate width, slightly arched, with zygomatic arcades barely marked. The strong muzzle narrows towards the nose. Its length is smaller than that of the skull. The ideal ratio skull-nose is 3/2. (3 parts the skull, 2 parts the muzzle) The nose is broad and black. The lips are dry, well stretched and closed with black colored margins. Strong and complete scissors bite. Complete, strong and regular teeth. The ears are not very big, set on rather high, triangular, hanging on each side of the head. The eyes are medium size, slightly oval shaped, amber or hazel color. The eyelash is outlined with black. Neck The neck is muscular and massive, medium length, making a 40-45° angle with the horizontal. The withers is not prominent. Body The body is vigorous with firm, broad and muscled back. Withers slightly marked. The lumbar zone is short and strong. The croup is broad, strong, of moderate length, slightly falling but not blunted. The chest is well developed, deep, not very broad, moderately pronounced. The ribs are strong, slightly arched. Legs The anterior part has strong bones and straight aplomb. The shoulders are broad, angle between schooled blade and upper arm is approximately 100o. The forearm is straight, vigorous with metacarpi slightly oblique. The ribs are well stuck to the body. Oval, massive, compact paws. The posterior part has strong bones, straight aplomb and medium angulations. The thigh and shank are strong, long and muscled. The hock is not too high, metatarsus is straight and vertical. Oval, well developed and compact paws. The presence of some possible spurs has to be surgically removed. Tail Highly enough inserted. In repose it hangs down with its tip slightly curved, reaching to the hocks. In action, the tail rises up to the back level without being curved towards the back. Hair Long, abundant hair all over the body, including the head and legs with rough and long hairs of 10-16 cm. Abundant, soft and long enough under-hair. The hair must not be overspread. The color may be simple white, yellowish or one of these colors as background with spots of the two colors. Looks Carefree, casual gait, with stretched steps reflecting resilience. The legs move in parallel planes. Waist For males minimum 70 cm, for females minimum 65 cm - the maximum limits are not restrictive. Weight Minimum 40 kg, the maximum limits not being restrictive, but keeping the proportion according to height. Genitals Males must have two testicles, both being normally developed and descended in the scrotum. Deficiencies Any deviation from what has been presented above is considered a flaw. Each deficiency will be penalized depending on the importance of that deviation, but also taking into consideration the general qualities of the dog. The traditional cut of ears and tail is forbidden.

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