Kars

Coat and looks how to spot one

long double coat (short-coated dogs also occur)

A large, heavy flock guardian that usually carries a long, dense double coat, although some dogs have shorter hair.1

Personality what they are like

A courageous guardian that stands between its flock and predators; shepherds in the region rely on it to hold its ground.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working guardian used to long days out with the flocks; it does best with space and a job to do.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The thick coat benefits from regular brushing, especially while the undercoat is shedding.1

Home where they are happiest

Suited to rural, livestock-keeping homes with large fenced grounds rather than city living.1

Company who they like around

Forms strong ties with its family and the animals it watches over; early socialisation helps with visitors.1

The story where it all began

Local shepherds around Kars have long used these dogs to guard sheep. The breed was first described scientifically by David Nelson at a symposium on Turkish shepherd dogs in Konya in 1996, and it was registered by the Turkish Standards Institution in 2002.1

Recognised by the official bits

Turkish Standards Institution (TSE)

Registered as a breed in 2002.1

FCI

Not recognised.1