Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
Also called Ciobănesc Românesc Corb, Corb
From Romania, in the southern Carpathians and the sub-Carpathian hills (Argeș, Brașov, Dâmbovița and Prahova counties).12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, rough double coat
A large, powerful, slightly rectangular dog. The body coat is straight and rough, about 7 to 10 cm long, over a dense undercoat, with shorter hair on the head and legs, a mane around the neck and feathering on the back of the thighs. Males are noticeably bigger than females.12
Personality what they are like
An intelligent, alert guardian that is relaxed and affectionate with its own family but naturally cautious with people it does not know. It was bred to work independently protecting sheep, so it combines a calm manner with real courage.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active working dog that needs space and daily outdoor time; it suits a property it can watch over rather than a small flat.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing keeps the long outer coat and thick undercoat in order, with more frequent sessions when the undercoat sheds.1
Home where they are happiest
Rural or large-garden homes with secure fencing suit this big guarding breed best.2
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its household; early socialisation helps it stay composed around visitors.12
The story where it all began
Shepherds in the southern Carpathians have kept these black guardian dogs for generations and simply called them 'ravens' after their colour. Romania's kennel club recognised the breed in 2008, and the FCI accepted it provisionally in 2024.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Corb' means raven in Romanian, a reference to the dog's black coat.2
- 2
Its deep bark is said to carry over long distances across the mountains.1
- 3
It is one of the newest FCI breeds, accepted provisionally in September 2024.3
- 4
At least 80% of the coat must be black; white is allowed only on the chest and legs.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 373, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.2 Molossian type, mountain type. Accepted on a provisional basis 17 September 2024; English standard published 24 September 2024.3
- Romanian Kennel Club
- Recognised 14 November 2008.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for the right portions.4
What should a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for a large, active breed. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give raw meat, eggs, or bones.5
How often should I bathe a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Avoid over-bathing to protect the natural oils in its double coat. Furry Diary plan
How often does a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog need brushing?
Brush every three days to keep the long outer coat and thick undercoat in good condition. During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing helps remove loose hair.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog need?
This active working dog needs daily outdoor time and space to roam. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play, and it suits a property it can watch over rather than a small flat.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for guidance. Senior years usually start around age 6, and regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life. Furry Diary plan
Is a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, it is relaxed and affectionate with its own family, including children, when properly socialised. Early socialisation also helps it stay calm around other pets and visitors.12
Can a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog be left alone?
This breed is strongly attached to its household and may not do well left alone for long periods. It is best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 373 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, size, temperament
- Wikipedia: Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for origin counties, Romanian recognition, temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Ciobanesc Romanesc Corb (373) fci.beused for recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.