Kashmir dog or Bakharwal originates from the Himalayan mountains of India & is one of the ancient dog breeds. They are known by various names such as Bakarwal mastiff, Kashmiri Bakarwal dog or Gurjar watchdog. This breed has an indifferent & archaic past & is believed to be the descendant of a prehistoric molluscar dog. 

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History:

People say that Bakharwal came into existence approximately 300 years ago due to crossing between a molosser sheepdog & a wolf. Its history is still a matter of debate but the fact is that they origin from Jammu & Kashmir which is a state in India & were bred by two nomadic tribes known as "Gujjars" & "Bakarwals".This breed mostly reside in the Pir Panjal mountain range in the Northern Himalayas.

Description:

Kashmiri sheepdog is a large, muscular & heavy boned dog with a deep chest but leaner than most of the Asian molossers. They can reach up to a height of 24 inches & can weigh anywhere between 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown with large head & a muscular neck. 

They have a short well-built muzzle with a black nose, almond shaped brown eyes & a medium sized ears in shape of a pendant. They have a thick coat which comes in variety of colours such as tan, beige, black, white & even peibald which does a great job of protecting them from the cold of northern mountains as well as from other predators.

Temperament:

They were specifically bred to play the role of a livestock guardian & take their duties seriously. The breed is a firm & brave guardian, effectively protecting their flock from large & intimidating predators like Lion, Wolves & bears. They can tolerate people of all ages & are affectionate with their family members. 

Make sure to socialise them from a very young age as they are known to be aggressive & territorial towards other dogs & pets. They have a tendency to think independently which makes them an intelligent animal that will get bored of repetitive commands. They can be stubborn at times which makes training difficult, so they need a confident trainer with strong leadership qualities.

Health:

Bakharwal dogs are generally sturdy & healthy but like other large dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloating, obesity, patellar luxation & cryptorchidism. These issues can be avoided by scheduling regular & thorough health checkups with your vet.

Kashmir sheepdog price

Their average price in India starts from 2000 to 6000 INR. If you are looking to own a dog, then Bakharwal dog can be the perfect choice as they cost less as compared to the other Indian dog breeds. 

Expenses:

You might have to spend from 33,600 to 42,000 annually which includes the cost of their snacks, toys, foods, routine veterinary checkup & activities to keep them fit & happy. spaying/neutering or buying a dog collar or a crate can cost some extra money. Make sure that you have all the required supplies before you get a pup home.