Afghan Shepherd

Summary

The Kuchi (or Afghan, Pashtun call them "Ghiljak" or "Kucchi") Shepherd is an Afghan livestock guardian dog, taking its name from the Kuchi people of Afghanistan. It is a working dog following the nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of sheep, goats, camels and other livestock from wolves, big cats and thieves. It is sometimes known as just a local variant of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and its status as a distinct breed is disputable. The Afghan Kucchi is usually brindle grey and dark black stripes. Sage Kuchi or Sage Jangi is the standard Persian name and the Pashto name is De Kochyano Spai or Jangi Spai, meaning "Dog of the Nomads" and "Fighter Dog". It is found around the central and northern parts of Afghanistan. This livestock guardian dog shares a similar genetic background to the Central Asian Ovtcharka (CAO). Because intricately associated with nomad life in remote and rugged regions where Western breeding techniques are not used, it is difficult to identify a "true" Kuchi type dog. Warfare and general unrest in the region have also affected the Kuchi people, of whom many have settled around cities, creating ample opportunity for the Kuchi to interbreed with other dogs. There is no organizing body for dogs in Afghanistan or some Kuchi dogs have been exported to Europe.

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Also known as

This breed is also called Afghan Mastiff, Afghan Shepherd, De Kochyano Spai, Jangi Spai, Koochee Dog, Kuchi, Kuchi Dog, Sage Jangi, Sage Koochee, Sage Kuchi as well as Sage Kuczi.

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