Ancient breed of Kashmir region, Bakharwal dog is basically a working and herding dog. Strange for being vegetarian, these dogs do not eat flesh rather fed with milk and bread made of maize. They do not attack sheep for food. Reproduction process is very slow causing low birth rate. The dog is self-sufficient, Independent and confident breed. Generally easy to train, they may tend a little stubborn. Quite well going with other pets but not tolerate with other Bakharwal dog.

Well muscled and agile breed Bakharwal is build with deep chest and straight back. Its broad shoulders are flexible for any rapid movements, additionally long legs help in running and chasing. Healthy structured this breed has strong bone density, powerful neck and wider head. Undercoat is very thick and dense while outer coat is flat with medium length. Coat combination is pretty safe to protect dog from harsh climate as well as from wilds and predators. This breed is welcomed in pure black and tan colors but available in tricolors too. The breed is generally available in large size, however some medium-sized Bakharwal may be seen.

Bakharwal is a working sheepdog breed found in Kashmiri mountain range of Pir Panjal. For many hundred years, this breed was bred by local tribes including Gujjar and Jutt to protect their cattle, livestock and properties. The breed is believed to be a leaner variant of Asian Molossers or Tibetan Mastiff. Locally this dog is known as Kashmiri Sheepdog. The dog possesses some resembling to Iranian Sage Mazandarani and old Siah Sag. This breed holds some strange characteristics which are not considered of dogs usually, they do not eat flesh and are pure vegetarian. Slow birth rate put this breed in danger of extinction.

Temperament

This rugged breed was developed to guard livestock on mountains of Kashmir. The Bakharwal is famous for its ferociousness and aggression; they hold serious expression with high sensitivities of sensing odd smells and sounds. The breed is robust with high endurances of operation in rocky areas. Extreme daring, they stood fearless to wolves, tigers and other predators while protecting its flock.

Indoors, the dog is protective, reliable and very loyal to its human companion, it bows head in obedience to its owner and behaves affectionately to its family, holds very gentle temperament with children, however young kids should not be trusted in vicinity as the large size of this dog may knock over them. The breed observes very strong bonding and thrives when given place in family to cheer up.