# Rize Koyun

Also known as: Rize Koyan, Koyun dog
- **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2)
- **Size:** Large
- **Origin:** Turkey
- **Height:** 68–70 cm
- **Temperament:** Protective, Confident, Alert, Watchful

A livestock guardian dog from the mountains of north-eastern Turkey, named for the town of Rize and valued as a working protector rather than a pet.

## Overview

The Rize Koyun is a livestock guardian dog from the Black Sea region of north-eastern Turkey, found around Rize and Ordu.

It resembles the Kars dog and is kept to guard households, animals and property.

## History

The dog is named after the town of Rize and is found across Rize and Ordu provinces. It was developed by local people to protect their families, livestock and land in the mountainous terrain of the Canik range.

It has been kept by function rather than to a formal standard.

## Appearance

A solid, strongly built dog with strong legs suited to steep mountain ground. Males stand about 70 cm, females a centimetre or two less.

The coat comes in various colours, with dark grey the most common, and bicoloured dogs are known. When alert the tail rises in a curve and the dog stands tall and confident.

## Temperament

Protective and watchful, it warns of danger with its voice and, if needed, its strength. It is a working guardian, not a typical pet.

## Care and exercise

It needs space, a job to do and early socialisation with family and neighbours. Daily activity and a secure property are important.

Coat care is modest, with brushing during seasonal shedding.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 4
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/rize-koyun
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rize_Koyun · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18343866
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.