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.
