Bakharwal
Also called Bakharwal Dog, Bakherwal, Kashmiri Sheepdog, Kashmiri Mastiff, Kashmiri Bakerwal Dog
From India: Ladakh and the Pir Panjal range of Jammu and Kashmir, also Himachal Pradesh.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat
A big, powerful mountain guardian with a thick double coat suited to the cold Himalayan uplands.1
Personality what they are like
A dedicated guardian that watches over livestock and home with calm confidence.1
Company who they like around
Traditionally lives and works alongside herding families and their flocks.1
The story where it all began
For centuries nomadic herding communities of the western Himalaya, including the Bakarwal, Gaddi and Gujjar, have kept these dogs to guard sheep, goats and camps in the mountains. It may share ancestry with Tibetan Mastiff-type dogs and local Indian dogs.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- None
- Not recognised by major kennel clubs; a working landrace of pastoral communities.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bakharwal. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bakharwal, and at what times?
Feed your Bakharwal at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2
What should a Bakharwal eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suitable for large, active breeds is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially risky for dogs. Always keep human treats like these away from your Bakharwal.3
How often should I bathe a Bakharwal?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their thick double coat.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Bakharwal need brushing?
Brush your Bakharwal weekly to keep their thick double coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also helps you check for tangles or skin issues.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Bakharwal's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Bakharwal need?
Your Bakharwal needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends exercise every day. As a working breed, they enjoy having a job to do, so interactive games are great too. Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Bakharwal's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them if needed, never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing for teeth and weekly ear checks.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Bakharwal live?
The lifespan of a Bakharwal varies, and specific data isn't provided here. For accurate information, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the breed's history.
Is a Bakharwal good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Bakharwal is a dedicated guardian that traditionally lives and works alongside herding families and their flocks. With calm confidence, they can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.1
Can a Bakharwal be left alone?
The Bakharwal is used to being with its family and flock, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. They are loyal guardians and may become anxious if left isolated. It's best to provide company or a job to do, and consult a breeder for specific advice.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Bakharwal dog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (only accessible source)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.