Kurdish Mastiff
Also called Pshdar dog, Pişder dog, Assyrian Shepherd
From The mountains of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, especially the Pishdar area of Sulaymaniyah Governorate.1
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
mastiff-type body, mostly tawny coat
A massive mastiff-type guardian, mostly tawny in colour, with a long tail.1
Personality what they are like
A strong, loyal flock guardian that takes its job of protecting livestock seriously.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred to guard flocks in the mountains, so it needs space and a working role.1
Home where they are happiest
Best kept in a rural setting with livestock.1
Company who they like around
Closely tied to its shepherd family and flock.1
The story where it all began
Kurdish shepherds have relied on these large dogs for centuries to protect their flocks from predators. Western writers described them by the late 19th century, noting how closely they are tied to their home region, and they are still held in high regard by Kurdish communities.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- None
- A traditional livestock guardian not recognised by major kennel clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kurdish Mastiff. 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
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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.
- Pshdar dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.