Zerdava
Canis lupus familiaris
Also called Kapı Köpeği (Gate Dog), Laz Köpeği, Black Sea Spitz, Turkish Laika, Mekverna
From Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey (notably Trabzon and Giresun provinces), with a related population in neighbouring Georgia12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives about 17 kg for males and 11-13 kg for females; Wisdom Panel gives 12-18 kg (26-40 lb) overall; a Turkish study measured a mean of about 16 kg across 100 dogs.
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, spitz type
A compact, athletic spitz-type dog with upright triangular ears, a brown nose, yellow-brown eyes and a sickle tail that curls over the back and usually ends in a white tip. The dense double coat keeps it comfortable in the damp, hilly Black Sea countryside.21
Personality what they are like
A devoted one-family dog that bonds very closely with its first owner and stays reserved with people it does not know, which is why it has long been kept as a gate guard. Plenty of friendly early socialisation helps it grow into a confident, steady adult.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred as an all-round hunter of the forests, it needs long daily walks, running and scent or search games to stay content.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the double coat regularly, more often during seasonal shedding. Check and clean ears, trim nails and look after teeth as part of a routine.2
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a home with a securely fenced garden or rural setting and an owner who enjoys outdoor activity.21
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its household and prefers a stable home for life; changing owners is hard for this breed. Early, positive meetings with visitors help it accept guests.12
The story where it all began
Little was written down about the Zerdava, but it is thought to have reached the Black Sea coast along medieval fur-trading routes from Russia. It has been documented in north-eastern Turkey for at least a century, where villagers used it to guard homes and hunt game including wild boar. Since 2016 the Turkish Armed Forces has also trained the breed for detection and search work.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name Zerdava comes from a Slavic word for a marten, a nod to the breed's marten-brown coat.2
- 2
Puppies are often almost black when born and lighten to liver brown as they grow.1
- 3
Its Turkish nickname Kapı Köpeği means 'gate dog', after its habit of watching over the family gate.1
- 4
Since 2016 the Turkish military has trained Zerdavas for search and rescue and for bomb and narcotics detection.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Turkish academic research
- Not recognised by FCI or major international kennel clubs; a 2020 morphological and genetic study of 100 dogs concluded that local breeders have kept it as a distinct native Turkish breed3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Zerdava. 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 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Zerdava, and at what times?
Feed your adult Zerdava at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion, so choose times that fit your routine. Follow the food label for portion guidance and check with your vet for individual needs.4
What should a Zerdava eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always keep human treats to safe options and ask your vet about any concerns.5
How often should I bathe a Zerdava?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. A bath every three months is a good minimum, as recommended by general guidance. Use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its double coat.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Zerdava need brushing?
Brush your Zerdava weekly to keep its double coat healthy, and increase brushing during seasonal shedding. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing. This helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat clean.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Zerdava's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Zerdava need?
This breed has high exercise needs as an all-round hunter. Give it long daily walks, running time, and scent or search games. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play to keep it content and healthy.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Zerdava's teeth and ears?
Brush your Zerdava's teeth daily or at least two to three times a week using a dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and clean them gently without pushing anything into the canal. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly ear checks and daily teeth brushing for best care.26 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Zerdava live?
A Zerdava typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is a Zerdava good with children and other pets?
With plenty of friendly early socialisation, a Zerdava can be good with children and other pets. It bonds very closely to its own family and may be reserved with strangers. Supervise introductions and let the dog grow into a confident adult.12
Can a Zerdava be left alone?
This breed forms a very strong attachment to its household and prefers company. It may struggle with long periods alone. Early training and gradual alone time can help, but it is best suited to owners who are home often. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.12
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.
- Zerdava - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, names, weight, colours, temperament, history, fun facts
- Turkish Zerdava - Wisdom Panel wisdompanel.comused for size, lifespan, appearance, care, name meaning
- Morphological and Genetic Characteristics of Zerdava, A Native Turkish Dog Breed (Ankara University) avesis.ankara.edu.trused for measured weight and height, breed status
- 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.