The Bedouin Shepherd Dog is native to the Saharan Desert and Arabian Peninsulas and is believed to be one of the oldest breeds that ever existed. It was the ancient dog of the Saharan Bedouins, accompanying them on their caravans and protecting them and their herds. Therefore it has become an excellent guard dog and it can survive harsh climatic conditions. This breed has evolved without too much help from humans; in time, in exchange for their protection, these dogs were usually offered food by the bedouins, and only the most adaptable and strongest of them managed to survive. They are dogs that need little to get by and ask for just as little in return for their services.
These herding dogs can weigh over 50 pounds and they can grow as tall as 23 inches. They have a short, dense and rough coat that can come in black, white or light brown colors. The dog has two variations: a larger type, considered the protector of the entire camp, and a smaller one, acting as a herd dog. It has well-shaped muscles and long limbs.
We cannot say that the Bedouin Shepherd Dog is fully domesticated, because this dog is quite aggressive and stubborn, usually rather hard to train, and its behavior is hard to manage. They prefer outdoor spaces and plenty of nature in order to express their freedom. They require a lot of physical activities to stay in good shape. Being considered a pariah-type Molloser, these dogs need a lot of training and special attention in order to be integrated within a family. But they are extremely loyal and they love their human friends just as much as they love their own freedom and independence. They are instinctive protectors, as well as wise companions; however, it is not recommended for a Bedouin Shepherd Dog to be left alone with children or other pets.
These dogs can be very suspicious and start acting like predators, therefore careful breeding and extra attention are needed. The Bedouin Shepherd Dog has the attitude of a leader and it barks quite loudly to make itself heard. It is its way of saying it owns everything there is around it, whether humans or other animals.
As their origin and name says it, Bedouin Shepherds are free wanderers if left by themselves and not kept closely to their masters. With great care and continuous training, this dog can function in a society, but this socialization is not always entirely successful. Its ideal partnership remains that with a nomadic environment, but if given enough independence and confidence, this dog can become a loyal and strong companion in a much too modern and constrained world. This dog is the perfect example of an animal independent of the human environment, but able to live closely to it, capable of surviving the wild on its own, while at the same time threatened with extinction together with the nomadic way of life. Beautiful and unique, the Bedouin Shepherd Dog is a lonely wanderer that is better admired from a distance.
