Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
cho-bah-NESK roh-MEN-esk KORB
Romania· Romania
The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog — the Ciobănesc Românesc Corb — is a livestock guardian breed from Romania, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024. 'Corb' means 'raven', referring to the breed's predominantly black coat, which distinguishes it from Romania's other recognised shepherd dogs.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
Moderate, plus space to patrol
Home size suited to
Rural property with land
Grooming frequency
Weekly brushing
Coat length
Medium
Sheds
Moderate to heavy
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Town or country
Country
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced grounds
Where it comes from
Origins of the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
Romania's black-coated flock guardian, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024.
- Region
- Romania
- Climate it was bred for
- Continental mountain
- Original job
- Livestock guardian
The long read
About the breed
Like its compatriots the Carpatin and the Mioritic, the Corb is a large, calm, powerful mountain guardian bred to live with flocks and confront predators. Published documentation is still limited while recognition is provisional, so details on this page may change as more is released.
Registry note: the FCI accepted the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog on a provisional basis, which means the standard is still settling and details may change before definitive recognition. We will keep this page updated as more is published.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Energy
3/5
Moderate energy; daily walks and play.
Barking
4/5
Quick to sound off.
Grooming
3/5
Weekly brushing keeps the coat right.
Sociability
2/5
Aloof with strangers, devoted to its own.
Independence
5/5
Fiercely independent; makes its own decisions.
Trainability
2/5
Slow and stubborn — keep sessions short.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
Strong and broad, in the Romanian guardian mould.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
Black
Standard colour
The signature raven-black coat; accepted details are still being formalised.
Timeline
History & development
Traditional
Black mountain guardian
Black shepherd dogs of the Corb type have guarded flocks in the Romanian mountains within the region's wider guardian tradition.
2024
Provisional FCI recognition
The FCI accepted the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog on a provisional basis in 2024.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Powerful and deep-chested, built for mountain work.
- coat
- Dense double coat suited to harsh mountain weather.
- ears
- Medium-sized, hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Dark, calm and watchful.
- gait
- Free and ground-covering.
- head
- Strong and broad, in the Romanian guardian mould.
- size
- Large; precise figures are still being formalised by the registry.
- tail
- Long, carried low at rest and raised when alert.
- colour
- Predominantly black — the 'raven' coat; limited white markings are reported, and accepted details are still being formalised.
- muzzle
- Strong, of medium length.
- temperament
- Calm, independent and protective with stock and family; reserved with strangers.
- general appearance
- A large, powerful, well-coated livestock guardian, predominantly black; full published details are still limited while recognition is provisional.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Data
Watch closely
Provisionally recognised; no published health surveys yet.
Hips
Watch closely
Prudent to screen, as with other large guardians.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog illustration, framed or unframed.
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Hoodie
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Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog illustration on the chest.
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Mug
Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog Mug
Ceramic mug with the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog illustration wrapped around it.
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Accessory
Travel Water Bottle & Bowl
550ml bottle with a fold-out drinking trough.
Fits any dog
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