Kuchi

The Kuchi was named after the Afghan Kochi people who are thought to have first discovered these molosser-type dogs. The breed is thought to have been developed by the nomads of Afghanistan as a working breed given the task of guarding the caravans and livestock against predators and thieves. Since there is very little written about the Kuchi, the date of origin is unknown and their ancestry is still somewhat of a mystery. This makes historians believe they are a primitive breed that has been hidden from the world while traveling with their masters through Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is known that they are considered molosser-type dogs and are genetically close to the Central Asian Ovcharka. Some researchers claim the Kuchi is simply a variation of the Central Asian Ovcharka. They are able to adapt to their native environment quickly making them ideal for all climates in the Middle East. The Kuchi has three different classifications: mountain type, steppe type and desert type. Some breed enthusiasts have even classified them further into either tiger type or lion type. The Kuchi is a large breed that has the ability to basically fend for themselves from centuries of traveling with nomad groups throughout all types of terrains and climates. They had to have the wherewithal to catch their own food to survive because the nomads did not always have the ability to provide food for them. Many enthusiasts of the breed are beginning to promote responsible breeding practices and develop an acceptable breed standard. There is a higher population of Kuchi in Pakistan and Afghanistan but is considered a rare breed everywhere else in the world.