The names Bulgarian Shepherd Dog and Karakachan have been used interchangeably, but they are recognized as two breeds by official organizations in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed received official national recognition in 2000. The Karakachan was recognized in 2005.
There are long, complex stories behind each breed--see the links to both breeds for more info.
The two breeds look similar, but the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is slightly taller (26-30") and bulkier, while the Karakachan is shorter (24") and has a lighter physical build.
The Bulgarian Shepherd generally has fluffy white fur with black markings; the Karakachan can have either short or long fur, white with black markings or black with white markings. Both breeds can have brown colorings too.
History of the Bugarsko Ovcharsko Kuche:
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog was created from several breeds in its formative years, including the Karakachan. Sometime after 700 AD/CE, the BSD was established as a breed, called the Bugarsko Ovcharsko Kuche.
But starting in the 1960's, thousands of these dogs were systematically killed by the Soviets, almost to extinction.
“In the mountains, the herdsmen tried to preserve their prized shepherd dogs, but were eventually forced to introduce other breeds into the bloodline of the Bugarsko Ovcharsko Kuche, with hopes of keeping the breed alive.
“Still, there are knowledgeable and dedicated breeders to be found, whose only interest is the preservation of the original Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, with the emphasis on old values, such as working abilities, personality and true type.
"The breed received official national recognition in 2000.”
"The pure Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a true national treasure in its country and has achieved a legendary status for its noble person."
About the family of Livestock Guardian Dogs...
“To this day flocks are guarded in the hills of Asia, Europe and Africa by powerful, robust dogs that are neither clumsy nor pacific. Despite the distances that separate them these breeds have much in common, and the Kuvasz is a member of this extended sheepdog family.”
From: Dr. Tibor Buzády, Dogs of Hungary, trans. Bernard Adams, Budapest, Hungary: Nóra Kiadó, 2002, p. 90.
“To this day flocks are guarded in the hills of Asia, Europe and Africa by powerful, robust dogs that are neither clumsy nor pacific. Despite the distances that separate them these breeds have much in common, and the Kuvasz is a member of this extended sheepdog family.”
From: Dr. Tibor Buzády, Dogs of Hungary, trans. Bernard Adams, Budapest, Hungary: Nóra Kiadó, 2002, p. 90.