Overview
The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog, or Ciobanesc Romanesc Corb, is the largest and most recently recognised of Romania's guardian breeds. It is black or black and white, heavily built, and was developed in the Carpathian foothills to protect flocks and farms from large predators.
The breed has barely reached Britain, so any dog you are asked to walk will probably be an import with an owner who knows the type well. Treat it as a mastiff-sized livestock guardian: slow to accept strangers, independent in its judgement and strong beyond what any lead technique can overcome.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day across two calm walks suits an adult. Like other guardians the Corb spends most of its time resting and watching, and it does not need or want miles of road work. A steady loop with places to stand and look is far more to its liking.
Giant breeds mature late. If the dog is under two years old, keep walks short, avoid steep ground and let the owner decide when longer outings are appropriate.
On the walk
- Recall: Assume there is none for you. A Corb will come when it chooses and not before, and no treat beats its own judgement. Lead on, everywhere.
- People: Suspicion of strangers is the breed's purpose. Keep a clear gap from passers-by, cross the road for groups, and never let anyone lean over the dog.
- Other dogs: Many Corbs will not tolerate challenge from another dog. Walk alone, avoid head-on approaches and leave group walks to breeds that enjoy them.
- Control: You are not going to out-muscle this dog. Use the harness or collar the owner provides, hold the lead near the body around traffic and plan routes with escape options.
- Heat: A black coat in summer sun heats fast. Walk at dawn or dusk in warm months and carry water.
Tips for professional walkers
- Do not take the dog alone until it has met you several times with the owner there and relaxed in your company.
- Keep the same quiet route for the first weeks; predictability helps a guardian breed settle with a new handler.
- Watch for the stiff, tall posture and fixed stare that come before a warning and change direction early.
- Never try to take anything from the dog's mouth on a walk; ask the owner how they manage it.
- Allow extra time. A hurried guardian dog is a planted guardian dog.
What to ask the owner
- What is the dog's history with strangers and other dogs, and has it ever shown aggression?
- Is there anywhere the dog is let off the lead, and what happens when the owner calls it?
- What equipment does the owner use, and is there a muzzle the dog is used to?
- Any joint, heart or heat-related concerns that should limit the walk?