Kuchi (dog)

Kuchi (dog)

The Kuchi (alternatively spelled Coochi and Koochee in English) dog is an Afghan herding dog, taking its name from the Kuchi people of Afghanistan. It is also a guard and working dog following the nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of sheep, goats, camels and other livestock from wolves, big cats and thieves. It is sometimes known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Sage Kuchi is the standard Persian name, and the Pashto name is De Kochyano Spai, meaning "Dog of the nomads". It is found around the central and northern parts of Afghanistan and the surrounding regions in Central Asia. This Mountain dog shares similar genetic background to the Central Asian Ovtcharka (CAO).

Because the dog is intricately associated with nomad life in remote and rugged regions where Western breeding techniques are not used, it is difficult to identify a "true" Kuchi type of dog. Warfare and general unrest in the region has also affected the Kuchi people, of whom many have settled around cities creating ample opportunity for the Kuchi to interbreed with other dogs. There is no organizing body for dogs in Afghanistan and some Kuchi dogs have been exported to Europe.