As relocation experts, we know very well that many expats like taking a memento home with them after their international assignments are over. What could be better than a local dog? To help you decide on the choice of pup, we have asked our country managers to recommend their favorite breeds and advise.

This ancient Afghan dog breed, the ’sage kuchi’ or ‘koochee’ has gotten its name from the Kuchi people of Afghanistan, meaning ‘the dog of the nomad’. These great canines have been used as dedicated working dogs for guarding and following the nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of livestock from wild animals or thieves. As the breed is almost solely associated with nomad life in the remote and rugged regions of Afghanistan, where Western breeding methods are not employed, it is quite difficult to identify a ‘true’ Kuchi type of dog.

The Kuchi dogs can be grouped into three main types: Mountain-type, Desert-type and Steppe-type.

• The mountain-type dogs can be found in the Pamir mountains, living under extreme conditions at higher elevations with great humidity and low temperature. They are very big-boned and heavy coated, which makes it suitable for them to survive.
• The desert-type dogs are of medium height and can mostly be found living in the large desert flatlands, where there is limited vegetation with a very hot climate. Their fur is short to medium length, but with a very thick under-coat to bear with the cold season.
  • Lion-type dogs (Djence Sheri) are of heavier built with a broad, bear-type head and deeper chest. Their coat is usually thicker as well.
  • Tiger-type dogs (Djence Palangi) are more athletic looking, with brick or wedge shaped head and shorter coat.

  Both types are extremely agile and possess tremendous speed and tenacity when running or attacking.

• The steppe-type dogs are of much lighter built than their counterparts living in the mountains, therefore they are also faster and more agile.

Note, that each group displays characteristics found in the other types as well.

Smaller than the mountain-type and larger than the desert-type, the Afghan Tiger Dog appears to be a cross between the two, although many think that all other types developed from this very breed, being the oldest.

The Afghan Tiger Dog is a very stubborn, independent and amazingly self-sufficient breed, that almost looks lethargic when not working. Their ears are often cropped and tails usually docked. Their coat falls somewhere between short and medium length, depending on what season it is.

All colors are accepted, with the majority being white-based with darker patches. The average height of these dogs is around 32 inches (80cm).

Please take a look at this video created by our colleagues in Afghanistan, that goes into further details about the characteristics of this terrific breed.

If you do decide on taking a dog home with you, then please make sure you leave at least a month to ensure all paperwork is in place prior to move.
If you would like to book your pet’s specific relocation with us, or for further information about our general pet relocation services, please contact us at pet@moveonerelo.com. One of our dedicated animal relocation agents will follow up with you shortly with a quote tailor-made to your needs.

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