Turkish Zerdava
Description
The Turkish Zerdava is a rare, rugged breed from Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region. Built for the mountains, it’s compact but athletic, weighing between 24 and 37 pounds. Upright ears and a deep, wide chest give it a bold look. Its tail curls inward and sports longer hair than the rest of its medium-length double coat. Colors range from light to dark chesnut, liver, and liver with white, often showing white markings, spots, or roan patterns. Originally, these dogs hunted boars, foxes, and jackals. They also served as guard dogs. Zerdavas are brave and stubborn, with a fierce streak that suits demanding work. They bark little but stand their ground when needed. This breed needs a confident handler who can match its strong will and athleticism.
Grooming
The Turkish Zerdava’s medium double coat sheds heavily during spring and fall. Brush it three times a week to keep loose hair under control. During shedding seasons, increase brushing and use an undercoat rake to pull out dead fur. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps keep the coat clean. Blow-dry after baths to loosen shedding hair and speed drying. - Brush 3× weekly, more in heavy shed times - Use undercoat rake for dead hair - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry to aid de-shedding Pro tip: Blow-drying during spring and fall sheds can cut down on loose fur around the house. Pay special attention to the tail’s longer hairs to prevent matting. Liver and liver & white coats may show dirt more easily, so check those spots regularly.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
The Zerdava needs about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. These dogs thrive on steady exercise that challenges their stamina and alertness. A slow, easy stroll won’t cut it. Instead, mix in brisk walking, some off-leash time in a secure area, or light jogging. This keeps their muscles toned and minds sharp. Example routine: - Morning: 40-minute brisk walk with short bursts of jogging - Evening: 45-minute hike or active play session in a fenced yard Keep walks varied to avoid boredom. The breed’s hunting background means it enjoys sniffing and exploring new scents. Use a sturdy leash and harness, as they can be stubborn and strong-willed on walks.
Boarding
For boarding, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches. The Turkish Zerdava moves with purpose and needs space to stretch out comfortably. This breed enjoys active play sessions twice a day, plus scent and brain games to keep its sharp mind busy. Avoid small-animal toys; they can trigger the Zerdava’s hunting instincts. Secure fencing is a must to prevent escapes. Staff should be ready to handle a dog that’s brave and sometimes stubborn. Positive, consistent interaction helps build trust. Enrichment should include two active play blocks daily plus scent work or puzzle games to satisfy their natural drive. This breed thrives on routine and clear leadership during boarding stays.