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The Sage Koochee breed possesses a very rich gene pool, which translates to incredible potential these dogs have for adaptating to their environment. It also means that gene expression can vary greatly from one individual to another. For that reason, it is often difficult for an unaccustomed observer to determine what makes a particular dog a true Koochee dog, or what type of a Koochee dog it is. In general, the Sage Koochee are large, often giant dogs, with a coat that can be short, medium, or long, backed by thick underwool. They vary in height, reaching from 27 to 32 inches ((69 to 82 cm) at the withers for the females, and from 28 to 35 inches (71 to 89 cm) and more for the males. Their weight ranges from about 84 to 120 lb (38 to 55 kg) for the female dogs, and from 88 to 176 lb (40 to 80 kg) and more for the male dogs. Their built is molosser-like with lighter and heavier variants, all of them exhibiting a perfect scissor-bite, and a majority of them free from most genetic defects that plague the contemporary dog world. Those include hip dysplasia, especially common among the larger breeds. The shape of the head of a Koochee dog can vary from a wedge-type head, to brick-type, or bear-type skull, the last one being associated mainly with the dogs of the mountain variety. Their tails are usually docked by about one-third of their length, and usually point straight up or at a slight angle. Traditionally, their ears are cropped, almost to the very base. The Sage Koochee are tall dogs, with a straight backline, which usually forms a square profile with the front and hind legs. The neck is usually long and thick, with plenty of excess skin hanging from the base of the jaw to the chest. The head is carried horizontally, or at a slight downward angle, with eyes staring straight ahead. The muzzle is dry and muscular. Their body is often covered with dark spots which don't show through the coat. These spots can also cover the inside of the mouth, the bridge of the nose and the abdomen. The color of the coat comes in many varieties, and is of no importance to determining the breed or the type of Koochee dog. Neither is the length or structure of the hair. Most often, a strip of longer, more wiry hair covers the entire length of the backline, while the neck area is packed with thick and slippery underwool, as well as hair that is slightly longer than over the rest of the body. The tooth sizes range from small in some females, to very large in males, with the fangs often exceeding 1¼". The shape of the fangs can form a hook with a thicker base and the point directed toward the inside of the mouth, or can be straighter and tusk-like, much like a wolve's. There are three main regional types recognized, belonging to one of two body types of dogs - the lion type, and the tiger type. Those are determined depending on the built and the motor characteristics. [edit] Sub-variants and types The Koochee dogs can roughly be divided into three types: the Mountain-type, the Steppe-type, and the Desert-type. The mountain-type dogs form a very large-boned, heavy coated variety that is well suited to living in the mountainous regions of the Pamir range. They are usually found at higher elevations, where there is greater humidity and more extreme, cool temperatures. The steppe-type dogs are of much lighter built, with medium to long hair. They are faster and more agile on expansive flats than the mountain variety. They can be characterized as having a mastiff-like built combined with wind hound habitus. The desert-type dogs represent a variant most often found in the large desert flatlands, with little vegetation and a hotter climate. They are of medium height, with a short to medium length coat backed by very thick underwool during the cold season. They can possess characteristics of both of the other types, especially when it comes to the head structure. Another way to classify the Sage Koochee could be according to a lion-type (Djence Sheri), or a tiger-type (Djence Palangi). This division applies mostly to the desert-type dogs, but it is important to keep in mind that each of the regional variants can display characteristics found in other types as well. The lion-type dogs are of heavier built, with larger heads and deeper chests. Their coat is usually thicker, and they are of medium height with a larger, bear-type head. The tiger-type dogs are the more athletic looking, with a long and deep habitus, brick or wedge shaped head, and shorter coat. They are more often linked with Steppe-type dogs. The difference between the two can also be seen in the way they move. The Lion-type dogs are more majestic in motion, they appear very proud thanks to keeping their heads raised while they walk. The tiger type dogs exhibit more of a sidewinding, catlike motion, with the head usually at the level of the body, and front paws swinging inwards when walking, running, or jumping. Both types are extremely agile and possess tremendous speed and tenacity when running or attacking.

The Sage Koochee is one of the last true breeds of dogs, which have remained true to their nature, even though it is not recognized by any western Kennel Club. This only helped the Koochees maintain good quality of their dogs, without being swayed into poor breeding practices that cater to looks and size as the most desirable criteria, because they are most marketable. Such was the case for the now grotesque CAO ‘breed’. Meanwhile, not all dogs found in Afghanistan are Koochee dogs, even though they may resemble them in many ways. Many breeders in Afghanistan and surrounding countries now advertise their dogs as being Koochee dogs, but very often that is not the case. Many CAOs have the characteristics that make them virtually indistinguishable in appearance from the Koochee dogs, especially while they are still puppies. While they can still be wonderful dogs, often they turn out to be dogs that have been bred improperly, and demonstrate character flaws and problems usually not associated with dogs bred according to traditional standards. The combination of environmental conditions the Koochee dogs are raised in, and the duties reserved for them in their traditional setting, help to shape the outstanding characteristics of those dogs. They will not have a chance to develop and fulfill their potential if taken out of the original context. Any attempt to do that will likely produce dogs that are unsuitable for keeping in a more civilized environment, where they will be smothered by the demands of living in a modern society, and deprived of an opportunity to perform the work they were bred to do for ages past. The Sage Koochee are proud animals which need to work with their owners, fulfilling their duties. Otherwise they may act out their frustrations and lack of sense of purpose in ways that can be unacceptable to their owners and the rest of society. This is what most people fail to understand and refuse to accept. This is what truly defines the nature of Koochee ,and sets them apart from any other breed. The Sage Koochee are working dogs which possess all the tools that enable them to do their work. The tools that, sadly, are usually missing from most of the modern breeds. They are also very sensitive animals with high emotional intelligence, requiring partnership and respect from their owners, as well as other people and animals in their immediate environment, in order to lead a satisfied and harmonious existence. That is why the only Koochee dogs that are ‘true-type’, ‘pure bred’ Koochee dogs are the ones remaining with the people who are the undisputed experts on dog breeding, and raising this amazing, unique breed in general - the Afghan Koochee people. Attempts at importing some of those bloodlines to the Western world in order to preserve them are being made as part of an unofficial breeding program. It is being conducted by a few private individuals in Europe, all under the supervision of a world renowned expert on Central Asian breeds and Koochee dogs, Mr. A. Rasaq Qadirie. Some individual dogs have also been imported to North America, notably the Ontario province of Canada. Unfortunately, one dog has also become a foundation of a CAO breeding program in the US, which serves purely commercial purposes and has nothing to do with maintaining the traditional quality of the breed.

In some areas, one type of dog was favoured more than the other. For example in mountainous regions, the heavier coated and large boned dogs were preferred, while in a desert environment - a lighter, more agile built was more desirable. Natural selection occurred due to environmental conditions, as well as human preferences. Over the centuries, the breeds that ‘settled’ would become associated with that region, and some even received names and international kennel breed status. The Kangal dog of Turkey, the Caucasian Ovtcharka in the Caucasus region, and many other breeds, such as the large shepherd breeds of Europe - all belong to this group of dogs. The Central Asian Ovtcharka is a Russian breeder invention motivated by the desire to classify a highly varied group of dogs of Central Asia into a ‘breed standard' which would allow the dogs to compete in dog shows and bring their breeders more profit. Attempts to breed these dogs into massive 'super dogs' by utilizing poor breeding practices have produced overly bulky dogs, incapable of performing the tasks they were originally meant for. There are still many great ‘CAO’s in Central Asia, but the dog world is now filled to the brim with handicapped behemoths of monstrous sizes, and fallible proportions that debilitate the dogs, making them no more than bleak shadows of their predecessors.

The Koochee dogs of Afghanistan have largely escaped this fate, thanks to their relative isolation from the outside world, that was a direct consequence of a turbulent, war filled history of Afghanistan. Because of the Russian invasion, the Koochee people of Afghanistan have preserved their old ways for a few generations more than the inhabitants of regions annexed into the Soviet empire, and those affected by the Western civilization. This helped this breed of dogs - an integral part of the Koochee culture, tradition and daily livelihood - survive until the modern times, their special nature unchanged. Sadly, those ways of old are disappearing fast. Today, with Afghanistan torn by a multinational conflict and tribal wars, this process is advancing faster than ever. The Koochees and their dogs were never acceptable to the Taliban regime, and were not perceived well by the Russians either. But they did manage to stay in their old ways because of the slow rate of advancement of civilization in the country. They can still live off the land. And they have been able to preserve the values and traditions that have helped them to survive for centuries. Their dogs played a crucial part in ensuring that survival. Nowadays, that world is shrinking quicker than ever due to the changing lifestyles, where fields are replaced by barns, and herds of sheep and goats are replaced by cows, while motorized transport is pushing caravans out of the landscape.

Throughout history, the Koochee people needed their dogs to be extremely vigilant in guarding their livestock and belongings. They trusted their dogs to safeguard their camps and caravans on their seasonal journeys. They also needed their dogs to be extremely tough, not only in the face of danger, but also for braving the rough environmental conditions that required incredible ability to adapt. The Koochees travelled from the mountains, through the deserts, in the freezing cold, and in the searing heat, through country that, for days, did not offer shelter, or food, or even water. They needed dogs that would survive in all kinds of extreme conditions, and still be able to perform their duties without hindering the progress of the caravan. They often had no spare time or energy left to feed and take care of their dogs. They could not afford to wait for them if they fell ill, or to keep checking to make sure they don’t fall behind or run off. The Koochees needed dogs that would be fierce and possess unmatched stamina, courage and strength, but at the same time would be extremely intelligent, trustworthy and independent. They needed dogs that could function without any special guidance or training. For centuries, the Koochee people acquired the experience and expert knowledge on how to breed these types of dogs, and have kept the best ancient bloodlines alive. Today, the fruit of their age old labour can still be seen throughout parts of Afghanistan in the form of dogs that remain true to those ancient, high standards. The resulting breed can be described as representing dogs of unwavering character, strong sense of pride, keen sense of ownership, social status, and territory, demonstrating outstanding tenacity and perseverance, and possessing unrivalled strength and agility, all of which enable them to defend everything that is a part of their turf and extended pack against all predators and intruders. They can also be extremely friendly and affectionate, and tend to form deep emotional bonds with their 'pack members'. However, their independent minds also make them incompatible with Western lifestyle. They are prone to aggression towards most other dogs, and often humans, who encroach on their territory (this could include postal workers, utility company repairmen, emergency personnel, and even friends and family they have not been acquainted with before), and their territory could extend well beyond the regular house and backyard. This breed is also very vocal in expressing their emotions. Koochee dogs often growl to show either pleasure or displeasure, which can be misconstrued by many, especially children, as a sign of aggression - and lead to unwanted and potentially dangerous reactions on their part. This does not mean that the Koochee breed is entirely unmanagable. But it does mean that, in order to maintain safety and keep Koochee dogs and their owners in good health and spirits, these dogs demand special attention from their owners, who should be experts on this particular breed, and on animal behaviour in general.