Bidurajula

The Bidurajula (Chain Dog), also called the Biduhuzen, is a large type of working dog originating in the Sifal Peninsula that makes up Abayad, dating back to the 12th century. Biduhuzen are working dogs that are primarily used for guarding, herding, or hunting, and are popular in Abayad’s eastern and southwestern regions. Their name refers to the chain, or huzen, commonly found around their necks.

History
Biduhuzen, the dog’s other name, translates literally to “wrinkled dog.” They have an average weight of 78 kg (125 lbs) and height of 2.7 ft (78.74 cm). The breed originated in Abayad, most likely in its south or southeast. It has long been bred in Abayad's south and southeast for the purpose of guarding flocks of goats, sheep, and cattle, along with homes. It may be descended from crossbreeding of Fort Sabet Dogs with other, local breeds, including the Biduishaq. In the cities of Zil-Haryun, Akhar, and Tafari, the breed was a favorite pet of ruling families. Numerous Merchant Families owned and kept them for hunting as well as guards and status symbols. The dogs are also said to have been used by traveling merchants at markets at the time to guard money pouches tied around their necks. As railroads became the primary method for moving goods to market, the demand for the breed declined. However, after the success of the Abayadi Revolution, the dogs came back into demand for use as police dogs, seeing service in various roles including messenger, ambulance, draft, and guard dogs.

There are two strains of the breed, the Simple Bidurajula and the Barking Bidurajula. The Barking strain has the specific and unique ability to open mouth bark for an extensive period of time, meaning that the dog can bark virtually non stop without taking a breath, or continuously bark in one breath.

Description
Breeders aim for a dog of abundant strength and a light coat, whose powerful appearance possesses nobility making it perfectly suitable as a compansion, service, rescue, or working dog. The breed is centered around the concepts of balance, endurance, proportionality, intelligence, and strength. Bidurajula as a whole are strongly boned and muscled, with proportionally large heads and short coats. Specimens are normally around 60 kg and 75 cm tall at the withers, with their fur ranging from light brown to white.

Temperament
Bidurajula have been described as intelligent, alert, responsive, and energetic. They are typically good-natured and placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, and eager to work or play. The breed is self-confident and responds quietly with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and displays extreme hardiness and adaptability as a dog of intelligence.

However, they remain a powerful breed with well-developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. Potentially dangerous behavior in the breed typically results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of basic socialization and training. However, the exceptional strength of the Bidurajula is an additional risk factor not to be neglected. It is for this reason that breed experts say that training and extensive socialization are essential for all specimens of the breed. The dogs may love their owners and behave in a playful manner toward family and friends, but they are very territorial and protective of perceived pack members, and will not welcome strangers until properly introduced.

Popularity
The breed is popular throughout Abayad, but especially so in the south and southeast. In Abayad, breeders from several rural areas outside Tafari, Zil-Haryun, and Akhar rear the dogs for commercial sale. They have been part of many competitions in Abayad, and according to the Toli Abayad Times, have an “importance among youth, in having a strong, masculine image.”

Issues
Bidurajula have been illegally used for dog fighting in Abayad, including areas such as Aljira, Toli Abayad, Tafari, Akhar, and Zil-Haryun. In 1608, one of the first nonprofit organizations working against illegal fighting and creating awareness among the public about the issue were created.