www.g4media.ro/patru-rase-de-ciobanesti-romanesti-

Dragoș Bălășoiu, founder of the HAITA Association, warns that four Romanian dog breeds are at risk of extinction due to low purebred numbers and poor breeding practices. The association aims to include these breeds in Romania's Intangible Cultural Heritage, with plans for a UNESCO submission. Bălășoiu highlights that the breeds have fallen below the scientifically necessary threshold for genetic viability. Many local shepherds have replaced native dogs with imported breeds, leading to a decline in the traditional breeds. The project has the support of the National Commission for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and involves a six-month field research phase.