AKA: Sharplaninac, also known as Yugoslav Shepherd Dog or Illyrian Shepherd Dog
Breed Group:
Rare Group
Height Male:
22-24 inches (56-61 cm.)
Breed Size:
Large
Height Female:
22-24 inches (56-61 cm.)
Breed Origin:
Yugoslavia
Weight:
55-88 pounds (25-39 kg.)
Appearance The Šarplaninac is a large, muscular, strongly-built dog. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the front legs account for approximately 55% of the height. The head is large but proportional to the body, with dark eyes.
Temperament The temperament of the breed is described as independent, reliable, protective but not snappy, incorruptible and devoted to its master. The breed is aloof with outsiders, and calm until a threat to the flock presents itself. The breed has a extremely protective nature. In the absence of a flock of sheep, the Šarplaninac will often treat its humans as sheep - herding them away from danger or undesirable areas. They are serene and majestic, gentle with children and smaller dogs. They are also highly intelligent and bred to work without human supervision while guarding the flocks in the high pastures. Young pups can kill small animals until trained not to hunt.
The Šarplaninac is a very serious and dedicated guard dog. Due to this, they are naturally suspicious of strangers and will need good socialising at a young age to lessen this innate personality trait. They are calm and gentle with their family but when faced with danger they become a formidable foe, not a suitable breed for all. Consistent and firm training is essential to ensure compliance.
History The Šarplaninac (pronounced shar-pla-NEE-natz) or Sharplaninac, also known as Yugoslav Shepherd Dog or Illyrian Shepherd Dog, is an ancient livestock guarding dog breed from the Šar Mountains region in the Balkans (in Kosovo[a] and northern Macedonia). The Šarplaninac was first registered by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd dog in part because of a Slovenian and Serb led nationalist movement that sought to distance itself from Austria and Germany.
Health If you are considering a Sarplaninac puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases.
Sarplaninac Breed Clubs/Associatons
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Registered Breed Clubs
None Registered at This Time..
Other Breed Clubs
International Sarplaninac Club
Sarplaninac Club (Czech Republic)
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Scale ( 1 to 5 ): 1=Low 5=High
Guard Dog?
5
Watch Dog?
5
Exercise Needed?
3
Grooming?
3
Energy Level?
3
Shedding?
3
Ease to Train?
3
Good with children?
5
Sarplaninac Breeders
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