Croatian Sheepdog
The Croatian Sheepdog is a breed originating from Croatia, known for its intelligence and herding abilities. The Croatian Sheepdog comes from Croatia. Individual Croatian Sheepdogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Croatia
- Height
- Males
- Colour
- black
About the Croatian Sheepdog
The Croatian Sheepdog is a breed originating from Croatia, known for its intelligence and herding abilities. It typically stands between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Overview
The Croatian Shepherd Dog or Hrvatski Ovčar is a Croatian breed of sheepdog of South-European Spitz type. It is one of seven recognised breeds of dog in Croatia, and one of two sheepdogs – the other is the Tornjak . It is closely similar to the Mudi of Hungary – with which its range overlaps – but is slightly larger. : 319
History
The origins of the Croatian Shepherd Dog are unknown. It is a traditional breed of the historic Baranja and Bačka regions of Slavonia , close to the border with Hungary, and may derive from dogs brought to that area from Greece or Turkey, or from elsewhere in the Balkan region. : 319 A manuscript from 1374 in the archives of the Archdiocese of Đakovo–Osijek reportedly mentions sheepdogs in Croatia, using the Latin phrase canis pastoralis croaticus . : 6 In about 1935 the agronomist and veterinary surgeon Stjepan Romić started selectively breeding black Slavonian dogs, leading to the development of the modern Croatian Shepherd Dog. Examples of the breed were shown in 1949 at a dog show in Zagreb , at that time the capital of the Socialist Republic of Croatia ; a breed standard was drawn up in 1951 by Otto Rohr. The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1967.
Characteristics
The Croatian Shepherd Dog is of medium size: dogs stand some 45–50 cm at the withers , bitches about 2 cm less; for dogs of exceptionally good conformation and type, the breed standard allows a tolerance of up to 3 cm over or under the standard limits. : 7 The coat is double on most of the body, consisting of a dense soft undercoat and a long soft topcoat, either curly or wavy, with a length varying from 6 to 14 cm ; the hair on the face, ears and lower legs is short. The coat is always black, although some limited white markings are tolerated. : 8
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Croatian Sheepdog?
The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed, with males standing 45-50 cm at the withers and females 43-47 cm. They have a double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a long outer coat. They are of South-European Spitz type and are closely similar to the Mudi of Hungary.
Is the Croatian Sheepdog a good family dog?
As with any breed, the Croatian Sheepdog's suitability as a family dog depends on the family's lifestyle and experience. They are intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be good with children if socialized properly, but may not be suitable for very young children due to their herding instincts.
What health problems do Croatian Sheepdogs have?
The Croatian Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Croatian Sheepdog puppy cost?
The cost of a Croatian Sheepdog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
Where do Croatian Sheepdogs come from?
The Croatian Sheepdog comes from Croatia. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Croatian Sheepdog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.