Let's talk Croatian Shepherd Dogs
The Croatian Shepherd Dog’s most distinctive feature is undoubtedly that glorious curly and glossy black coat, but these lovely dogs have much more to offer besides their admittedly excellent hair. While the breed’s working origins are apparent in their agility, energy and eager-to-please nature, Croatian Shepherd Dogs have left behind herding duties on lonely hillsides and now make lovely affectionate family pets. Just as long as they also get enough exercise, they’re perfectly content with their human flock.Official name: Croatian Shepherd Dog
Other names: Hrvatski Ovčar
Origins: Croatia
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Croatian Shepherd Dogs
1. Croatian guard dog
This ancient breed evolved to guard its humans and has retained that instinct. Protectiveness of family can translate into a wariness of strangers, however. The Croatian Shepherd Dog is also, it must be said, a breed that is prone to barking. Training can help your dog distinguish between normal everyday activity and events that warrant a warning bark.
2. Woolly jumper
If you’re going to let your Croatian Shepherd Dog off the lead – and chances to run free really should be part of their regular exercise routine – make sure it is in a securely enclosed space with a high fence. These bouncy canines can, and will, jump. From one extreme to another, they are also known for their tendency to dig, so having a spot set aside where they are allowed to indulge their interest in tunneling will stop them from resorting to the middle of the pristine lawn.
History of the breed
The Croatian Shepherd Dog breed was only recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1969, following a concerted effort to establish a breeding programme launched in 1935 in the Slavonia region by Croatian vet Stjepan Romic, who became known as “the father of the breed”.
However, the Croatian Shepherd Dog’s origins date back to many centuries before that date, possibly as early as the 7th century BC, in what is now Croatia. In 1374, the bishop of Djakavo (in Slavonia) wrote of a new shepherd dog—the Canis Pastoralis Croaticus brought by Croat settlers to the region.
The Croatian Shepherd Dog is also mentioned in a 1719 text about the area and its people and livestock. The 18th century author Peter Bakic stated then that the dog had not changed in appearance since the one described by the 14th century bishop.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Croatian Shepherd Dogs
1. Ears
Large triangular ears, carried pricked up.
2. Coat
Thick wavy black coat (sometimes with white markings).
3. Tail
Upright bearing and strong tapered tail.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Croatian Shepherd Dog
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Caring for your Croatian Shepherd Dog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Croatian Shepherd Dogs are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They do shed quite a bit but straightforward regular brushing sessions should keep that lustrous coat in good condition. Unsurprisingly given their vocation as herding dogs, Croatian Shepherd Dogs are active and need plenty of exercise—think several proper walks a day. They have a playful side and need plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical tiring out, so games such as Frisbee can be good fun too. As long as they get plenty of chances to burn off some of their energy, they are usually calm and quiet at home. Training should be straightforward for these intelligent and people-pleasing canines. It’s all about positive reinforcement. Just make sure any food treats come out of their daily rations. Early socialisation is important for this breed, which can be a little wary of strangers.
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All about Croatian Shepherd Dogs
As long as we’re talking about a fairly energetic family, then yes! These sweet dogs have plenty of energy, so they’ll need regular chances to exercise and let off steam. But at home, they’re calm and affectionate and once trained, get on well with children.
The Croatian Shepherd Dog sheds a moderate amount—but the advantage of choosing a monochrome dog (they’re usually black but sometimes have some white markings) is that as long as you make sure all your clothes and home furnishings are black too, that shedding shouldn’t be a problem.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/