Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog

Sharplanina Šarplaninac, Charplaninatz, Macedonian Sheepdog

Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog

This is a dog bred for work among the rugged and challenging Macedonian mountains. It has immense strength and stamina. It is a choice dog of Yugoslavian farmers who consider it a faithful companion as well as a strong and reliable worker. Unless they are trained not to hunt these dogs will enjoy chasing and killing other animals. 

Key facts about the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog

Life expectancy :

5

17

10

12

Temperament :

Calm Intelligent

Size :

Origins and history

This dog has been bred for centuries by farmers of land in the Yugoslavian mountains. Some experts of the breed suggest that it arrived in Europe during ancient societal migrations from Asia. The breed is named after the Šarplaninac mountain range, and dogs of the breed are still widely used here for guarding and herding cattle and sheep.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs

Section

Section 2 : Molossian type

Physical characteristics of the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog

    Adult size

    Female : Between 21 and 23 in

    Male : Between 22 and 24 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 66 and 88 lb

    Male : Between 77 and 99 lb

    Coat colour

    Black
    White
    Brown
    Blue
    Red
    Sand

    Type of coat

    Long

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    The Sarplaninac is a well-built, muscular and sturdy dog. The ears are not set too high on the skull and hang close to the dogs cheeks. The tail is long and abundantly feathered. 

    Good to know

    The Šarplaninac is a quiet and unassuming dog when it is among its family. If not trained well, the dog’s wariness of strangers will become more challenging and may even cause the dog to adopt defensive aggression. The dog is banned in Denmark due to its size. 

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      The Šarplaninac is an affectionate, even-tempered and well-mannered dog. 

    • 33%

      Playful

      This dog is generally happy and playful. It enjoys playtime but will try to dominate playmates whenever it sees the chance to do so.   

    • 100%

      Calm

      This is a calm dog; one that is not quick to anger. 

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      The Šarplaninac is a quick learner. It is a very smart dog that prefers to make decisions by itself rather than obey the orders of its handler. 

    • 33%

      Hunter

      Although they are bred to herd, Šarplaninac Sheepdogs are instinctive hunters. They are also exceptionally territorial. 

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Šarplaninac tends to be painfully shy around strangers. It takes one of these dogs quite a while to trust people who aren’t already in their ‘circle’. 

    • 100%

      Independent

      This is a wilful dog that will test the boundaries of the household’s hierarchy whenever it can. Its independence cannot be stamped on. It must be harvested and used as a training aid. 

      Behaviour of the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog

      • 100%

        Tolerates solitude

        The Šarplaninac tolerates a degree of solitude.  

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Training of this dog must be done right. Šarplaninacs will try to dominate proceedings. They are not the easiest of dogs to train. 

      • 33%

        Barking

        This is a dog that enjoys barking but it will be quiet when told to be. The bark is heavy and loud. 

      • 33%