Croatian Shepherd Dog

Black.

Dense double coat with a long, curly outer layer.

Light brown.

Medium sized. Compact build. Rustic, rugged appearance. Deep chest and a high-head carriage. Small, triangle shaped head with a fox-like expression. Curly coat and long, fluffy tail. 

These dogs have a real need for human companionship; they also like lots of affection. This is a warm-hearted dog that loves to feel close to its human family.

This is an alert and active breed with a seemingly endless reserve of energy. They love to run, chase, and play. 

Definitely not a calm breed. The Croatian Sheepdog is full of energy, very vocal, and extremely excitable. 

A highly intelligent dog. In the right hands, they are easy to train.

More of a herding dog than a hunting dog. Still, they have a natural instinct to chase and herd other animals.

Croatian Sheepdogs are extremely loyal to one owner; they’re not very keen on new people. They tend to view strangers with suspicion.

Like most intelligent herding breeds, the Croatian Sheepdog is a strong-minded, independent animal. This is what makes them such excellent working dogs, but it’s a trait that must be harnessed in the right way. 

This dog has a deep-seated need for human company. They work and live very closely with their masters and will struggle if left alone for long periods of time. This can cause prolonged periods of barking and destructive behaviour.

This dog has a strong work ethic and a natural desire to please. Very trainable in the right hands. 

A very vocal breed, especially during the first few years. Will bark if they are bored, frustrated, or over-excited. A poorly socialised Croatian Sheepdog will also bark at strangers. 

Very unlikely to run away.

Some destructive tendencies. These will be amplified by a lack of early socialisation, or a lack of physical and mental stimulation.

Neither greedy or gluttonous. 

A perfect watchdog. In fact, they are still used as watchdogs in many parts of Croatia. This dog is alert, brave, and capable of making lots of noise.

First-time dog owners should look elsewhere. This dog is smart, but it can also be very stubborn. It needs an expert handler. 

This dog was bred to live and work on the farm. Keeping them locked up inside a flat will lead to boredom, frustration, and long-term mental health issues.

60 mins of high-energy walks and runs every day. They need regular access to outdoor spaces and shouldn’t be kept inside the house all day. 

These dog are quite difficult to transport. They’re too big to travel on commercial airplanes. They’re also bursting with energy, which means they’ll struggle to remain calm during long road trips. 

Herding dogs don’t mix well with cats. However, as long as you have lots of space, they can live together in relative peace. Just never keep them together in an apartment or a small house.

This dog is naturally competitive. Because they form such close bonds with their owners, they can get jealous of other dogs. They’re much happier being the only dog in the house. 

Gets on well with older children and young teenagers. Too boisterous and overbearing for families with toddlers. 

Elderly people who are used to dealing with working dogs will really enjoy this breed. They can make excellent companions; owning one is a great way to stay active. 

A moderate amount of shedding.

A very healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Naturally strong and very robust. A hardy working dog that is both physically and mentally tough.

Has no problems withstanding heat. They shed during spring, which keeps them cool during the warmer months. 

They have a thick, double-layered coat that provides protection against the cold, the rain, and the wind.

No issues with obesity.

• Elbow dysplasia
• Arthritis
• Patellar luxation

The Croatian Sheepdog’s origins can be traced back to the 14th century, although some experts suggest they were first developed in the 7th century. According to ancient written documents, the breed has changed very little over the centuries. This is largely due to a lack of crossbreeding, which is a testament to this dog’s natural abilities. A first-rate working dog, the Croatian Sheepdog was used to herd cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. Due to the nature of its work, the breed tends to form a lifelong bond with a single owner. Dogs who are re-homed or adopted often pine for their former master and it takes them a long time to form new relationships. Due to a shift in agricultural techniques, fewer and fewer sheepdogs are earning their keep in the traditional way. However, many now compete in agility and herding trials. The breed was first registered by the FCI in 1969.