SARPLANINAC

Description: The Sarplaninac is a medium-sized, muscular, powerful dog. A keen, discriminating expression is characteristic to this breed. This dog has natural guarding qualities and independent thinking typical of the flock guard group. This sheep herding guard dog is unaffectionate towards humans; it prefers the flock it so enthusiastically protects. It is hard working; it makes a perfect herding guard dog. Since 1975 successful exports have been carried out to the United States and Canada to control coyotes, and this is where the breed’s future security rests.

Other names: Sar Planina, Illyrian Sheepdog, Charplaninatz Yugoslav Shepherd Dog, Yugoslav Mountain Dog

Country of Origin: Macedonia

Temperament: This breed is usually calm, but when the situation warrants, it is ferocious, it is ready to protect the flock by any means. It takes its work very seriously. It will investigate anything that catches its eye, and has no hesitation about confronting adversaries larger than itself. The Sarplaninac will tolerate family members including children if it is raised with them, but will be aloof with outsiders. This breed will protect all of its territory and the living creatures within it. The Sarplaninac is a very wise dog, it chooses friends carefully and trusts no one completely; this dog is not a brainless tailwagger. It is more obedient to its ingrained code of proper behavior than to accept commands from its owner, to whom it is most loyal. It requires work, time, and proper management. This breed is very devoted to its flock. It needs a lot of physical exercise; on a farm running free it will take care of its own exercise needs. Sheep and goat raisers are discovering advantages to owning a Sarplaninac when the majority of their predator problems disappear.

Height: 56-61 cm. ( 22-24 inches )

Weight: 25-37 kg. ( 55-80 pounds )

Colors: Gray, white, tan or black, solid or blend colors.

Coat: Long-haired, dense, evenly distributed. The coat will benefit from occasional brushings.

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Litter Size: 5-7

Health Issues: Generally it’s a healthy breed.

Living Environment: This breed is not recommended for apartment life. It has an all-weather coat and will be content to live and sleep outdoors. It will do best living on a farm with a flock to protect.

Learning Rate: Low. It is highly intelligent, but is an independent thinker.

Group: FCI, CKC,  NKC, Flock Guard