Croatian Sheepdog : This black coloured and curly haired dog has herding in their blood and herd very successfully without any proper training. The other name of this breed is Hrvatski Ovcar. This agile and high energy dog is not for everyone. As it is from herding working breed, they need a very active owner to keep them happy. But, only you to be highly active is not only criteria to own this breed.
You need to be an experienced dog owner to independent natured dogs to handle this highly intelligent and independent dog. These two criteria are must to have a satisfied Croatian Sheepdog to fit into your home. If you ignore one out of these criteria then you might end up with a troubled pooch. Let’s know more about this breed.
Croatian Sheepdog Origin
The very first presence of Croatian Sheepdog is not very clear but, is believed to be before 7th century. The first proper records and description of this breed can be found from late 14th century. The earliest description was written by bishop Petar Horvat of Djakovo in 1374. He named the dog Canis Pastoralis Croaticus. According to him a black and curly haired dog with pricked or semi pricked eared herding dog has been brought by Croats to these lands from their native lands.
The description of this breed was given time to time in past and it has been found that they have not changed till now from first records of their description in appearance. They still look same as they were many centuries ago. They were used for herding cattle by Croats. In 1935, veterinarian Prof Dr Stjepan Romic, in Djakovo started a systematic breeding program on Croatian Sheepdog with three dogs named Garavusa Gara (female), Buda, and Sojka and got it recognised by FCI in 1969 after 34 years of his hard work. Therefore he is also known as “father of the breed”.
Croatian Sheepdog Temperament
As a herding dog it is agile, intelligent and alert. Although it is a working breed, it is an extremely loyal and devoted to their owners and make a good companion. They can’t stay away from their owners. So, never think to kennel them. They are that much fearless that on command they don’t bother about themselves before the danger. This is a one man dog and are so much intelligent that they learn commands easily and can even predict owner’s next command many a times. They are dominant dogs but, once tamed are a joy for you.
Just give a good amount of attention to your pooch as they crave for it and if denied then behavioural issues can erupt. They go along with children fine. They should be early socialised to be well behaved with strangers and other pets. A good amount of daily walks and exercises are must to keep your pooch from becoming destructive along with good mental engagement. It will be best if you have a safe and fenced yard for them to play. They are very agile and good in all dog sports. So, if you are really interested in your pooch to be in agility or dog sports competition then this breed is for you.
Croatian Sheepdog Physical Appearance
Croatian Sheepdog comes in size from small to medium. They are rectangular proportioned. Head is fox like and wedge shaped and tapered towards muzzle. Ears are erect or semi erect and triangular shaped. Coat is double coated with short outer coat and long under coat. The coat is thick and curly or wavy and soft to touch. The coat colour is generally solid black and small white markings on chest and/ or on toe tips are allowed. The tail is bushy, short and carried medium high. Some even born with no tail.
Croatian Sheepdog Size
- Height – 16 to 21 inches
- Weight – 29 to 43 pounds
FCI classification
- Section – Section 1, Sheepdog
- Group no 1
- Date of acceptance – 6/23/1969
- Country of origin – Croatia
- Standard no 277
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Croatian Sheepdog Grooming
Your Croatian Sheepdog is an average shedder with need of less care for it. You need to brush it’s coat once in a week. As their coat has proper oil balance and water and weather proof, you need to give bath when it is utmost needed. Otherwise a quick wipe of coat is enough to keep it healthy and sound.
- Ears should be cleaned once in a month if everything is fine on weekly checks.
- Regular brushing of teeth is required for good oral health.
- As this breed is active, there is not requirements of regular nail trimming but, should be checked regularly if they need trimming.
Croatian Sheepdog Nutrition
Croatian Sheepdog needs premium quality dog food, dry or wet specifically for active and medium sized dog. With it you can add eggs, vegetables, fruits and cottage cheese making 10% of total food. Adult dog should be offered food twice daily.
Provide clean water always for your Croatian Sheepdog.
Croatian Sheepdog Training
As Croatian Sheepdog is a very intelligent dog, they get easily trained. But, they are independent in nature therefore, they need to know your alpha position. Try to let them know their and your position gradually from very early. Early training is also necessary to make your dog to follow your commands instantly. After making your pup know your and it’s position in pack, it becomes very easy to train your pup as they are very obedient. Train your pooch with confidence and consistency with rewards and praise. You need to be confident, sensitive and positive during training your pup. Obedience puppy classes are also a good option to train your pup. Early socialisation is must for your Croatian Sheepdog to get along well with small children, other pets, dogs and strangers. On leash training and early house training is also must.
Croatian Sheepdog Health Challenges
Croatian Sheepdog is almost a healthy breed with very few health issues. The main health issue is musculoskeletal injuries due to high activity. The other few health problems are as follows
- Bloating
- Patella luxation
- Arthritis
- Whelping difficulties and
- Retained testicles in males
- Croatian Sheepdog litter size is 4 to 6 puppies.
- Life expectancy of Croatian Sheepdog is 13 to 14 years.
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