The Croatian Sheepdog, or hravtski ovcar, is a medium to small multifunctional dog with an exceptional and balanced character, which they make it an excellent companion animal. Despite its great qualities as sheepdog and working dog, it is unknown in much of the world and is only heard of in its country of origin.
If you are interested in adopting a Croatian Sheepdog or you already have one and you don't know anything about the breed, don't miss this file on our site where we are going to solve all your doubts about this type of dog. dog so that you know how it is and give it all the care it needs, above all, a lot of physical and mental exercise, and a lot of company and affection from its human family.
Origin of the Croatian Sheepdog
Not much is known about the origin of this breed, but it is thought to be very ancient. Apparently, already existed in the 14th century with the same characteristics with which we know it today, possibly arriving from Turkey or Greece, and it is believed that they come from different crosses between hungarian dogs.
What is known is that this dog originated in Croatia and was used as a shepherd and guard in the plains of Slavonia, an agricultural region in eastern Croatia, bounded by the Drava, Sava and Danube rivers.
Currently, the Croatian Sheepdog is a little-known dog outside its country and is no longer in demand as a herding dog, despite its great qualities and stable character.
Physical Characteristics of the Croatian Sheepdog
Croatian Sheepdogs are at the lower limit of medium breeds, as their height at the withers ranges from 40 to 50 centimeters. The FCI breed standard does not indicate an ideal weight for Croatian Shepherds, but the weight of these dogs is usually around 16 kilograms.
This dog, whose size is on the lower limit of medium dogs, has a body that is longer than it is tall. The body is 10% longer than it is tall, so its structure is rather rectangular.
The Croatian Shepherd's head is wedge-shaped and light in appearance. The nose, which is not prominent, is always black. The eyes are brown to black, medium-sized, almond-shaped, and have a lively expression. The ears are triangular and medium. They can be erect or semi-erect, but the former is preferred.
The tail is set high and is covered by thick and abundant hair. Dogs of this breed can be born without a tail. Unfortunately, the FCI standard of the breed continues in the last century and requires that the tails of the puppies that are born with it be docked. Since this cruel custom is being lost and is illegal in many countries, at some point the breed standard will have to adapt to modern times and accept natural dogs.
The coat of the Croatian Shepherd is relatively soft and wavy, or even curly. It varies in length on different parts of the body, being longer on the back and shorter on the face and front of the legs. The background color is black, although some small white markings are allowed under the throat, on the chest, chest and fingers.
Croatian Sheepdog Character
These dogs have a typical herding dog temperament. They are intelligent, attentive, active and loyal. Of course, their herding and guarding instincts are very strong, and they are easy learners.
They are also calm, stoic and non-aggressive dogs who enjoy home life together with their human family and who love to do all kinds of activities, but if they do not receive enough love and company they need they can become destructive dogs.
Because of their balanced temperament and ease of training, Croatian Shepherds can make excellent pets as long as they are properly socialized and given enough exercise and companionship.
Croatian Sheepdog Care
Croatian Sheepdogs' hair is not difficult to care for and it is usually enough to comb it and brush it once every two weeks That yes, this type of breed loses hair continuously so it is not highly recommended for allergy sufferers. It is not good to bathe the dog very often and it is better to do it only when it is really needed.
When it comes to exercise and companionship, these herding dogs need a lot of both. They are dogs that evolved to work in the company of humans and farmyard animals, so they require a lot of physical and mental exercise, as well as a lot of company time. We can increase their potential with intelligence games or exercises for dogs. But they are not suitable dogs for families that spend most of the day outside and this should not be taken lightly.
With proper dog training, Croatian Shepherds can do well in small apartments, as long as they are allowed enough exercise. If they are not given enough exercise or if they are left alone for long periods, they can become destructive and excessively barking.
Croatian Sheepdog Education
Although they tend to be very friendly with their own, Croatian Shepherds need to be socialized from puppyhood to get along with people, dogs and other pets. They do not tend to be hunters, but they do have strong territorial instincts, so it is important to train them correctly to avoid problems with the neighbors.
Due to their herding past, these dogs are very attentive to human body language and attitude. Therefore, they are easy to train with different techniques, although better results are achieved with positive training styles.
Well socialized and with the basic training in canine obedience, these dogs do not present serious behavior problems. However, it must be taken into account that they require a lot of exercise and company, and that they can be barkers if they are left alone for a long time.
Croatian Sheepdog He alth
Like other unpopular dog breeds, the Croatian Sheepdog has no particular hereditary diseases, and tends to be a he althy dogOf course, you still have to provide him with the veterinary care he needs like all breeds, preventing and detecting possible diseases that may affect him by taking him to the vet every 6 months and strictly following the vaccination schedule that pertains him.
Furthermore, it is advisable to check the coat and ears of Croatian sheepdogs every time they go outdoors or run through the field as they may have caught some parasite or harmful bacteria and in this way, we can act immediately to remove them and heal you.
