Characteristics
Average
40–50 cm
13–20 kg
12-14 years old
Shepherd and cattle dogs
Brief information
Smart, independent;
Human-oriented;
unpretentious.
Origin story
This is a native herding breed, which is rarely found outside of Croatia. But in the habitat itself, the Croatian shepherds are quite common. In the early document, dated 1374 and found in the monastery archives, it is said that such dogs guarded herds back in the 7th century and looked the same as their modern descendants: about 45 cm at the withers, with black wool of medium length on the body and short on the head and legs.
Professor Stepan Romich from the city of Giyakov in 1935 took up the systematic selection of these shepherds for the first time in 1935 for the first time. And in 1969, the Croatian shepherd as a breed was recognized by the MKF.
Description
Overflied dog of medium size and rectangular format. The length of the case should exceed the height at the withers by about 10%. Paws of medium length, medium-sized feet, fox muzzle, triangular, erect, small ears. Males and females do not differ significantly in size.
Color only black, slight white spots on the chest, belly, toes are allowed. The hair on the head and legs is short, hard, on the body softer, medium length, curly. Feathers on paws, saber-shaped tail.
Character
Unpretentiousness, quick wit and focus on the owner these qualities in dogs that were kept to herd herds and protect homes were brought up for centuries. Nowadays, Croatian Shepherds serve on farms, in the police, they are also kept as pets. Easily trained, these animals quickly learn to carry out guard duty both in a private house and in an organization, since their genes contain distrust of strangers. But one must understand that for energetic shepherds, cramped enclosures, and even more so a chain, are unacceptable.
Care
The breed is distinguished by enviable health and vitality. Under good conditions, the dog does not cause much trouble to the owner. Wool, despite curls, is not prone to tangle and form tangles, claws with sufficient walking grind off themselves, ears and eyes are easy to inspect, they need to be processed only if necessary.
Also, if necessary, comb curly hair and bathe pets.
Conditions of detention
Croatian Shepherds are originally country dwellers. An aviary with a house, a spacious booth, a place in an outbuilding all this is perfect, the main thing is that the dog can freely come to the place and leave it. The dog will also like it in the apartment on the couch, the main thing is to strictly maintain the walking regime and add physical activity for example, agility classes. And do not forget that your favorite, although curving, is not a sheep, but a workshop.
They love to play, and care must be taken that the animal has balls, rubber squeakers, and other dog joys. During feeding, you can stab your pet’s ears on the back of the head with an ordinary plastic “crab” so as not to get dirty.
There are no Croatian shepherd kennels in Russia yet, so it is difficult to find a puppy. This breed is considered rare. But there are good nurseries in Finland, Croatia, Slovenia. If you have a desire and about 1000 euros, it will not be difficult to choose a puppy for yourself.
Photo:
Yandex Pictures
