What makes the Croatian Sheepdog Unique?
Croatian Sheepdogs are very loyal to their family, but are usually wary of strangers. The breed should be well-socialized early in life to prevent extreme shyness. If they are, they will do well with children and other animals typically. It possesses a well developed herding instinct and is an excellent watchdog.
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Is the Croatian Sheepdog Right For You?
Croatian Sheepdogs are athletic, agile, alert, and intelligent. This high energy breed loves to work and has a strong need for human companionship. They make good family pets as long as they are given enough exercise and attention.
This breed will work independently, but when the task or job is complete, the Croatian Sheepdog wants to stick close to his or her owner and will expect attention, in return. Croatian Sheepdogs get along well with children, but they should be socialized from puppyhood with people of a variety of ages. Their loyalty to their owners, along with their instinct to guard their flocks, makes them suspicious of strangers and excellent watchdogs.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Energetic
- Agile
- Keen
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Croatian Sheepdog
Description
The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized dog who is longer than he or she is tall. Both sexes are approximately the same size. The body is well-muscled and proportionate. The ears are triangular and held in the upright, pricked position. The eyes are dark with an alert and intelligent expression. The tail is traditionally docked, although many owners today leave them natural.
When left undocked, the tail will curve up over the back. The remainder of the coat is longer and wavy or curly. The height at the withers in both sexes is between 16 to 21 inches and the length exceeds the height by approximately 10%. Nowadays, some dogs are even taller; that is probably due to better nutrition and an easier life – they grow to their full genetic potential. Traditionally the tail is docked very short but, if undocked, it is carried curled over the dog’s back.
Short History of the Cumberland Sheepdog
The origin of the Croatian Sheepdog can be traced back to 14th century Croatia. Enthusiasts believe the breed to date back as far as the 7th century, based on vague ancient writings, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise. Since arriving, the Croatian Sheepdog has been any exclusively bred in Croatia. The breed’s appearance has hardly changed because the 14th century. This is probably while the breed possesses such excellent herding intuition and abilities. Because only the best working dogs are used and bred, the Croatian Sheepdog is important efficient at its job. Information about these dogs, dating back to 1374, was found by veterinarian Prof Dr. Stjepan Romic, who later came to be known as the “father of the breed”.
The Canis Pastoralis Croaticus, a document in the archives of diocese of Djakovo extensively described the breed. The document was written by Petar, the Bishop of Djakovo. The dog was described to be about 18 inches tall with a longish wavy coat, pricked ears and noted for being an excellent herder of cattle and sheep. Đakovo’s diocese important information from Years 1719, 1737, 1742 and 1752. In all of these documents the description of the Croatian Sheepdog matches entirely its appearance today and in all of them the dog is named Canis pastoralis croaticus or Croatian Sheepdog. A systematic selection breeding program was started by the same Prof Romic in 1935 with dogs in the territory of Đakovo.
Throughout its history, the Croatian Sheepdog has been most commonly used for herding and driving cattle, and as a watch dog, proving its superior abilities to work with the largest of flocks while providing companionship. ”. In 1935, Prof. Romic started a systematic selective breeding program from the dogs found in the Djakovo territory. After 34 years of dedicated work, the breed was finally recognized by FCI in 1969.
Temperament
The Croatian Sheepdog is an alert, agile, keen and intelligent dog with enormous energy and a strong need for human leadership , inquisitive which means that they should have plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. If they are not kept busy enough, they will be prone to obsessive barking or destructiveness. They can be wonderful watchdogs, due to their high level of alertness and intelligence.
They are very loyal to their family, but are usually wary of strangers. The breed should be well-socialized early in life to prevent extreme shyness. If they are, they will do well with children and other animals typically. This breed will work independently, but when the task or job is complete, the Croatian Sheepdog wants to stick close to his or her owner and will expect attention, in return. It possesses a well developed herding instinct and is an excellent watchdog.
Caring for Your Croatian Sheepdog
General Health
Croatian Sheepdog is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, arthritis, difficulty in birthing – often leading to caesarian section, cataracts, cryptorchidism – failure of one or both of the testicles to fully descend, and bloat.
Grooming & Bathing
The Croatian Sheepdog does not require extensive grooming routine, as it is an average shedder. However, the dog should be groomed occasionally by brushing, to remove dead hair. Also, the dog should not be bathed too often, since doing so can remove the natural oils that weatherproof the coat.
Exercise & Training
Croatian Sheepdogs are bred over centuries for vigorous, outdoor work. They are docile inside the home, but they must get a great deal of outdoor exercise, or they will become frustrated, difficult to manage, and even destructive. While many are no longer used for farm work, Croatian Sheepdogs enjoy participating in, and excel at, all dog sports.
Croatian Sheepdog Picture Gallery
