In the 7th century CE, the Croats are thought to have created the Croatian Sheepdog for use as herding dogs. The canines' modern appearance is virtually identical to that of their prehistoric ancestors. The breed's fans are enamoured with their intelligence and vivacity. When you pronounce "Croatian Sheepdog'' in the native tongue of the breed's homeland, you say "Hrvatski Ovar."
Because of their intense work drive, Croatian Sheepdogs may not be the greatest choice for first-time dog owners. They tend to form a close bond with a single person and will do whatever to protect them, even if that means barking at other people. The Croatian Sheepdog is a great choice if you live alone or are an experienced pet owner searching for a dog who acts as your constant companion and is an excellent watchdog. You may see all the characteristics and facts about Croatian Sheepdogs below.
Highlights
- The Croatian Sheepdog has a weather-resistant black coat with wavy to curling hairs. The coat is usually solid, however some have white patches on the chest and toes.
- Croatian Sheepdogs have a low shedding rate, making them an easy dog to care for. Brushing your teeth once a week and washing on a regular basis should be enough.
- These dogs are extremely active. Two to three half-hour to hour-long walks per day with a few nice, energetic play sessions and shorter walks should be the goal for your Croatian Sheepdog.
- The Croatian Sheepdog is a great family pet since it is so easy to teach. Some children, though, may perceive them as timid. Playtime should always be under the supervision of an adult.
- Croatian Sheepdogs are generally non-aggressive with other canines. Cats' herding tendencies may cause them to nip or chase one another.
- Even while some Croatian Sheepdogs are hesitant to meet new people, this is a highly trainable breed, and with constant socialisation, they may become gregarious and friendly to everyone.
- Barking is a common occurrence for these dogs, as they frequently express their thoughts. This type of behaviour can be reduced with the right kind of training and exercise.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
29 to 45 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
16 to 21 inches
History
The Croatian Sheepdog's history is one of triumph. The breed's origins are believed to date back to the 7th century, according to historical records reaching back to 1374.
Since the 14th century, the breed's appearance and abilities have remained essentially unchanged. You don't need to fiddle with a dog that's already performing an excellent job because they're well-suited to their surroundings. A Petar, Bishop of Djakovo in the 18th century described a dog exactly like the Croatian Sheepdog we see today, according to the sources.
As with so many other specialised breeds, the numbers of these working dogs began to diminish in the early twentieth century. Prof. Romic, a veterinarian with foresight in the 1930s, established a selective breeding programme to save the breed, which was successful in keeping the population steady.
Personality and Temperament
You may expect a Croatian Sheepdog to be a loyal companion if you choose the correct owner. Using reward-based strategies for obedience training is the greatest way to get this breed to quiet down. The Croatian Sheepdog's personality is characterised by a craving for physical activity and a natural predisposition to shyness. Once again, for the proper owner who enjoys outdoor activities, this breed is a good fit. Well-socialized pups will form strong bonds with their families and be unwavering in their devotion.
If the breed's needs for exercise and socialisation are not addressed, these two components have a negative impact. The Croatian Sheepdog will happily entertain himself and the neighbourhood with a raucous cacophony of barking. Either that, or he'll try his hand at interior design and remove wallpaper from the walls while chewing on the couch.
But there's some good news, too. Children and other animals are welcomed with open arms by the sociable Croatian Sheepdog. A well-developed herding instinct ensures that they will protect their human companions if the need arises.
Care
Because of their large size, Croatian sheepdogs require regular exercise and enrichment in order to thrive in their new homes. If you're looking for a dog that can thrive in an apartment for most of the day on its own, they are not it. Dogs that are overly-stressed, bored, and prone to destructive and troublesome behaviours are at risk here.
Health
The Croatian Sheepdog has a long history of being a healthy working dog, thus it is blessed with robust health. It's not all good news for him; the most prevalent ailments are listed below.
Patella Luxation
Kneecap shakiness is referred to as "Patella Luxation." The huge thigh muscles strain on the kneecap, which is designed to sit on top of the knee (stifle) joint. Dogs with unstable kneecaps are at risk of having their patella’s lock to one side of their knees.
The dog may show signs of mechanical lameness by skipping a step on that particular limb. Occasionally, the dog's kneecap glides back into place quickly and he or she can go about their day as normal. Swollen and painful, early arthritis can develop in the knee in more severe cases. Knee reconstruction surgery is an option for severe cases in which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have failed to relieve discomfort.
Whelping Difficulties
The Croatian Sheepdog breed has a long history of difficult pregnancies and births. The mother and her new-borns pups' lives could be in jeopardy if whelping complications arise. A caesarean section, in which the mother is given a general anaesthetic and the puppies are physically removed from the womb, is typically required to get the answer.
As a result, anyone considering breeding their female Croatian Sheepdog dog for the sake of the experience or for amusement should exercise extreme caution. Prepare for the possibility of a caesarean section, and make sure you have the money to cover it.
Retained Testicles
The scrotum of a healthy male dog should have two testicles. It is referred to as "retained" when only one testicle descends into the scrotum. The errant testicle may be found in the inguinal canal, where the hind leg enters the body, or in the abdomen.
The dog's health is at risk if the dog's testicles are not removed. It is more likely to become malignant when it is exposed to the heat of the body. It's also possible for a testicle to twist or torsion itself, which can be life-threatening.
Bloat
The stomach twists such that food and gas cannot exit, resulting in bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). As a result of the increased pressure, the stomach's wall weakens and major blood arteries in the belly become compelled to close. Bloat can kill a dog in a matter of minutes if it is not treated quickly.
The Croatian Sheepdog, which has a deep chest, is most susceptible to bloat. Feeding high-quality (no or low-grain) food and allowing your dog to rest for at least 90 minutes after eating can help lessen the likelihood of your dog acquiring this condition.
Recommended health Test
- Physical and Neurology Tests
- X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Nutrition
High-quality dog food based on the Croatian Sheepdog's age and activity level should be fed. Despite their size, these dogs are quite active and require a lot of energy. Veterinarians are the best source of information for any questions or concerns concerning feedings.
Grooming
While Croatian sheepdogs shed, it isn't excessive and their coat is meant to repel dirt naturally, making grooming a breeze. Brush them once a week to eliminate dead hair, debris, and knots from their coat. Keep a watch out for any odd redness or secretions in your pet's ears, as these could be indicators of a serious illness. To ensure the health of your dog's mouth, brush its teeth at least once every week, or every other day.
Exercise
The Croatian sheepdog has a lot of stamina and thrives in the presence of other dogs. They'll fit right in if you're active and enjoy being outside. At least an hour of exercise a day is typically sufficient to keep them calm and quiet in the house. If you want to keep your dog off-leash in your yard, you'll need a fence that's high enough to keep them safe and secure.
Training
Croatian sheepdogs are clever, gentle, and responsive to training without the use of harsh methods. If you're looking for a breed that will enjoy competitive obedience, a Croatian sheepdog is a fantastic choice because they are eager to please and enjoy working.
With proper training and socialisation, they can get along with other dogs and people, and have a playful nature. With one person in the family, a Croatian Sheepdog can form an extremely close attachment and be completely loyal. As a result, they may appear cold or indifferent to strangers.
They make excellent non-aggressive watchdogs because of their natural suspicion. In order to avoid scared behaviour, over-enthusiastic guarding, or excessively frequent alert barking, you will need to put in some training.
Children and Other Pets
Because of their trainability, Croatian Sheepdogs make wonderful family pets for children of all ages. While Croatian Sheepdogs may not be aggressive with children, they may prefer to be near an adult, such as their caretaker, and avoid youngsters. The Croatian Sheepdog is an excellent family companion for children who are active and playful, provided that they and their dog are properly trained.
Compared to other breeds of dogs, Croatian Sheepdogs are rather indifferent. This instinctual behaviour is common in cats and might result in a nip or chase. However, if you introduce your Croatian Sheepdog in a supervised atmosphere with other animals and constantly train them, all your pets will get along.
As far as other animals are concerned, some Croatian Sheepdogs prefer being alone. It all boils down to training, socialisation, and a little bit of luck of the draw at the end of the day.
Puppies
A Croatian Sheepdog puppy is the cutest thing ever. Their thick, curling black coats and wide-eyed puppy-dog eyes are only some of the characteristics of these puppies. Croatian Sheepdogs often have litters of four to six puppies. Training and socialisation of the Croatian Sheepdog should begin as early as possible because of the breed's independence and intelligence.
Dog breed Similar to Croatian Sheepdog
- Barbet
- Bohemian Shepherd
- American Bulldog
- Australian Shepherd
- Cao da Serra de Aires