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Croatian sheepdog

The Croatian Sheepdog is an old herding breed from the Slavonia region, described in a document of 1374 and largely unchanged since.

It is a small, black, curly-coated dog with a fox-like head and enormous stamina.

It stands 40 to 50 centimetres, weighs 13 to 20 kilograms and lives thirteen to fifteen years. Its defining quality is drive: this is a low-slung, tireless working herder that moves stock all day and does not have an off switch. It is highly intelligent and trainable but genuinely demanding, and it is one of the breeds most likely to be miserable — and to make its household miserable — in a home without a job to do.

Origin
Slavonia, Croatia; documented since 1374
Size
40–50 cm; 13–20 kg
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat
Short black curly coat; low maintenance
Temperament
Tireless, intelligent and highly driven
Health
Robust; hip dysplasia the main concern

Related: Belgian sheepdog · Bergamasco sheepdog · Icelandic sheepdog

2 croatian sheepdog photos, newest first

  • Yarrow, a croatian sheepdog

    Yarrow

    Yarrow was promoted to wedding planner facing a runaway bouquet; unfortunately, a miniature umbrella turns inside out.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Yarrow, a croatian sheepdog

    Yarrow

    Two minutes after this, Yarrow was asleep.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a croatian sheepdog

Give it work. Herding, agility, obedience, canicross — a Croatian Sheepdog needs hours of activity and real mental engagement, and without it becomes barky, nippy and destructive.

The heeling instinct is strong and needs redirecting early, particularly around children and joggers.

They are strongly bonded to one handler and can be reserved with strangers; socialise early.

Health is generally excellent — the breed was kept as a working animal and never reshaped for show. Ask for hip scores anyway.

The short curly coat is one of the easiest of any breed: a weekly brush and no trimming.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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