SARPLANINAC
Also known as: Sharplananitz, Sarpla, Sharpla, Sar, Illyrian Sheepdog
HISTORY BRIEF: The Sarplaninac originates in the Balkan, ( South Eastern part of Europe), particularly from the region formerly known as Yugoslavia. The shepherds simply call this dog their sheepdog. Each region, has some locally known types of sheepdogs, each often given a new name, after the mountain range or area these dogs are found in. The Sarplaninac has many “old” names, with each geographical change, a new name was attributed to the breed. Some of the better known names include: Sharplaninatz, Šarplaninac, Šarplaninec, Illyrian Sheepdog , Yugoslav Shepherd Dog-Šarplanina. Sarplaninac simply means the Dogs of the Šar Mountains. A close relative to the Šarplaninc would be the Shepherds dog of Karst, and the Albanian Deltari Illir.
There has been a shift in the breed from Shepherds dog, to the use as a military dog during the “Yugoslavian” years. The breed focus shifted somewhat when the military decided they need to improve the shepherd’s dog. They started their own breeding and registering program. Bearing this in mind, it is really important to know the lines and origins of this breed, as breeding for a military dog requires a different set of traits, than those required from a livestock guardian dog. DESCRIPTION: Females: weight 60-95 pounds; height 23+ inches. Males: weight 85-115 pounds; height 25+ inches. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The sarplaninac is a no nonsense kind of dog. They are a medium size, large breed dog. What they lack in size they make up for in courage. They are alert, vigilant and determined in all that they do. They have a high protective drive, and yet are nurturing to those in their care. Sarplaninac, are reactive to what they perceive as a threat. They are fiercely loyal to their family and their stock. They can be canine aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. The sarplaninac is active, will patrol its territory, will often chose a high area to oversee things. They can be found sleeping in with the flock, checking up on a new born calf and patrolling known predator routes, all within a short space of time. They are very aware of their surroundings and can spot unusual things at a great distance. They will stand up and face any predator they meet. They are loyal to their stock, highly intelligent and can be rather stubborn. They have, perhaps not the “closest” style of guarding behaviour of the various breeds, preferring to alternate the various roles, from close guarding to patrolling style. The sarplaninac is not an excessive barker. Most will bark if they hear or see something that concerns them, they will sooner check it out than bark all the time. |
HEALTH: Sarplaninac are subject to certain genetic and hereditary diseases and should be screened for these conditions before breeding. Please click the links below to learn more.
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More information:
SARPLANINAC MENTORS
GRAZERIE
Louise Liebenberg
Alberta, CA
Website: www.grazerie.com
Phone: 1-780-523-9911
Predator Friendly Ranching Blog
Email
Louise Liebenberg
Alberta, CA
Website: www.grazerie.com
Phone: 1-780-523-9911
Predator Friendly Ranching Blog