Karst ShepherdCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is a breed that has existed for several centuries. These dogs probably accompanied the Illyrians on their migration through Istria and the Dalmatian islands and settled in the Slovenian region of the Karst plateau. The breed is first mentioned in writing in 1689, in Baron Janez Vajkart Valvasor's book “The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola”.

The breed was officially recognised on 2 June 1939, under the name “Illyrian Shepherd”, at the FCI general assembly in Stockholm. Until 16 March 1968, the shepherd dog of the Karst bore the same name as the one from the Šar mountains. Then the Central Society of Yugoslavia gave them separate names: “Karst Shepherd Dog” and “Šarplaninac”.

How the breed developed

• 1689 – The first written mention, in Valvasor's book.
• 2 June 1939 – The FCI recognises the breed as the “Illyrian Shepherd”.
• 1948 – The standard is completed at the FCI assembly in Bled.
• 16 March 1968 – The breed is separated from the Šarplaninac.
• 4 February 1969 – The FCI recognises the breed under its current name.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized, harmonious and robust dog, with well-developed muscles and a strong constitution. The tail and ears hang down, and the coat is long, abundant and iron grey.

General appearance

The skull is slightly longer than the muzzle. On the neck, the long, harsh hair forms a mane, and lower down a broad collar. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, especially in females.

The colour is iron grey, preferably darker on the back. Towards the belly and legs it shades, without a visible boundary, into light grey or sandy, with a dark stripe on the front of the legs. The dark mask on the muzzle extends over the skull.

The standard describes it as having a good temperament, moderately sharp, courageous and brave, but not a biter, very devoted to its owner. It is an incorruptible guard and distrustful of strangers.

It is also a pleasant, obedient companion, but it keeps a strong personality.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it in puppyhood. It is distrustful of strangers.
• Be calm and consistent. It has a strong personality.
• Give it a territory. It is a guard by nature.
• Ask a trainer for help. Especially if you have no experience with guard dogs.

It is a robust mountain dog that needs daily walks and a large, fenced yard where it can guard its territory.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be solid.
• In summer its long coat makes it suffer in the heat.
• It suits experienced owners.

Coat and skin care

The long coat, with its abundant undercoat, is brushed several times a week, and daily during moulting periods.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

A large dog needs food suited to large breeds, especially while it is growing.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Mentioned in 1689. It appears in Baron Valvasor's book about Carniola.
• Formerly the “Illyrian Shepherd”. That is how it was first recognised, in 1939.
• Separated from the Šarplaninac. Until 1968 the two breeds shared the same name.
• Iron grey. Its characteristic colour is iron grey.
• From guard dog to family dog. The standard says that today it is mainly a family dog.

What is a Kraševec?

It is the Slovenian name of the Karst Shepherd.

How big does it get?

Males measure 57–63 cm and weigh 30–42 kg; females measure 54–60 cm and weigh 25–37 kg.

Is it a family dog?

The standard says that today it is mainly a family dog, but it remains a guard.

How does it differ from the Šarplaninac?

They have been separate breeds since 1968; the Karst Shepherd is iron grey.