TornjakCharacteristics, history, training and care
Tornjak. · Caronna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Tornjak is a large, powerful mountain dog from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, used to guard flocks and farmyards. It is a breed restored from the almost vanished descendants of the old shepherd dogs of the area. The AKC describes it as balanced, friendly, brave, obedient and intelligent, full of dignity, fierce in guarding whatever is entrusted to it, impossible to bribe and devoted to its owner.
Quick facts
| Common name | Tornjak |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 7 November 2017 (group 2, mountain molossers; standard no. 355); in the AKC Foundation Stock Service |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 65–70 cm at the withers (±2 cm); 28–50 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 60–65 cm at the withers (±2 cm) |
| Coat type | Long, thick, harsh and straight, with a mane; short on the face and legs |
| Common colours | Usually white with patches of various colours; sometimes a black saddle |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Balanced, brave, obedient, devoted, incorruptible |
| Tendency to aggression | Moderate towards strangers and other dogs |
| Good with children | Moderate |
| Good with other animals | Good with the animals it guards; poor with unfamiliar dogs |
| Genetic predispositions | No specific diseases are known; as in other large breeds, hip dysplasia |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed was restored from the almost vanished descendants of old, genetically uniform local shepherd dogs scattered across the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Documents from 1067 and 1374 mention this breed for the first time. Wikipedia says it appears in the writings of Petar Horvat, Bishop of Đakovo, in 1374, and of the canon Petar Lukić, in 1752.
Research into the breed and its rescue began almost simultaneously in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, around 1972, and continuous purebred breeding started in 1978. The FCI recognised it definitively in 2017.
How the breed developed
- 1067 – The first written mention.
- 1374 – Described by Bishop Petar Horvat.
- Around 1972 – The rescue of the breed begins.
- 1978 – Continuous purebred breeding begins.
- 7 November 2017 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★★ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★★★☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Good guard dog | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The AKC describes it as a large, powerful dog, well proportioned and agile, with an almost square body, strong, harmonious and balanced both standing and moving. Wikipedia places it alongside the Šarplaninac, the Bucovina Shepherd Dog and the Greek Shepherd Dog.
General appearance
The coat is long, thick, harsh and straight, very long on the rump and slightly wavy on the shoulders and back. It is short on the muzzle, forehead, ears and front of the legs. It forms a rich mane on the neck.
| Feature | Tornjak |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height at the withers | males: 65–70 cm; females: 60–65 cm |
| Weight | 28–50 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Long, with a mane |
| Colour | White with patches |
| Type | Mountain dog |
As a rule it is particoloured, with a white ground and clear patches of various colours. There may be dogs with a black saddle and white markings on the neck, head and legs, or almost white dogs with small patches.
Training and socialisation
The AKC describes it as balanced, friendly, brave, obedient and intelligent, full of dignity and confidence. It is fierce in guarding property, cannot be bribed and is suspicious of strangers. With its owner it is very calm, and it is affectionate with the people around it.
The AKC gives it 1 out of 5 for getting on with other dogs, so early socialisation is important.
Tips for effective training
- Socialise it early. With people and dogs.
- Be calm and consistent. It is an independent guardian.
- Be careful with unfamiliar dogs. It does not get on with them easily.
- Give it a territory. It likes to guard.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard or walks several times a day, as well as indoor games. Hiking and swimming give it a good workout.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | Fitness |
| Guarding the yard | daily | Instinct |
| Hiking | occasionally | Stamina |
Tips for a balanced life
- It needs a large fenced yard.
- Brush it often during shedding.
- Trim its nails regularly.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC recommends weekly brushing and the occasional bath. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears checked often. It sheds quite a lot.
Common health problems
There are no known breed-specific diseases. As with any large breed, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Elbow dysplasia | The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears | Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise |
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) | The stomach fills with gas and may twist; this is a veterinary emergency | Swollen belly, trying to vomit without success, drooling, restlessness |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' hip tests.
- Do not let it run after a meal.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 kg | 1,360 kcal | 1,530 kcal | 340–440 g |
| 39 kg | 1,750 kcal | 1,970 kcal | 440–560 g |
| 50 kg | 2,110 kcal | 2,370 kcal | 530–680 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Large-breed puppies need special food.
- 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.
Reproduction and development
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.
Interesting facts
- A restored breed. From the almost vanished descendants of the old dogs.
- Mentioned in 1067. One of the oldest mentions of a breed.
- It cannot be bribed. The AKC says it is incorruptible.
- Two countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.
- Related to Romanian sheepdogs. Wikipedia compares it with the Bucovina Shepherd Dog.
Frequently asked questions
Where does it come from?
From Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.
Is it a good guard dog?
Yes; it is fierce and incorruptible.
Does it get along with other dogs?
Not easily; the AKC gives 1 out of 5.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–14 years.
