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Breed Characteristics
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Karst Shepherd
| Other Names | Karst Sheepdog, Istrian Sheepdog, Krasky Ovcar, Krasevec, Krazski Ovcar |
| Country of Origin | Slovenia |
| Weight | 58 - 88 lbs. (26 - 40 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Females: 21 - 24 in. (54 - 60 cm) Males: 22 - 25 in. (57 - 63 cm) |
| Coat | Their hair is well furnished, long, flat, with abundant undercoat. The head the front edges of the ears and the front part of the legs covered with short hair. The back edge of the ears has longer and more supple hair. In its upper region, the neck has long hair, stiff and very bushy forming a mane; in its lower part, the hair is longer and more supple forming a ruff which is wider at the set of the neck. The trunk and belly have long hair which becomes less hard on the belly. The tail regularly bushy, does not form a plume. On the back side of the forequarters, the long hair is very supple forming fringes. On the back side of the hindquarters, the hair is even longer and bushy forming culottes. The length of the top coat is at least 10 centimetres (3.9 in). |
| Colour | Coat is iron grey; especially on the back, a dark shade is preferred; towards the belly and the limbs, the colour turns without visible transition to a light grey or sandy colour, with a dark streak on the front parts of the limbs. The dark mask on the muzzle spreads on to the skull. On the back part of the head it is bordered with grey or sandy or pale fawn hair overlaid with black. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 11 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | The Karst Shepherd is named after the Karst Plateau in Slovenia and Italy, and more generally after the Karst landscape that extends to Croatia and partly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the Gulf of Trieste to the Dinaric Alps. Mostly bred in Slovenia and Istria in Croatia. The ancestral type of the modern day breed travelled with shepherds through this area, and most likely came with ancient nomadic pastoralists. In 1689, the ethnographer Johann Weikhard von Valvasor mentioned the shepherd's dogs of the area in his work The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola without description of dogs. In the 20th century, when the landrace shepherd dogs began to be documented as a modern breed, it was first referred to as the Illyrian Shepherd (1939). Karst Shepherd and Šarplaninac were considered Type A and B of the Illyrian Shepherd Dog by the Yugoslavian Federation of Cynology for some time, leading to some cases of crossing between both breeds. After comparing typical dogs of both "Types" the Federation recognised Karst Shepherd and Šarplaninac as two distinct breeds in 1968. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises the breed in Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds-Mountain type, number 278. The breed has also been exported to the United States, where it is recognised by The United Kennel Club in the Guardian Dog Group. The breed is also recognised by various minor kennel clubs and internet-based dog registry businesses, and is promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. During the 20th century there were several periods when the number of Karst Shepherds was low. Fearing inbreeding a decision was made to introduce a single male Newfoundland into the population. The total number (including puppies, sterilised dogs and dogs not suitable for breeding) of Karst Shepherds in 2008 was estimated between 600 and 700. A breeding program was accepted in 2009 to boost the number of dogs, improve their characteristics and preserve their genetic diversity. To avoid popular sire effect every sire can father up to 3 litters, sire must be unrelated to the dam (no common great grandparents), genetic distance between them must be higher than 0.45. Dogs with heritable diseases, atypical physical and behavioural characteristics are excluded from the program. Exceptions are possible with DLVKOS permission. |
| Personality | The Karst Shepherd is a very specific and extremely reliable breed. As a sheepdog it is independent and brave, but also prudent and reliable with a very stable temperament. This is a very dominant breed and should only be owned by people who truly understand what that means. Proper human to canine communication is essential. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. Timely and correct training is crucial. In general, the Karst Shepherd is a reliable and independent guard dog, and is an excellent sheepdog. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Breed health concerns include hip dysplasia. |
| Grooming | Brush weekly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Trim nails and check ears regularly for dirt, wax buildup or infection. |
| Exercise | This breed of dog is best suited to a family with lots of space surrounding the home. It should be taken on daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | The Karst Shepherd is not recommended for apartment life. It needs space and will do best with at least a large yard. Because its thick coat protects it so well, it can happily cope with living outdoors provided it has proper shelter. |
