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SARPLANINAC — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Miscellaneous Class as Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog
- American Kennel Club (AKC) - Not recognized
- United Kennel Club (UKC) - Guardian Dogs
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - No. 41
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Yugoslavia |
| Height: |
24.5 inches (62 cm) |
| Weight: |
65 to 88 lbs (29.5-39 kg) |
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The Sarplaninac, formerly known as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog until 1957 when the F.C.I. changed the name to the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog Sharplanina, is a flock guardian who works primarily in the mountain range he was named for. He is one of the oldest breeds native to the former Yugoslavia, and is still widely used in his homeland as a dependable flock guardian with good stamina and endurance. While his origin is not known, he is believed to be descended from the ancient Molossian dogs from Greece and the livestock guardian dogs of Turkey.
The Sarplaninac is still rare in North America and until 1970, the dogs could not legally be exported from Yogoslavia. Today, the numbers are growing in both the United States and Canada where ranchers have been successfully using Sarplaninacs to protect their livestock from predators.
The Sarplaninac, like many of the livestock guardian breeds, is highly intelligent, independent, devoted to his family, and wary of strangers. He has a calm and steady demeanor but is fearless and quick to react to any perceived threat.
He has a medium length, weather-resistant coat which is dense and can be either smooth or rough. Feathering on the legs and underbelly plus a bushy tail give him a stout appearance. His colours are tan, grey, white or black, and may be either one colour or a blend of these.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Sarplaninac puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards
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Grooming Information:
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your dog, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
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Note: We are always in need of articles for the individual breed sections.
Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to e-mail us.
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