Croatian Sheepdog — size comparison

The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium-sized, agile dog with black wavy or curly hair. Hair is much shorter on the head and fronts of the legs. Triangular, often erect ears emphasise its attentive expression. Beneath the shaggy coat is a light, powerful body able to turn quickly and negotiate uneven ground.

It developed chiefly in eastern Slavonia, helping with livestock and other farm tasks. Stjepan Romić began systematic breeding in 1935. Dogs were publicly shown in Zagreb in 1949, and Otto Rohr drew up the first standard in 1951. Earlier history involves local herding dogs; accounts of extremely ancient ancestry are less securely founded.

It is active, quick to learn and usually strongly focused on people. It carefully watches human and animal movement, responding quickly to change. It readily tackles new tasks and can find its own way to complete them. Among familiar people it may be affectionate and often voices its observations.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i wysokość — FCI
• Masa i odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia