Overview
The Croatian Sheepdog, or Hrvatski Ovcar, has worked cattle, sheep and pigs on the plains of Slavonia for centuries. It is a compact, agile dog with a wavy or curly black coat, pricked ears and a quick, alert manner. Numbers outside Croatia are small but growing among agility and herding enthusiasts.
This is a one-family dog that watches its people constantly and learns anything you teach it, including things you did not mean to. Walkers need to be worth watching: a bored Croatian Sheepdog barks, herds and invents games with your other dogs.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day with real engagement is a fair target. Mix walking with training, retrieves and search games; the mental side is as important as the distance.
They are hardy in weather and tireless. The limit on the walk will be your patience, not the dog's legs.
On the walk
- Herding: May circle, nip at heels or try to move other dogs in the group. Redirect it to a task before it starts organising everyone.
- Recall: Usually excellent once the dog has decided you matter. Build that with a few walks where you are the most interesting thing around.
- Barking: A vocal breed that comments on everything. Keeping it busy helps more than telling it off.
- Other dogs: Generally sociable and playful, though the herding instinct can irritate dogs that do not want to be moved.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a toy and plan a few training games into every walk; ten minutes of work tires this dog more than an extra mile.
- Walk in a small, compatible group rather than a large one so the herding does not take over.
- Keep the dog thinking: new routes, scent games and tricks all help settle it afterwards.
- Check the curly coat for burrs and ticks after country walks.
What to ask the owner
- What does the dog do for work or sport, and which cues and games does it already know?
- Does it try to herd other dogs, children or bikes, and how does the owner manage it?
- How much barking is normal for this dog and does anything set it off?