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Sarplaninac Puppies for Sale
Sarplaninac
(Sar Planina) (Illyrian Sheepdog) (Macedonian-Yugoslav Shepherd Dog -
Sharplaninec)
(Charplaninatz) (Yugoslav Shepherd Dog) (Illyrian Dog)
(Yugoslav Mountain Dog) (Ovcarski
Pas Srbije I Crne Gore) (Sarpie)
"This is Hera, a three-year-old Sarpie that we encountered on one of our foot patrols in northern Kosovo. Her owner had recently gotten rid of his sheep, so the dog was more interested in guarding the property. She seemed pretty aloof to us as we were just walking by, but you could tell that if we had gotten much closer, she would've started to show some aggression."
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Description |
The coat of the Sarplaninac
is about 4 inches (10 cm.) long. The hair is dense and evenly distributed.
Colors include: gray, white, tan or black. Colors can be solid or blend. The
Sarplaninac is one of the few flock guards that comes in solid colors other than
white. The body is medium in size and bone. The feathering on the underbelly and
legs and the bushy tail, however, give the appearance of a much huskier dog. The
tip of the nose is quite large but not protruding. The tail is slightly curved
in repose. The forearm is well boned, well muscled, and almost vertical. The
eyes are dark and almond-shaped. A keen, discriminating expression is
characteristic. |
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Temperament |
This sheep herding guard
dog is unaffectionate towards it's humans. It prefers the flock it so
enthusiastically protects. They have natural guarding qualities and independent
thinking typical of the flock guard group. Usually calm, but when the situation
warrants, they are ferocious in their efforts to protect the flock. It takes its
work seriously. When on sheep-guarding duty it will investigate anything that
catches its eye, and has no hesitation about confronting adversaries larger than
itself. This is not a brainless tailwagger; the Sarplaninac is a very wise dog
which chooses friends carefully and trust no one completely. He is more obedient
to his ingrained code of proper behavior than to accept commands from one
master, to whom he is most loyal. These dogs are very devoted to their flocks.
One 6 month old Sar in the United States flock-guarding program began working
with sheep in a barn. His name was Bruno and he could not be coaxed away from
"his" barn, even to play. In the spring, however, some sheep were
sold, others purchased and the flock was put out to pasture. The dog was the
ideal employee, happily adapting to new sheep and new quarters. Sheep and goat
raisers are discovering advantages to owning a Sar when the majority of their
predator problems disappear. They will tolerate family members including
children if they are raised with them, but will be aloof with outsiders. The Sar
will protect all of its territory and the living creatures within it. This is a
breed that is not to be taken lightly. It can be a rewarding experience if
placed in the proper situation. They require work, time and, like anything else
on a farm, proper management. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 22-24
inches (56-61 cm.)
Weight: 55-88 pounds (25-39 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
* |
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Living Conditions |
The Sarplaninac is not
recommended for apartment life. It has an all-weather coat and will be content
to live and sleep outdoors. His character demands a zesty, outdoor life. They
will do best living on a farm with a flock to protect. |
Exercise |
This breed needs a lot of
physical exercise. On a farm running free it will take care of its own exercise
needs, however, if they are not actively working on a farm, they need to be
taken on a daily walk or jog. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 11-13 years. |
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Grooming |
The coat will benefit from
occasional brushings. |
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Origin |
The name Sarplaninac,
pronounced "shar-pla-nee-natz," It originates from the
south-west part of Srbija (southern Kosovo) and the north-west part of Macedonia
(Shar Planina, Bistra, Korab, Stogavo, Mavrovo, Jablanica, Pelister and etc.). This geographical area was
once known as Illyria, the original name given to the breed. The region is now
called Macedonia, but the dogs worked mainly in the mountains of Shar Planina and were renamed
for the range. In 1939 the dogs were registered with the FCI under the name
Illyrian shepherd dog. In 1954 FCI accepted the name change from Illyrian
shepherd dog to the name Yugoslav shepherd dog-Sharplaninec. After the collapse
of Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, Macedonia requested the name of the dog be
changed to recignize both countries, Macedonia and the Serbian side. It was
agreed to change the name of the dog to Macedonian-Yugoslav Shepherd Dog -
Sharplaninec. The Sarplaninac has the honor of being one of only two dogs to be
recognized by the Yugoslavian Kennel Club, the official club of their native
land. Thought to be older than the Istrian Shepherd (although not as old a breed
as the Greek Shepherd Dog or the Turkish Akbash), this reserved guardian exists
in sustainable numbers in Albania and Macedonia. First recognized as a distinct
breed in 1930. Although turmoil in Bosnia has reduced this breed's population in
its previous heartland, since 1975 successful exports have been carried out to
the United States and Canada to control coyotes, and this is where its future
security rests. It is now gaining recognition as a hard-working, readily able
flock guard in those countries. Numerous in its homeland, the Sarplaninac is
still part of the great flock. It is versatile and occasionally works cattle or
serves as guard. In fact, a military line of Sars was created in Marshall Josip
Toto's kennels. |
| Group |
Flock Guard |
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, NKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
 .
Hera, the Sarpie at 3 years old
"Bear, a six-year-old Sarpie and her owner near the city of Novo Brdo in southeastern Kosovo. Bear started growling at us once we got close, but the owner came out and persuaded me to pet him. He still seemed pretty apprehensive about the new visitors, and I know for a fact that if the owner hadn't been there, I wouldn't have gotten as close as I did. When I mentioned I had read that they were great sheepdogs, the owner started smiling and told me that Bear had killed two wolves for sure that he knew about. You can't see in the picture, but half of his left ear is missing - presumably from one of those fights."
"Bear, the Sarpie at 6 years old. "One thing I've never been able to get over when seeing these dogs is their beautiful coats, especially those with the black outer coats. I have a few other pictures of dogs that I'm sure are mixed with Sarplaninacs and what I would guess are German Shepherds (as they are fairly common here), and they've got the same coloring, but the bodies aren't built the same, and there is a definite difference in temperament - with the mixed-breed being much more sociable."
"Bear's owner said that he tends to be dog-aggressive, citing it as the main reason for chaining him up when the sheep aren't out to pasture."
"The last picture I attached somewhat contradicts that, as it's a Sarpie "playing" with another dog in northern Kosovo near the Serbian border. The smaller dog was more of a nuisance, but the Sarpie seemed to be enjoying playing around with him."
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Photo courtesy of Yugoslav Shepherd Dog Sarplaninac
Thor
Photo courtesy of Yugoslav Shepherd Dog Sarplaninac
Chui, the Sarplaninac puppy at 12 weeks
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