---
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+2
Dogs
# The Croatian Sheepdog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Croatia
A lively, hardy Croatian shepherd dog, deeply attached to its owner.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €800 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-croatian-sheepdog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=croatian-sheepdog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Rustic: its double coat and sturdy build help it withstand cold and bad weather well.
- Versatile: it combines the abilities of a herding dog, an active companion, and an attentive guard.
- Attached to its owner: it develops a strong bond with its home and is available for work as well as for family life.
- Needs activity: he does not tolerate a life that is too sedentary and needs long, regular outings.
- Apartment not well suited: his balance is better in a setting offering more space and opportunities to expend energy.
- Reserved with strangers: early socialization helps channel his natural vigilance.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: this dog appreciates owners who are available to walk, play and offer frequent activities.
- House with garden: a secure outdoor space better matches its need for daily exercise.
- Canine activities or utility work: its energy, its courage and its sense of observation are well expressed in tasks to be accomplished.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary lifestyle: a lifestyle that is too calm does not meet its physical and mental needs.
- Small apartment without long outings: the lack of space and exercise can encourage frustration and boredom.
- Unavailable beginners: it requires consistency, time, and a real daily commitment.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
45 cmCroatian Sheepdog
- Height at the withers
- 40–50 cm
- Weight
- 15–20 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, dense, wavy or curly
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Croatia
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Croatian Sheepdog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Croatian Sheepdog is a breed developed over several centuries in eastern Slavonia, a large Croatian agricultural plain. Writings from the 14th and 18th centuries already mention its presence in the region. Its systematic breeding began in 1935 under the impetus of Professor Stjepan Romic, before a first presentation at an exhibition in Zagreb in 1949. The first breed standard was then written in 1951 by Dr Otto Rohr.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog, rustic, compact and agile, whose harmonious silhouette fits into a rectangle. Its wedge-shaped head gives it a lively and fox-like expression. Its coat is very abundant, with a dense undercoat and a wavy or curly topcoat, longer on the neck, the back, the croup, the rear of the limbs and the tail. The coat is solid black, a few scattered white hairs may be tolerated.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Balanced, lively and courageous, the Croatian Sheepdog is very attached to its owner. It is observant, curious, hardy and enthusiastic at work. Selected for herding livestock, it retains a good guarding instinct and great availability for daily activities. It must be neither aggressive nor nervous.
Affectionate Playful Easy to train Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, this breed needs long walks and regular activities to stay comfortable in its paws. It enjoys games, tasks to carry out and the closeness of its home. More at ease in the countryside than in the city, it can adapt to an urban environment only if its exercise needs are truly met.
Training
## Training and socialization
Intelligent and docile, the Croatian Sheepdog can be trained without major difficulty with a consistent, calm and regular method. It responds well to an involved owner, able to offer it varied exercises and early socialization. Its sensitive and hard-working temperament requires consistency rather than harshness.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Croatian Sheepdog
The purchase price of the Croatian Sheepdog varies depending on lineage, the quality of the breeding and the availability of the breed, which is still not very widespread. Beyond the acquisition price, you must also anticipate routine maintenance costs and the health budget.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/croatian-sheepdog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Croatian Sheepdog is generally robust and well protected against cold and bad weather thanks to its double, dense coat. The breed does not have a long list of known predispositions, but it deserves standard veterinary follow-up and vigilance adapted to its size and its active lifestyle.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/croatian-sheepdog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Croatian Sheepdog needs a quality diet adapted to its age, its size and its activity level. Its active dog profile requires favoring balanced intakes, easy to digest and consistent over time.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/croatian-sheepdog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Croatian Shepherd Dog is also known under the names Hrvatski Ovcar and Croatian Shepherd Dog. Its first official presentation took place in Zagreb in 1949. Despite its qualities as an old working dog, the breed remains relatively little-known outside its country of origin.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Croatian Sheepdog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Croatian Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It is not its ideal living environment. It can adapt to city life if its outings are long, daily and stimulating, but it thrives more in a house with a secure outdoor space.
### Is the Croatian Sheepdog easy to train?
Yes, it is generally docile and receptive, especially with regular, calm and consistent training. Its practical intelligence and desire to cooperate make learning easier.
## Find a Croatian Sheepdog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Croatian Sheepdog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Croatian Sheepdog breeders by country
[4 breeders of Croatian Sheepdog in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-croatian-sheepdog/croatia)
[All breeders of Croatian Sheepdog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-croatian-sheepdog)
## Ready to welcome a Croatian Sheepdog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-croatian-sheepdog)
## Discover other breeds
[Miniature American Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)
[Australian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Catalan Sheepdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog)
[Bohemian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bohemian-shepherd)
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