Tornjak: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Tornjak is a livestock guardian dog originating from the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Texts from the Middle Ages already mention large shepherd dogs of this type in the region. Almost extinct in the 20th century, it was saved from the 1970s onwards by enthusiasts who searched for the last specimens in mountain villages. The FCI recognized it provisionally in 2007, then definitively, under the name Bosnian and Herzegovinian and Croatian Shepherd Dog – Tornjak (number 355, group 2).

The Tornjak is a large, well-proportioned dog, about 65 to 70 cm for the male and 60 to 65 cm for the female, weighing 35 to 60 kg. Its silhouette is almost square, the head powerful but without heaviness. The coat is long, thick and straight, with a very dense undercoat that protects it from harsh winters. The coat is generally piebald, white with well-defined patches of different colors.

Calm, self-assured and very loyal, the Tornjak is a vigilant guardian who protects without excessive aggression. He is gentle with his family, patient with children he knows and generally tolerant of household animals. Wary of strangers, he makes his decisions independently, like all livestock guardian dogs.

He needs space and an enclosed area to watch over. Not very demonstrative when exercising, he enjoys long calm walks rather than intense sports. He readily barks to signal what he considers suspicious, especially at night.

Intelligent but independent, he requires early, consistent and respectful education. Socialization with a variety of people and dogs is essential to channel his protective instinct. He responds poorly to coercion.

The Tornjak is mainly bred in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Central Europe. It remains rare in France.

A rustic breed selected by mountain living conditions, the Tornjak is reputed to be in good health. Like other large dogs, it may be affected by hip dysplasia.

Large rustic dog, it needs a complete diet suited to large sizes, without excess energy.

Its name is said to come from the word “tor”, which refers to the enclosure where sheep were penned at night. In the mountains, a single Tornjak could protect a flock against wolves and bears.