Croatian Shepherd is an attentive, intelligent, sociable dog. Always has a need for communication with a person. Easy training and relative unpretentiousness in leaving do her one of the most valuable among shepherds. The breed is rare in our territory countries. What do future owners need to know before buying such a pet?
Content
- 1. History of the breed
- 2. Description of the breed Croatian Shepherd Dog
- 2.1. Type of coat and possible colors
- 3. Character and disposition
- 4. Training and education
- 5. Care and health
- 6. Diseases of the breed
- 7. Feeding
- 8. Keeping a dog
- 9. Photo-Croatian Shepherd Dog
- 10. Cost of a puppy
Breed history
The breed belongs to the indigenous. It has long existed in this country and recently approved by dog handlers internationally. It is known that the first mention of such a breed of dogs appeared yet in the 14th century. Even then, the dogs were large and ability to protect the territory. 
Archival documents indicate that the shepherds preferred this breed to others. This is probably explained by the presence of her highly developed hunting instincts. Systematic selection The breed was started only in the 30s of the last century.
Description of the croatian shepherd breed
This breed is intended for grazing and driving cattle. Her representatives are fast and energetic, therefore they are used in sports competitions. The appearance of dogs has characteristic and recognizable features – short and wavy coat, smooth face. Wolves on the wool, usually formed rarely.
Dogs of the Croatian Shepherd breed are friendly to their relatives. Sometimes, however, they can drive other animals – rabbits or cats. Although not averse to doing this with sheep and cows. The dog will be an excellent athlete, but only on condition that they will be with him engage regularly. If the owner does not like walks and activities sports, then such an active four-legged friend will be for him a burden.
The appearance of the dog complies with this standard.
- The total length of the body relative to the height at the withers is 10% greater. If this indicator is higher, then the dog does not match the breed.
- The presence of a direct bite is not excluded.
- The head is light, elongated, 20 cm long. Cheekbones are rounded. If you look at the skull from above, it will be oval. The lower jaw corresponds to the normal structure.
- The back of the nose is straight, conical. Nose highlights pigmented black lobe.
- Ears of a triangular shape, right set.
- Eyes almond-shaped, black or dark brown color. They are characterized by a lively look. Eyelids dry, should have clear pigmentation.
- The withers of such a dog are not expressed.
- The back is quite straight and muscular. The loin is shortened, with well-developed muscles.
- Croup inclined, wide, medium length.
- Chest of normal length.
- The limbs are parallel, have small paws, short and inclined metacarpals
But there are also signs that disqualify the breed. To them include the following:
- absence of more than two teeth;
- light shade of the eyes;
- brown nose (or if it has a different shade);
- elongated or shaggy coat;
- the presence of light spots on the body, face or tail;
- the presence of shaggy wool on the face;
- unnatural hanging ears;
- malocclusion;
- undescended testicles;
- insufficient (less than 40 cm) or excessive (over 50 cm) height.
Type of coat and possible colors
The coat is quite soft or medium hard, be straight, wavy or curl. Dog face is covered short outer hair, and the back of the paws, thighs and perfectly developed tows adorn the tail.
The standard allowed black color. Possible appearance minor spots on the chest or fingers. Under the throat should not be white marks. The breed refers to the mating, if on the head, the tail or body has light areas of hair. Other options coat colors are not allowed, as they are not signs breed.
Character and temper
Horvath is very smart, cheerful and fit for long work or sports activities dog. Shepherds can for a long time to accompany the herd of sheep, to ensure that they are nowhere did not run away. At the same time, the dog gently nibbles the wards by the legs, so they begin to go in the right direction.
Croatian Shepherd dog will perfectly guard the house, apartment. Besides Moreover, with pleasure he will drive away any violator of the territory. She hardy and unpretentious in domestic conditions, successfully lends itself learning. Such pets are able to make decisions correctly, and some of them may even remember the nickname of the wards.
A distinctive feature of these animals is that they will defend their “herd” at all costs, manifesting themselves in the need for unenviable aggression. If anyone dare violate the integrity of the territory, the dog will report it loudly barking, without delay and hesitation, turning into an aggressive offensive.
If the pet is brought up in the family circle, then he will friendly and positive. He will be ready to frolic almost round day with the owners. But even so, the dog will not forget about his responsibilities.
The dog is a faithful and faithful friend. From an early age attached to the owner. To tame a shepherd to another person in any way will not work. Moreover, the animal may be frightened by some strangers. people. This can be avoided if you start from an early age. socialization of the dog.
Training and education
Croats are able to master all the necessary puppyhood teams. Already six months old puppies clearly manifest instinct the guard. If the animal has a lot of energy, then its excess can be redirected from the pasture to sports. 
The shepherd is attentive, hardy and will not deliver during training the owner is hassle. But learning requires socialization and the unenviable patience. Strongly rude to a pet is strictly not allowed, otherwise, he will not make contact with the owner.
Training a four-legged pet can turn into exciting lesson. He easily remembers all the commands and literally assimilates all the necessary actions. At first, the dog can bark loudly and for a long time, but later on with a systematic In education, she will learn to bark only at the necessary moment.
Care and Health
It’s easy to look after a Croatian shepherd. Ears recommended inspect weekly and eyes daily. If of them unnatural discharge appears, then the dog is shown to the vet. This must be done with any suspicious change. health status of the pet.
Wool periodically sheds, taking into account the changing season. Do not do it to help the dog in any way during the change of coat – all necessary she performs the procedure on her own. It is only necessary periodically comb the animal to remove dead tissue and cells skin, undercoat. The dog molts more abundantly after winter.
In the conditions of apartment keeping, these shepherds molt constantly. They need to be combed 2 times during the week. Claws animals usually grind on their own, but with excessive regrowth should use special veterinary forceps.
The pet must be carried out in accordance with the veterinary calendar mandatory vaccinations for the following diseases:
- plague (or plague);
- parvovirus enteritis;
- infectious inflammation of the liver;
- parainfluenza;
- rabies;
- leptospirosis;
- coronovirus;
- trichophytosis.
In this case, vaccinations should take place sequentially:
- The first vaccination is still in the two-month age. Small puppies may be sensitive to such a serious intervention: they develop diarrhea, rises Body temperature. The first 12 days after vaccination are the most responsible time for a little puppy, because at this time there are the most formidable side effects.
- After 21 days, the vaccine is repeated. Animal he feels much better, which means that he immunity is produced.
- At the age of six months, the pet must be placed rabies vaccine, a comprehensive vaccine. Such procedures cannot be performed during teething. When they completely change, only then vaccinate a pet.
- At the age of 1 year, the dog undergoes a comprehensive vaccination. It is recommended to do it annually.
You should carefully monitor the vaccination calendar so that puppies have developed immunity. Dogs are usually good health, with proper care rarely get sick.
Owners of females of this breed need to know about such estrus features:
- the first estrus occurs at the age of 6 to 14 months;
- its duration is about 3 weeks;
- frequency – from 1 to 2 times during the year;
- at the beginning of estrus, swelling of the genitals is observed, the appearance of discharge;
- urination becomes frequent, in connection with which the pet is walking need much more often;
- behavior changes;
- molting is activated;
- begins to actively lick the loop.
Breed diseases
Mostly Croats are distinguished by excellent health, but they also pedigree pathologies are found:
- cup slipping;
- joint inflammation;
- difficult birth;
- clouding of the lens;
- cryptorchidism in boys;
- hip dysplasia;
- twisting of the stomach.
However, this does not mean that the pet will necessarily fall ill with one of listed diseases. Subject to good care of most of them can be avoided or prevented.
Feeding
Since the dog of this breed belongs to active animals, then it requires a special diet. The feed should consist of sufficient the amount of protein, fat and essential vitamins. If the owners If you are going to feed your pet with ready-made feeds, you should choose those that contain a balanced amount of vitamins, minerals and especially proteins. Senior animals are selected feed with glucosamine and calcium. These components help keep your joints and bones in top shape.
Croatian shepherds quite often can be overweight. Therefore, you need to monitor the diet and try not to overfeed pet. Dogs deprived of daily obesity are particularly susceptible activity. If you feed your pet with natural feed, then it should be noted that half of the total diet should be meat. The second half of the dog’s diet consists of cereals (buckwheat or rice), stewed vegetables. They add a little vegetable oil. 
It is recommended to give offal, especially heart, fish dishes and birds. It will be better if the meat is given raw. But if it has unknown origin, it should be boiled, in order to avoid helminth infection of a pet. Shepherd dogs are also willing to eat vegetables and fruits. Therefore, they can be treated to apples or raspberries.
It is strictly forbidden to give the pet the following products:
- vermicelli, muffin and any products containing products flour processing;
- potatoes;
- beans or peas;
- any sweets;
- sausages;
- tubular chicken bones;
- spices and spices;
- pickles;
- marinades and smoked meats.
After eating, do not immediately go for a walk with the shepherd. It may lead to intestinal inversion, you can get rid of this condition will only be through surgery.
Dog keeping
Croats cannot comfortably be in urban conditions apartments, then they will be very crowded and bored. Recommended keep shepherd dogs only in private homes where there is appropriate territory. If the house area is small, then the animal will not enough space, and this will negatively affect his well-being due to inactivity.
Such a dog will be happy to sleep near the shepherd. In close she’ll feel very uncomfortable in an aviary because she’s not able to move enough. If you live in an aviary animals of other breeds, the shepherd dogs themselves will be best Feel with active and cheerful companions.
In addition, this dog will not tolerate all kinds of fences and other devices restricting its mobility. Excellent physical data and a striking mind will allow the dog to overcome barriers to free movement.
If the owner wants to engage in active species with the dog sports, then it is necessary to provide for it spacious and clean aviary. The cage should be comfortable so that after training the animal could rest.
In the country yard, the booth must be put in the place where the dog able to control and guard the territory. Entrance to it for the winter it is necessary to insulate, and it is best to hang with a warm blanket. IN extreme cold the dog should be taken home.
Puppies can be kept directly on the farm. So they can from early childhood to get used to the smell of sheep. Croatian puppies playful shepherds in good contact with adult dogs. Early master the necessary commands. Watching my mother and other brothers quickly acquire the necessary skills from them.
Keeping your puppy on the farm has a huge advantage: growing up, he will never be aggressive to the wards. If from early childhood a puppy tries to chase sheep, lambs, chickens, then they are rejected.
During estrus in bitches, the conditions of detention are somewhat are changing:
- you should walk with her only on a leash;
- categorically do not allow dog cages: at the beginning coitus to separate animals is impossible;
- during the walk you need to keep an eye on, excluding any contacts with males;
- in winter, shorten walks or use canine clothes
- from the beginning of estrus, the female lives in the aviary.
Photo Croatian Shepherd Dog 
Puppy cost
The breed is rare and not widespread. Therefore prices puppies are about 1000 euros. Before choosing a puppy, you need to ask what condition his parents are in. If they aggressive or, conversely, too cowardly, then the puppy will be so same. The kid should be moderately well-fed and look like a peanut. Puppy choose one to which the heart lies most. Such the choice will be the most successful.
There are no nurseries in Russia. A small number of puppies imported from Croatia, Finland, Slovenia. All centers involved breeding dogs of this breed are located abroad. Therefore, for desire to acquire a Croatian will need to contact foreign nurseries and wait your turn.
The Croatian shepherd is alert and solid. It has a high degree of endurance, excellent training, adapts to living conditions. Animal always will obey the master and become for him the most faithful and faithful friend.
