Sharplaninsky shepherd, or other names – Yugoslavian sharplaninets, Macedonian or Illyrian shepherd – amazing dog. Her story is closely connected with the Yugoslav people of Macedonia, who used these pets as guards and defenders. Moreover, even then the sharplaninets showed himself as excellent family dog, capable of giving life for her owners.
Content
- 1. The origin of the breed
- 2. Description of the breed Sharplaninskaya Shepherd
- 2.1. Quality of coat and possible colors
- 3. Character and disposition
- 4. Training and education
- 5. Care and health of the Macedonian Shepherd
- 6. Diseases of the breed
- 7. Feeding
- 8. Keeping a dog
- 9. Photosharplaninskoy shepherd
- 10. Video of the Osharplanin Shepherd Dog
- 11. Puppy cost
Origin of breed
Archaeologists have found that these large dogs for the first time appeared in the Balkans, although there is a theory that ancestors “Illyrians” were Tibetan mastiffs or ancient dogs hailing from North. In Macedonia, there is a tradition that local shepherds are descendants of wolves raised and raised by a hunter. 
The Illyrian Shepherd was officially recognized in 39 g of the past. centuries, and after WWII in the Macedonian territory began to arise monobreed kennels that breed these dogs.
For a long time only purebred were considered puppies received in the kennel of the village of Gary, and when in the 60s he closed, the cost of shepherds increased several times. On dogs breeding and training nurseries service dogs. And until the 90s, sharplanintsy actively entered service in the Yugoslav army.
The prohibition of export of representatives of this breed outside the homeland, but in the 70s years it was canceled, and Illyrian shepherds began to appear in the USA, European countries and Russia.
Description of the breed sharplaninskaya shepherd
Back in ancient times, dogs served as livestock guards, moreover, they did an excellent job even in harsh climatic conditions. Thanks to the isolation of the highlands only this type of dog was mated, which allowed preserve their working qualities and strengthen breed characteristics. The appearance of the shepherd dogs has not changed much since that period.
“Illyrian” – a strong dog, strong, large, proportionally folded. Externally and in size, it resembles a Caucasian shepherd and is a representative of giant breeds. Since this is working a dog intended to live in harsh areas, it is covered thick, dense coat with copious undercoat.
At first glance, the differences between the male and the female are visible – females have a more elongated body and are noticeably inferior in size. However, this does not affect their performance and strength. The height of the males reaches 62 cm, weight – from 35 to 45 kg, in bitches – up to 58 cm, with weight from 30 to 40 kg.
Proportions and external data, in accordance with standard The characteristics of Sharplanin Shepherd Dogs are as follows:
- The head is rather large, proportional the trunk, with an elongated frontal part, the muzzle is elongated, but without sharpening. The occiput is moderate, the stop is smoothed. Frontal part wide, with a deep dividing groove. Muzzle covered flat muscles, expanded at the base, tapers slightly nose.
- The lips are flattened, but without dampness, tightly pressed, fully pigmented. The upper lip almost completely covers lower.
- Teeth are large enough, with elongated fangs, make up a number without gaps in a scissor bite.
- The lobe is large, pigmented in black, with extended, straight nostrils.
- Eyes – rounded, medium apart, not recessed, harmonious, give the dog an expression of calm. Sight smart, confident. Brown iris or slightly lighter.
- The ears are medium sized, low set, they rise at the base on the cartilage, in adults they decorated with hairs.
- The body is strong, in the format of a square or rectangle, with an oval neck and a smooth transition to the withers, on frontal part without folds. The neck looks wider and more powerful, than it really is, due to the elongated, dense coat forming collar.
- The withers are wide, clearly visible, the sternum descends to the elbow joints, has the form of an elongated oval. Ribs with good roundness, the line of the back descends, starting from the withers to the croup. Although for dogs from the mountains, raised croup is not disadvantage and is even considered a positive quality.
- The back is straight, wide, goes into a shortened lower back, covered with developed musculature, croup oblique. Inguinal line shortened, fit.
- Limbs of proportional size, harmonious, located in parallel, with well-developed shoulder blades pressed to the body and muscular, elongated shoulders. Metacarpus large, inclined. The hind limbs are a little wider apart than the front ones. Hips covered with embossed muscles, knee joints large, well-muscled tibiae. Large brushes in the shape of elongated ovals, assembled, with thick, strong claws and elastic, black pads. On the hind limbs should not be dewclaws.
- The tail reaches the hock lengthwise or lower, located on the back line or slightly higher. At the base thick, towards the end goes to narrow. Delivered freely when rises, takes the form of a saber. In an adult shepherd it is covered magnificent tow.
Quality of coat and possible colors
Illyrian Shepherd Head, Ears, and Front covers short hair. On the cervical region, croup, back surface of limbs and tail, it is elongated, straight, rude. Under the spine, the dog has an undercoat – it is shorter core hair, thick, with a softer, thinner structure. On withers spine length 10-12 cm, it may be shorter, but not less than 7 cm
Yugoslav shepherd dogs are solid – any color is allowed, ranging from white to dark brown, almost black tones. Two colors are preferred – gray steel wool or dark gray color. The presence of spots or white marks is not acceptable, the standard only permits small whites marks on the sternum and fingers, but they are undesirable.
On the upper part of the head and body, the coat is darker than on other areas, the color changes to off-white or yellowish gray tone closer to the ends. The transition is very smooth, therefore the coat does not look spotty.
Character and temper
Illyrian Shepherd – a calm, balanced dog, good-natured and obedient. She loves being with family and attention with side of all members perceives with gratitude. But such there can only be one pet whose pet will be obey implicitly. Naturally, provided that the person will prove its authority and immediately take a leadership position.
They treat strangers indifferently, but keep their eyes on them, constantly watching what is happening. If you need help, dog will certainly have it, showing courage and courage.
Sharplaninets – in fact, a shepherd, therefore, behind the younger shuttles of the family he will watch, perceiving them as unreasonable creatures, needing a patronizing attitude. Yes, exactly this one the dog sees children, therefore it behaves neatly, even during active games, forgives them any pranks, and even if they cause him accidentally pain – suffers. Such a pet is the perfect companion for games, hardy and friendly.
The dog belongs to domestic animals without aggression, and sometimes very friendly. But we are talking about a socially adapted pet, well-mannered and balanced. To the alien animals, the “Illyrians” do not so loyal.
But with the brethren of these dogs the relationship is not so rosy, conflicts between males often cause conflicts – for the female, territory, and just to show their superiority. If a several dogs are required for protection, it is better to start females or heterosexual couple.
Another nuance – the shepherd is straightforward – when invading her territory doesn’t matter if the attacker is an adult or as a child – almost the same reaction will follow. therefore the owner must be aware of the responsibility that he assumes with this difficult four-legged friend.
The shepherd is a companion, the dog will always be there, without being forced your society. He does not need to be looked after, called or forced – He is quite independent and self-confident. Sharplaninskaya the shepherd does not suit beginners, so strong and independent the dog needs a strong hand and compulsory training. To the owner will have to be patient and determined to become for favorite head, mentor, friend.
Training and education
The Macedonian Shepherd Dog should be socialized as early as possible, since, at the genetic level, she is used to living in solitude. Livestock, landlords and mountains – these are the things that have surrounded these harsh for a long time, serious dogs. If the puppy is not taken outside, do not introduce new places, people, animals, he can grow unnecessarily incredulous and aggressive, the dog will fear strangers and inadequate to respond. 
An important aspect of training is trust, the owner cannot be subordinated to the dog force or exert psychological pressure. The pet will not refuse only obey, but also interact. Since ancient times so it turned out that the four-legged shepherd had to decisions. Once they could perform two important functions – guard and graze cattle. This made the dog independent and decisive, so the owner will have to prove that his opinion is not should raise questions or doubts.
Care and Health of the Macedonian Shepherd Dog
This pet does not require complicated care. During links him thick hair will have to be combed out no less than once every 2-3 days, and better daily. The rest of the time, it’s enough to process it brushed weekly. Without this, the dog’s coat will collapse in wizards and will look dull and untidy.
If the dog’s eyes turn sour, they can be wiped with a damp cloth or a cotton pad soaked with tea leaves or chamomile decoction. Regular treatment will help to avoid congestion in the eyes. pathogens and prevent the development of various infections.
Ears are also examined constantly, if necessary, pollution. or excess sulfur is removed with a damp cloth. If you don’t do this, an unpleasant putrefactive odor will appear, indicating the spread of the infectious process.
The teeth of the shepherd are strong and remain old until old snow-white. To keep them in good condition, enough give your pet solid food or dentological goodies.
Twice a year, the pet should be treated from external (ticks, fleas, etc.) and internal (helminths) parasites. Required timely visit a veterinarian for examinations and vaccinations.
Breed diseases
On average, Macedonian Shepherds live 11-13 years. Thanks natural selection and habitat in the highlands representatives breeds hardened, acquired strong immunity. And besides, they not prone to most inherited diseases developing in dogs of giant breeds.
However, with improper care, the pet may show signs dermatological diseases – dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea, etc. dogs of advanced age often dysplasia of large articular joints, practically this pathology is diagnosed every fourth representative of the breed.
Eyes – another weak spot of these grains – high risks development of cataracts, glaucoma, inversion of the eyelids and others ophthalmic diseases. That is why they require more thorough care and constant inspection.
Feeding
Since most of the diseases of these herding dogs are associated with improper diet, the owner should pay more attention this aspect. With natural feeding, the dog should receive the right amount of food containing animal protein – lean meat and offal, they should be at least 50% of the total diet. 
The menu should also include vegetables, a couple of times a week you can give the dog eggs, dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt). You can also feed the shepherd porridge, but they should not be more than 20% of the total amount of food. Confectionery subject to prohibition products, chocolate, marinades, pickles, spices.
Mandatory additional feeding is introduced in the form preparations based on vitamins and minerals, since they are in due quantity cannot be obtained from conventional products.
If the owner decides to feed the pet with industrial rations, then it must be a quality product suitable for dogs giant rocks with a heavy skeleton. In addition, when this type of feeding is necessary to provide the pet around the clock access to drinking water.
Dog keeping
Sharplaninets is an exclusively street dog that is not suitable for apartment maintenance. He needs fresh air and will – in four walls of the pet will be crowded, and given their rich fur coat, it’s hot. It is advisable to equip your pet with a spacious aviary.
Walk with a shepherd should be daily – morning and evening, first walking can be short – 30-40 minutes, but in the evening have to spend at least an hour and a half on it. And they should to be active – with jogging, activities, games.
Photosharplaninsky shepherd dog 
Video of the Osharplanin Shepherd Dog
Puppy cost
If the future owner decides that such an independent, an independent and big pet suits him, he starts searching suitable pet. But a person may face certain difficulties – the breed is not so common in the territory Of Russia.
The price of representatives of this breed varies from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles, of course, a puppy with a pedigree, from titled parents costs more. But save and buy baby from random sellers not recommended, high risks of getting a puppy with unstable psyche, genetic abnormalities.
Sharplaninsky Shepherd – a serious, large working dog, which is a friend to the family and a thunderstorm to intruders. The puppy will demand attention, and the adult dog will demand regular, active classes, therefore, if there is no free time, then it is better choose a dog of a different breed, less demanding and more docile.
