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Croatian Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Croatian Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
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OriginCroatia flagCroatia
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Croatian Sheepdog known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Kroatischer SchäferhundHrvatski ovcar
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Croatian Sheepdog? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Croatian Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Croatian Sheepdog? Learn how big the Croatian Sheepdog breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Croatian Sheepdog weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Croatian Sheepdog breed.
29-43 pounds (13-20 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Croatian Sheepdog?
36 pounds (16.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Croatian Sheepdog? Croatian Sheepdog height:
16-21 inches (40-53 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Croatian Sheepdog?
18.5 inches (46.5 cm)

Croatian Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Croatian Sheepdog puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Croatian Sheepdog costs.
$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Croatian Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Croatian Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Croatian Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Croatian Sheepdog? How many Croatian Sheepdog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Croatian Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Croatian Sheepdog? Discover the Croatian Sheepdog's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Croatian Sheepdog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Croatian Sheepdog? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's trainability and response to training methods.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Croatian Sheepdog as a watchdog? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's alertness and guarding instincts.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Croatian Sheepdog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Croatian Sheepdog protective of its territory? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's guarding instincts and behavior.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Croatian Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Croatian Sheepdog have? Learn about characteristic Croatian Sheepdog temperament and behavior traits.
AgileEnergeticAlertIntelligentCompanionableKeen
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Croatian Sheepdog sensitivity:
Sensitive: Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Croatian Sheepdog a good family dog?
High: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kroatischer Schäferhund need? Croatian Sheepdog social needs:
Croatian Sheepdog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Croatian Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Croatian Sheepdog roam?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Croatian Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Croatian Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Croatian Sheepdog bark a lot? Learn about typical Croatian Sheepdog vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Croatian Sheepdog? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Croatian Sheepdog breed.
Average: Croatian Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Croatian Sheepdog live in an apartment? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Croatian Sheepdog indoors.

Croatian Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Croatian Sheepdog to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's flexibility to new situations.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Croatian Sheepdog be left alone? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Croatian Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Croatian Sheepdog biting potential? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Croatian Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Croatian Sheepdog mouthy? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's tendency to use mouth during play.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Croatian Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Croatian Sheepdog bite? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Croatian Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Croatian Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Croatian Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Croatian Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Croatian Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Croatian Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Croatian Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Croatian Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Croatian Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Croatian Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Croatian Sheepdog live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Croatian Sheepdog breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Croatian Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Croatian Sheepdog handle different weather? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Croatian Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Croatian Sheepdog? Discover typical conditions affecting the Croatian Sheepdog breed.
Croatian Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Croatian Sheepdog need vet visits? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Croatian Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Croatian Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Croatian Sheepdog? Understand daily activity needs of the Croatian Sheepdog breed.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Croatian Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Croatian Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Croatian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Croatian Sheepdog breed need?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Croatian Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Croatian Sheepdog prone to weight gain? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Croatian Sheepdog weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Croatian Sheepdog need daily? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's feeding requirements.
2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Croatian Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Croatian Sheepdog hypoallergenic? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Croatian Sheepdog come in? Discover all possible Croatian Sheepdog color variations.
Black White
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Croatian Sheepdog need? Learn about Croatian Sheepdog coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Croatian Sheepdog doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Croatian Sheepdog is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Croatian Sheepdog drool a lot? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's drooling habits.
The Croatian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Croatian Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Croatian Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Croatian Sheepdog smell bad? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Croatian Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Croatian Sheepdog have? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's fur characteristics.
Dense
Bathing Needs
How often does a Croatian Sheepdog need baths? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kroatischer Schäferhund? Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Croatian Sheepdog Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Croatian Sheepdog good with children? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's behavior around kids of different ages.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Croatian Sheepdog get along with other pets? Discover the Croatian Sheepdog's compatibility with other animals.
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Croatian Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Croatian Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Croatian Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Croatian Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Croatian Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Croatian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kroatischer Schäferhund temperament with senior people? Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Croatian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Croatian Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Croatian Sheepdog be a service dog? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Croatian Sheepdog good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Croatian Sheepdog good at detection work? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Croatian Sheepdog do search and rescue? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Croatian Sheepdog good on boats? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Croatian Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Croatian Sheepdog pull carts? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Croatian Sheepdog used in military service? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Croatian Sheepdog Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Croatian Sheepdog usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Croatian Sheepdog pregnant? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Croatian Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Croatian Sheepdog have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Croatian Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Croatian Sheepdog in? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Croatian Sheepdog in? Learn about the Croatian Sheepdog's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Croatian Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Croatian Sheepdog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Croatian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Croatian Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Croatian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Croatian Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Office Friendly: Croatian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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