Croatian Sheepdog
Description
The Croatian Sheepdog, or Hrvatski Ovčar, is a medium-sized herding dog with a history stretching back over 600 years in Croatia. This breed was developed primarily for herding and guarding livestock, showcasing agility and a sharp work ethic. Its solid black, medium-length, wavy double coat is distinctive and practical for outdoor work. Croatian Sheepdogs are reserved around strangers but deeply affectionate and loyal to their families. They thrive in rural settings where they have room to run and tasks to perform, as their herding instincts can lead to nipping or chasing if bored. This breed excels in agility, obedience, and herding sports, responding well to consistent, positive training despite occasional stubbornness. Their low barking tendency makes them less intrusive than other herding breeds. Weighing between 29 and 44 pounds, they are sturdy yet agile companions. Bottom line: Croatian Sheepdogs need purposeful activity and space to stay balanced and happy.
Grooming
The Croatian Sheepdog’s double coat requires regular upkeep to stay healthy and manageable. Brush your dog three times a week to prevent mats and tangles, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur effectively, especially during seasonal blowouts when shedding intensifies. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal; follow with blow-drying to help remove dead hair and maintain coat texture. Their solid black coat doesn’t demand special stain care but does benefit from regular grooming to keep it shiny and clean. Nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care should be part of your routine but don’t require breed-specific adjustments. Pro tip: Schedule de-shedding sessions every 4 to 6 weeks to reduce loose hair around the house and keep your dog comfortable. Grooming tools to have on hand include a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and a high-velocity dryer for best results.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Croatian Sheepdogs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to maintain their mental and physical health. These dogs enjoy purposeful walks where they can explore and engage their herding instincts, so vary routes and include some off-leash time in safe areas if possible. A typical routine might start with a 45-minute morning walk featuring brisk pacing and some obedience drills, followed by a 40-minute evening stroll that includes scent games or light jogging. This breed benefits from interactive walking sessions that challenge their focus and agility, preventing boredom and unwanted behaviors. Bottom line: Two well-structured walks totaling 85 minutes keep a Croatian Sheepdog sharp and content.
Boarding
When boarding a Croatian Sheepdog, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to ensure enough room for comfort and movement. This breed’s playful but focused nature means they do best with two active play sessions daily, combined with scent or brain games to stimulate their sharp minds. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to reduce stress and build trust. Croatian Sheepdogs appreciate consistent interaction but also need downtime in a quiet space. Their herding instincts mean they might try to herd other dogs or people, so supervision during group play is essential. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders or scent trails help keep them engaged and calm. Bottom line: Structured play and mental challenges paired with a roomy crate make boarding smoother for Croatian Sheepdogs.