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Karst
Shepherd
Puppies for Sale
Karst Shepherd
(Karst Sheepdog) (Istrian Sheepdog) (Krasky Ovcar) (Kraševec)
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak
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Pronunciation |
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Description |
The Karst Shepherd is a medium sized,
compact sheepdog, of iron-grey color with 10 cm long dense double coat. The head
is extremely noble with friendly, almond-shaped, dark-brown eyes and an amiable,
rounded skull. It is slightly longer than its height, with a sabre-like tail,
reaching at least to the hocks. The back is solid, straight, the chest of medium
width and elbow deep with quite well-sprung ribs. Teeth: scissor-bite, dentition
perfect. The iron grey color has two additional shades, towards silver grey on
very dark grey. Some of the darker animals have characteristic stripes on the
legs, a reminder of their ancestry. |
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Temperament |
The Karst Shepherd is a very specific and
extremely reliable breed. As a sheepdog it is independent and brave but also
prudent and reliable; with a very stable personality, It does not tolerate
subordination well and likes to be an equal partner; it responds best to
intelligent, patient but consistent training. Any pressurizing will lead to
rejection and distancing. Timely and correct training is crucial. In general,
the Karst Shepherd makes a good protective dog, a reliable and independent guard
dog, an average hound, a poor retriever, but still an excellent sheepdog. If we
are prepared to accept its behavioral logic and treat it as a kind of partner,
then the path to successful training is secured. Any attempts at subordinating
it too much can back-fire and we will lose an opportunity to train an obedient
dog. |
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Height, weight |
Height: Females 21-24 inches (54-60 cm.)
Height: Males 22-25 inches (57-63 cm.)
Weight: 58-88 pounds (26-40 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
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Living conditions |
The Karst Shepherd is not
recommended for apartment life. They need space and will do best with at
least a large yard. Because its thick coat protects it so well, it
can happily cope with living out-doors provided it has proper shelter. |
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Exercise |
This breed of dog is best suited to a
family with lots of space surrounding the home.
They should be taken on daily, long,
brisk walk or jog. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 11-12 years |
Grooming |
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Origin |
The Karst Shepherd is a Slovenian natural
treasure and the oldest indigenous breed. It was internationally recognized in
1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd and then again under the current name of
“Kraševec” in 1968. The breed is several centuries old and has been used as the
sheepdog in the Slovenian Karst area mainly around Pivka. The ancestors of the
Karst Shepherd were described by internationally renowned explorer prof. Strebel,
as a link between the Greek Molos and the German Sheppard. He mentions the
possibility of a Latin origin via the Pompeii dog. However it is more likely
that it was brought to the Karst area by the Illyrians with their sheep herds
via the Dalmatian islands and Istra. The Greek Molos interbred with other
sheepdog breeds in the wider area, such as the
Caucasian and Romanian sheepdogs or the
Macedonian sheepdog or Šarplaninec. The Karst
Shepherd has long been regarded as a good flock guard and remains so even today
when, like most working dogs, it is more of a companion and friendly family
member. The fact that over 100 Karst Shepherds have won one or several titles as
nominees, national or international champions, and that 50 have passed the
service dog exams testifies that the Karst Shepherd is an established and
quality breed. Together with the four breeds of hounds, the Karst Shepherd is
part of a rich natural and national heritage and dog-breeding tradition, which
in 2005 was celebrating its 76th anniversary of organized operation in the
Slovenian Kennel Club. |
| Group |
Flock Guard |
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Recognition |
Slovenian Kennel Club |
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak
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