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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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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: Females 21-24 inches
(54-60 cm.) |
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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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This breed of dog is best suited to a family with lots of space surrounding the home where it can attend to its own exercise needs. |
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Average 12 years, max 15 years. |
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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. |
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FCI II. Num. 278 |
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Slovenian Kennel Club |