Basics of dog breed Yugoslav shepherd

When talking about the most loving breeds of dogs, the Yugoslavian shepherd dog is among the most loyal and loving breeds. They are known for their strong bonds with their owners and greatly care about their family. They are not lazy dogs but gentle ones, and they never trust anyone they think might threaten their family. Moreover, they are widely used for herding and guardians around the world.

Here today, you will learn everything about the Dog breed Yugoslav Shepherd. 

History:

As its breed name suggests, the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog originated from the mountainous parts of Serbia, mostly from the Sar Mountains in North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. It is named after the Sharplania Mountain Range, where it is the most common Dog breed.

The Yugoslav Shepherd Dog was registered with EOI in 1939 under "Ilirski Ovcar" (Illyrian Shepherd) and recognized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1939. Later, in 1957, P.C.I. approved a motion proposed by the Yugoslavian Federation of Gynecology to change the breed's name from Ilirski Ovcar" (Illyrian Shepherd Dog) to Yugoslav Shepherd Dog.

However, despite these approvals, the origin of the Dog is still confused and controversial. Some say it came to Europe from Asia through mass migration. The original breed is known to be maintained only in parts of a country where cattle breeding exists the most. 

What are the Physical Characteristics of a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog

Yugoslav Shepherd Dog is one of the muscular, larger in size, built with strength breed. Unlike the German Shepherd, the Yugoslav Shepherd dog is more challenging to recognize because of some minimal changes than the other dogs. Some of the key traits of Yugoslav Shepherd Dog include.

Size: Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are strong dogs. Male Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are 24-26 Inches tall, while females are 22-24 Inches. They can differ in size, but they are occasionally huge.

Weight: Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are heavy dogs. Males weigh more than females, ranging from 80-110 Pounds, while females weigh 70-100 Pounds. However, it depends on diet as well. A healthy weight ranges from 70-110 pounds.

Coat: Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs have a thick, dense coat that is weather resistant. It is also known to be best for harsh mountain climates. They don't have many colors; the most common colors include gray fawn and iron gray with darker shades.  

Face: Yugoslav Shepherd dogs have a broad face with a strong muzzle. The color of the face is often dark, with sharp eyes. They are very beautiful dogs.

Tail: Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs' tails are curved, though not too much, with bushy hair, and they carry it high when they are . 

Behavior of Yugoslav Shepherd Dog:

The Yugoslav Shepherd Dog is strong and protective. It is one of the best protective dogs for its owners. Though they often seem to act independently, unlike a companion breed, the shepherd is the best Dog for livestock guardians.

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are loyal Breeds. They are devoted to their family, and everything belongs to them. They form strong bonds with every family member.

Protective: 

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are very attentive and and always curious about strangers. They protect and know their territory. They are attentive to any threats to their loved ones.

Independent in Nature:

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are known for making their own decisions in need. It is one of the reasons why it is hard to train, which makes it challenging for owners to train them.

Gentle and Calm:

The Yugoslav Shepherd Dog is best with families. Its affection for its family is flawless. They are gentle and calm with children and not always too loud.

Attentiveness:

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs know their environment, are attentive to any mishaps, and are always ready to face any threats. 

How to train Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs:

The training of Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs is different from that of other breeds. You must be patient while training them and need a very experienced hand. They are strong by Nature, so teaching them according to their Nature would be the best way to do it. 

Socialize from an Early Age:

If you have a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog pup, expose it to different people, animals, and environments. This will reduce any excessive aggression, especially towards strangers.   

Give Obedience Training First:

Some basic commands, such as sit, stay, etc., are necessary. Regular training will make them more obedient to such commands. 

Guarding Training:

Teaching Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs how to differentiate between threats and everyday situations is essential. Sometimes, they become overprotective, which can create problems. So, proper guarding management is necessary. 

Diet and Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the health and energy levels of a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Considerations include:

High-Quality Protein: They love to eat lean meats and fish, which support muscle maintenance.

Healthy Fats: Essential for coat health and energy.

Complex Carbohydrates: Vegetables, rice, and grains provide sustained energy.

Portion Control: Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, especially in less active dogs. 

Is Yugoslav Shepherd Dog the right option for you?

The Yugoslav Shepherd Dog is not ideal for every person. Certain traits make it different from other dog breeds. It loves environments where it has enough space to roam. However, you need to consider the following before bringing a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog home. 

Ideal Owner:

The ideal owner of a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog must be experienced, especially with large dogs. They are best for a farm or rural setting, so it's perfect if the owner lives on a farm or village. 

Not Ideal for:

If the owner is the first to take a dog as a pet, or they live in an apartment, and most importantly, if they can't dedicate time to training and exercise, then the Dog is not for such owners. 

FAQs:

What is the other name for the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog?

Yugoslav Shepherd, also known as the Sarplanicac, is one of the best guardian dogs in the mountainous regions of the Balkans, mainly Serbia and North Macedonia. Some amazing traits include livestock guardians that are powerful and large in size.

What is the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog known for?

The Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are known for guarding livestock from threats or predators. They can fight off wolves and bears. Moreover, they are one of the most loyal dogs with courage and guarding instincts.

What does a Yugoslav Shepherd Dog look like?

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are one of the largest dog breeds. They are muscular and strong with double coating. There are different colors with shades like gray. Other colors include white, dark, and also brown.

Are Yugoslav Shepherd Dog family pets?

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are ideal family dogs, though they are recommended for experienced owners. They are very loyal and protective. Moreover, with proper training, they can become great family pets.

Are Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs aggressive:

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are aggressive breeds, but because of their protective instincts. However, if it is not trained properly, then they can get aggressive over little things, so proper training is important. 

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Conclusion

Yugoslav Shepherd Dog is one of the best herding breeds in the world. They have roots in the Balkans and are best known for their intelligence, surveillance, and loyalty. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the fact that it is not for first-time dog owners who are not patient. Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are very friendly, but you must be open-minded because such dogs like to roam in an open environment. So, if you live in an apartment or home without any open backyard where they can play, you shouldn't go for one.

Yugoslav Shepherd Dogs are fearless companions devoted to every task you train them for.