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Karst
Shepherd
Puppies for Sale
Karst Shepherd
(Karst Sheepdog) (Istrian Sheepdog) (Krasky Ovcar) (Krasevec)
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 temperament. This is a very dominate breed and should only be owned by people who truly understand what that means. Proper human to canine communication is essential. The objective in training this
dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates
under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. Timely and correct training is crucial. In general,
the Karst Shepherd is a reliable and independent guard
dog, and is an excellent sheepdog. |
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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. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
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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
“Krasevec” 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 Sarplaninec. 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 |
SKC, DRA |
SKC = Slovenian Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. |
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak.
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak.
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak.
Photo Courtesy of
Franc Kiseljak.
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