Croatian Sheepdog
克羅地亞牧羊犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Croatian Sheepdog (Hrvatski Ovčar) is a native Croatian herding breed said to descend from the dogs the Croats brought with them when they settled the land; the earliest written record of it dates from 1374, and it has worked sheep and cattle on the Slavonian plains for centuries. It is a medium-sized, rectangular black dog of about 41–51 cm and 13–20 kg, with short hair on the head and legs and a soft, dense, wavy or curly coat elsewhere. The UKC standard calls it lively, attentive, modest and easy to train.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 40.6–50.8cm |
| Weight | 13.2–20kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Curly coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
No breed-specific screening named
The AKC breed page says only that the Croatian Sheepdog is an overall healthy breed and names no breed-specific condition or screening test; the UKC standard does not discuss health. Ask your vet what routine screening suits an active medium-sized herding dog.
Behaviour
Lively, attentive and easy to train
The UKC standard describes the Croatian Sheepdog as lively, attentive, modest and easy to train. The AKC page adds that it is agile, helpful and humble, self-reliant to its owner, brave and trustworthy, and is often described as the true master of its flock, running through the back of the herd to get to the point of intervention as fast as possible.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Croatian Sheepdog breed standard
UKC Herding Dog Group standard: Croatian history back to 1374, characteristics, the wavy or curly coat, and a height of 16–20 in for both sexes.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Croatian Sheepdog (Foundation Stock Service)
AKC FSS breed page: height 16–20 in, weight 29–44 lb, life expectancy 13–14 years, breed history and temperament.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Croatian Sheepdog — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Croatian Sheepdog — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.