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Croatian Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Croatian Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
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Croatian Sheepdog dog profile picture
OriginCroatia flagCroatia
Other Names
What other names does the Croatian Sheepdog have?
Kroatischer SchäferhundHrvatski ovcar
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Croatian Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Croatian Sheepdog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Croatian Sheepdog get?

What is the average size of a Croatian Sheepdog?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Croatian Sheepdog weigh? How much should a Croatian Sheepdog weight? What is the normal weight of a Croatian Sheepdog? How much does a full-grown Croatian Sheepdog weight?
29-43 pounds (13-20 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Croatian Sheepdog?
36 pounds (16.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Croatian Sheepdog? Croatian Sheepdog height:
16-21 inches (40-53 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Croatian Sheepdog?
18.5 inches (46.5 cm)

Croatian Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Croatian Sheepdog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Croatian Sheepdog in the United States? How much money is a Croatian Sheepdog?

Where to buy a Croatian Sheepdog with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Croatian Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Croatian Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Croatian Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Croatian Sheepdog? How many Croatian Sheepdog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Croatian Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Croatian Sheepdog? Is the Croatian Sheepdog breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Croatian Sheepdog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Croatian Sheepdog?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Croatian Sheepdog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Croatian Sheepdog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Croatian Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Croatian Sheepdog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AgileEnergeticAlertIntelligentCompanionableKeen
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Croatian Sheepdog sensitivity:
Sensitive: Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Croatian Sheepdog a good family dog?
High: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kroatischer Schäferhund need? Croatian Sheepdog social needs:
Croatian Sheepdog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Croatian Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Croatian Sheepdog roam?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Croatian Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Croatian Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Croatian Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Kroatischer Schäferhund bark?
Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Croatian Sheepdog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Croatian Sheepdog in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Croatian Sheepdog indoors.

Croatian Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Croatian Sheepdog be left alone? How long can you leave a Croatian Sheepdog alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Croatian Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Croatian Sheepdog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Croatian Sheepdog? How much bite force does a Croatian Sheepdog have? How strong is a Croatian Sheepdog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Croatian Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Croatian Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Croatian Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Croatian Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Croatian Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Croatian Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Croatian Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Croatian Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Croatian Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Croatian Sheepdog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Kroatischer Schäferhund? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Croatian Sheepdog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Croatian Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Croatian Sheepdog do?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Croatian Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Croatian Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Croatian Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Croatian Sheepdog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Croatian Sheepdog see the vet?
Frequent
The Croatian Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Croatian Sheepdog dogs live? How old can a Croatian Sheepdog be? What is the age limit of the Croatian Sheepdog? How many years can the oldest Croatian Sheepdog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Croatian Sheepdog?

How long is the lifespan of a Croatian Sheepdog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Croatian Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Croatian Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Croatian Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Croatian Sheepdog have? What is the activity level of the Croatian Sheepdog?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Croatian Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Croatian Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Croatian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Croatian Sheepdog breed need?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Croatian Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Croatian Sheepdog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Croatian Sheepdog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Croatian Sheepdog? How much food should I feed my Croatian Sheepdog?
2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Croatian Sheepdog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Croatian Sheepdog weight regularly.

Croatian Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Croatian Sheepdog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Croatian Sheepdog coats?
Black White
Grooming
How to groom the Croatian Sheepdog and how often? How often should I take my Croatian Sheepdog to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Croatian Sheepdog doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Croatian Sheepdog is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kroatischer Schäferhund? Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Croatian Sheepdog need a bath? How often should you give a Croatian Sheepdog a bath? Can I bathe my Croatian Sheepdog every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Croatian Sheepdog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Croatian Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Croatian Sheepdog drool?
The Croatian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Croatian Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Croatian Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Croatian Sheepdog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with other pets? Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Croatian Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Croatian Sheepdog temperament with children:
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Croatian Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Croatian Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Croatian Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Croatian Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Croatian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Croatian Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Croatian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Croatian Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kroatischer Schäferhund temperament with senior people? Are Croatian Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Croatian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Croatian Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Croatian Sheepdog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a boat dog?

Not really

Croatian Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Croatian Sheepdog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Croatian Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Croatian Sheepdog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Croatian Sheepdog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Croatian Sheepdog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Croatian Sheepdog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Croatian Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Croatian Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Croatian Sheepdog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Croatian Sheepdog have? How many puppies can a Croatian Sheepdog give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Croatian Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Croatian Sheepdog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Croatian Sheepdog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Croatian Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Croatian Sheepdog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Croatian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Croatian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Croatian Sheepdog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Croatian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Croatian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Croatian Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Croatian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Office Friendly: Croatian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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