Sarplaninac Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament, & Traits

Considering the popularity of dogs worldwide, it’s surprising to discover an unusual breed that isn’t very well-known. The Sarplaninac is one of the rarer breeds, but they’re praised for their impressive guarding capabilities. Below, we will tell you more about this fantastic breed to help you decide if the Sarplaninac is suitable for your home.

Breed Overview

The Sarplaninac originated from the southwest part of Serbia and the northwest part of Macedonia, from the mountain they got their name from, called Šar Planina (Shar Mountain). People used them for herding sheep and goats, and because of their immense size, they deterred predators like wolves. The modern-day Sarplaninac retains their core traits; they protect their family members and even work as police and military dogs. They are known for their large size and thick fur that commonly comes in an iron-gray color.

Sarplaninac Characteristics

Sarplaninac Puppies

As soon as Sarplaninac puppies begin to walk, they exhibit their natural, adventurous behavior. If you want a purebred dog, you should start looking for a reputable breeder who will tell you everything you need to know about their line of dogs. Luckily, the Sarplaninac is a pretty healthy breed. Another way to find Sarplaninac puppies is to look through adoption centers or shelters. When you get your new puppy, you must start the training as soon as possible to prevent bad habits.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Sarplaninac

The Sarplaninac is usually very calm, but they can make fantastic guard dogs. They are intelligent and not afraid of anything, but they aren’t lap dogs. This might be a problem if you want a dog to cuddle with. On a different note, you won’t have to worry about someone breaking into your home because the Sarplaninac is always on alert for danger.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

They make great family dogs, but we wouldn’t suggest keeping the Sarplaninac if you have small children. They are giant dogs that can accidentally knock them over, which can result in your child getting injured. But when it comes to older children, the Sarplaninac can be a great dog. However, it’s best to have a house with a large backyard where they can run and explore freely.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

It’s best to be careful when introducing animals to each other, especially with a big dog such as the Sarplaninac. They can get territorial, which isn’t ideal if you keep multiple dogs. But that isn’t always the case. Start by introducing them slowly and gradually increasing their interactions. The Sarplaninac is a herding dog, so if you live on the farm and have other farm animals, they will gladly care for and herd them.

Things to Know When Owning a Sarplaninac

Even though they are very calm dogs, they do their best in large houses and yards because of their size. They might not be the best fit for you if you live in an apartment or don’t have much time to provide enough exercise. They are intelligent but need a lot of work and dedication to become the best dogs possible. They are not the best fit for first-time owners because they can be very stubborn.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Sarplaninac is a huge dog that needs high-quality food for proper development. There are a lot of commercial foods that have all the nutrients that your Sarplaninac needs in all their life stages. An adequate diet is essential for young dogs that are still developing. We suggest you consult your veterinarian to find the best food for your Sarplaninac.

Exercise 🐕

This breed needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and in shape. It’s best to keep them in a yard where they can run around and use their energy. If you are keeping your Sarplaninac in an apartment, we recommend taking them out at least two times a day for long walks, or if they are properly socialized, you can let them play in dog parks. Releasing their energy regularly is very important because they can become frustrated and are known to vent their frustrations on household items when bored.

Training 🎾

Training is one of the most essential parts of keeping any dog, and the same goes for the Sarplaninac. It would help if you started the training from a very young age because they are known to be independent and stubborn, so they may not be the best fit for first-time owners. Proper training is vital for the Sarplaninac because of their past use as working dogs. The most important part is to stay consistent. Proper socialization with other animals and humans is crucial from a young age to prevent aggressive behavior in the future.

Grooming ✂️

When it comes to grooming, you must do it regularly since they have a double coat prone to shedding. You’ll need to brush their hair several times weekly to prevent them from shedding all over your house. You should also trim their nails occasionally because they can cause problems with walking if they are too long. Also, keeping their teeth clean is very important to prevent dental diseases.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Sarplaninacs are pretty healthy dogs, and no congenital diseases in this breed are known. However, they’re vulnerable to a few conditions that are more common in larger canines.

Male vs. Female

There are not many significant differences between the male and female Sarplaninac. One of the few differences is that males are larger and heavier than females. They’re also more territorial and aggressive toward other dogs and strangers. Females are a bit calmer but can become highly protective at times.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Sarplaninac

1. A Famous Sarplaninac Saved a Life.

The Yugoslavian Marshal Tito had a dog named “Lex,” a Sarplaninac who saved his life by carrying a suspicious packet with a bomb away in its mouth.

2. They Are Extremely Brave.

They protect their herd with their life against any possible predators, including wolves and bears.

3. Their Initial Name Was the Illyrian Shepherd.

However, later, people renamed them after the mountain Shar Planina.

Final Thoughts

Every dog is unique, but if you want a dog that will always keep you safe, the Sarplaninac is the right fit for you. They are intelligent and loyal dogs that are suitable for families with older children. People used them as herding and guardian dogs, and they protected their territory at all costs.

Proper training is crucial for keeping your Sarplaninac obedient because they are known for their stubbornness. They are a very healthy breed, so a good diet and regular exercise should keep your Sarplaninac happy and healthy.

Featured Image Credit: OgnjenO, Shutterstock