Pet Wiki

Croatian Sheepdog

Also called Hrvatski ovčar, Croatian Shepherd Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Croatia, from the plains of eastern Slavonia (Baranja and Bačka area).12

At a glance the quick version

Height, male45 to 50 cm123
Height, female43 to 48 cm123
Sizemedium
natural herding instinct
lively yet level-headed
easy to train and devoted
134

Coat and looks how to spot one

double, wavy to curly

A rectangular, well-muscled herder with a foxy face. The body carries a thick wavy or curly topcoat of roughly 6 to 14 cm over a soft undercoat, while the face, ears and lower front legs stay short-haired. Males in particular grow a full mane around the neck.132

Coloursblackblack with small white chest or foot markings13

Personality what they are like

An alert, quick-moving worker that stays calm and patient on the job. It bonds closely with its people, learns readily and is described as neither nervous nor aggressive. Its instinct to gather and move livestock comes built in.134

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred for a full working day with flocks, so it does best with plenty of daily activity and a job to do, such as herding, dog sports or long walks with training games.14

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The wavy or curly double coat benefits from regular brushing to keep it free of tangles; the short-haired face and legs need little attention.13

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally kept around the farmyard and fields, working with sheep and cattle and guarding the homestead; happiest with outdoor space and regular work.13

Company who they like around

Very attached to its owner and family; it also has a watchful side that makes it a useful yard guard.12

The story where it all began

Herding dogs of this type have worked the Slavonian plains for centuries, with a church manuscript from 1374 said to mention Croatian pastoral dogs. Professor Stjepan Romić began organised breeding from about 1935, the breed was first shown in Zagreb in 1949, and Dr Otto Rohr drew up the first standard in 1951.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A 1374 document from the Đakovo diocese is thought to refer to these dogs as canis pastoralis croaticus.2

  2. 2

    It is one of only two Croatian sheepdog breeds; the other is the much larger Tornjak.2

  3. 3

    The breed made its public debut at Zagreb's first state dog show on 29 and 30 October 1949.1

  4. 4

    It looks a lot like the Hungarian Mudi but is a little bigger.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Croatian Sheepdog (also known as the Hrvatski Ovcar) is a native breed that is descended from the dogs the Croats brought with them when they settled the land, and its name directly reflects its origin and primary role as a sheep herder in Croatia.3

Name ideas for your new friend

HrvojeSlavkoBaranjaBačkaLipoZvonkoFlokiRudiPleterVeseloBrzinaSretan

A day in the life told by a Croatian Sheepdog

This morning, I trotted out to the pasture with my human. The sheep were already stirring, so I gave a low, patient bark to gather them. I love the rhythm of circling and guiding, it feels like a dance. At noon, we rested under an oak tree, and I leaned against my human's leg, content. Later, my human tossed a ball, and I fetched it with quick, happy runs. As the sun set, we walked home together, the flock safe behind us. I wagged my tail, ready for tomorrow.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 277, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs, without working trial; standard dated 27.05.2015. Wikipedia gives 1967 as the year of definitive FCI recognition.1
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 1 July 2006.3
AKC
Listed with a breed profile on the AKC website (Foundation Stock Service level; not a fully recognised AKC breed per the 2025 ranking list).4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Croatian Sheepdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Croatian Sheepdog, and at what times?

Feed adult Croatian Sheepdogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Times can be consistent with your schedule, but avoid leaving food out all day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Croatian Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for the best diet plan.6

How often should I bathe a Croatian Sheepdog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, which is about every two months. If your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, you can bathe more often. Always use a dog-safe shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Croatian Sheepdog need brushing?

Brush your Croatian Sheepdog every three days, and daily during heavy shedding periods. This keeps the wavy or curly double coat free of tangles. The short-haired face and legs need less attention.137 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Croatian Sheepdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Croatian Sheepdog need?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and a job to do, like herding, dog sports, or long walks with training games. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily walks and play. Without enough activity, they may become restless.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Croatian Sheepdog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least every two days, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Croatian Sheepdog live?

The lifespan of a Croatian Sheepdog varies, but many live into their early teens. For specific information, ask your breeder or vet.

Is a Croatian Sheepdog good with children and other pets?

This breed is known for being calm and patient with its family, and it bonds closely with them. With proper socialization, it can be good with children and other pets, especially if raised together. Always supervise interactions.1342

Can a Croatian Sheepdog be left alone?

This dog forms a strong bond with its family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. They thrive with companionship and a job to do. If you must leave them, provide plenty of mental stimulation and consider a dog walker.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 277, Hrvatski Ovčar fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Croatian Sheepdog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, fun facts
  3. UKC Croatian Sheepdog breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, size, temperament, coat
  4. AKC Croatian Sheepdog breed page akc.orgused for AKC listing, temperament
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.