Karst Shepherd

Dog Breed Profile

Karst Shepherd History

The Karst Shepherd is a Hungarian herding and guard dog that was developed in the Carpathian Basin, in an area known today as Slovenia. The Karsten Sheepdog is considered to be one of the oldest European shepherd breeds. The Karst Shepherd has a double coat that is usually black, white, and gray in color. The coat is long, thick, and coarse. The head is wedge-shaped, with a straight or slightly convex profile, and oval eyes that are set wide apart. The nose is black, except in albino individuals, who often have pink noses.

Time of Origin

Ancient

Country of Origin

Slovenia

Ancestry

Caucasian Shepherd, Mioritic Shepherd

Karst Shepherd Physical Characteristics

The Karst Shepherd is a medium-large sized, non-sporting working breed of dog. It is a large-sized descendant of the Caucasian Ovcharka and was developed in the Karst region of Slovenia. Its primary use is as a livestock guardian, due to its territorial nature and high levels of aggression towards predators.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Gray

Height Range

Male Height Range: 22 – 25 inches

Female Height Range: 21 – 24 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 58 – 88 lbs

Female Weight Range: 58 – 88 lbs

Karst Shepherd Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

11-12 yrs

Karst Shepherd Health Concerns

Usually A Very Healthy Breed, Hip Dysplasia

Karst Shepherd Temperament and Behaviour

The Karst Shepherd is a medium-sized, muscular, and well balanced dog. They are loyal to their families and are very protective of their territory. They are typically not aggressive towards people or other dogs, but will defend their families when necessary. They are intelligent, but somewhat stubborn, so they must be trained and socialized early. They can be very independent, so proper exercise and training is important.

Karst Shepherd Activity Requirements

The Karst Shepherd is an incredibly rare and unique breed of dog. They are an ancient breed of sheepdog that originated in Slovenia. There are only about 40 known members of this unique, ancient breed. As you might expect from this uncommon, ancient, and rare dog, there are no official guidelines for their care. However, the FCI recommends that breeders keep their pups in regular contact with humans in order to socialize them. Early socialization is important for any puppy, but it is especially crucial for this incredibly rare and unusual breed. While the Karst Shepherd is not a very active or energetic breed, they do enjoy a good walk and some play time. They live very independently, so they also do well in homes where the family is out of the house often. As they do not require a lot of outdoor activity, the Karst Shepherd is a good choice for city dwellers or people who spend much of their time indoors.