Šarplaninac

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Sarplaninac, Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina, Illyrian Shepherd Dog, Ilirski Ovčar, Sharr dog

Even-tempered and dependable, with a strong sense of duty toward its people and flock.

Size	Large
Weight	30 to 45 kg (66 to 99 lb)males 35 to 45 kg, females 30 to 40 kg1 2
Height	56 to 62 cm (22 to 24 in)males 61 to 62 cm, females 56 to 58 cm1 2
Lifespan	11 to 13 years3
Coat	Long, dense double coat
Origin	Šar Mountains region of the south-eastern Balkans; FCI patronage North Macedonia and Serbia4 1
Group	FCI group 2
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

Calm, steady and reliable

Devoted to its family

Fearless natural guardian of livestock

1 2

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered and dependable, with a strong sense of duty toward its people and flock. It is clever and thinks for itself, stays calm most of the time and is naturally watchful around strangers.1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, dense double coat

A powerful, well-boned mountain dog that looks compact under its heavy coat. The hair is short on the head and front legs but long, flat and coarse on the neck, body, hind legs and tail, with a thick undercoat beneath. At the withers the coat is about 10-12 cm long.1 2

Coloursiron grey (preferred)dark greyany solid colour from white to dark brown1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. It likes steady daily walks and plenty of room to patrol rather than high-speed sport.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the long coat weekly and more often during the seasonal moult to clear loose undercoat.1 2

Home where they are happiest

Best in a rural home or farm with a large, well-fenced area; its thick coat makes it comfortable in cold mountain weather.1 2

Company who they like around

Forms strong bonds with its family or flock and benefits from early socialisation and an experienced, consistent owner.2

The story where it all began

This guardian has been kept for centuries by shepherds in the Šar Mountains, moving with the flocks between summer mountain pastures and winter lowlands. The FCI first registered it in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog and gave it its current name in 1957. Today it also protects livestock from predators on ranches in North America.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed appears on a Macedonian denar coin.3
2
Yugoslavia did not allow the breed to be exported until 1970, and the first dogs to reach America were brought down the mountains by mule.2
3
Though a little smaller than some other flock guardians, it is known for great strength and large teeth.2
4
It takes its name from the Šar Mountains (Sharplanina) range.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Šar Mountains or Šar Planina range in the Balkans, where it is principally found.3

Name ideas for your new friend

ŠarPlaninaVukStenaBalkanZvezdaSnežnaGromMiraČuvarBorSava

A day in the life told by a Šarplaninac

I wake before the sun and stretch on the cool stone. My flock is still asleep, sheep, a few goats. I walk the perimeter, sniffing for anything strange. A fox trots by; I stand tall and still. It leaves. Later, my human brings bread and pats my thick coat. We sit together, watching the valley. No need for running or fetching, just watching, guarding. When a stranger comes up the path, I move between them and my flock. They understand. At dusk, I circle the herd one last time, then lie down, content. A good day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 41, Group 2 (Molossoid, mountain type); registered 1939 as Illyrian Shepherd Dog, renamed 1957, accepted definitively 24 July 19574
UKC: Recognised 1 January 1995, Guardian Dog Group2

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Šarplaninac, and at what times?

Feed adult Šarplaninac at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so consistent times help. Check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.5

What should a Šarplaninac eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give human toothpaste or raw bones.6 7

How often should I bathe a Šarplaninac?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its coat.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Šarplaninac need brushing?

Brush its long, dense coat weekly, and more often during seasonal moults to remove loose undercoat. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Šarplaninac need?

It needs moderate daily exercise, like steady walks and time to patrol a large, fenced area. It is not a high-speed sport dog but enjoys regular activity.2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush its teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Šarplaninac live?

The Šarplaninac typically lives between 11 and 13 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet check-ups become extra important then.3 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Šarplaninac good with children and other pets?

It is even-tempered and dependable, forming strong bonds with its family. With early socialisation and consistent training, it can be good with children and other pets, but its guarding nature means it should be introduced carefully.1 2

Can a Šarplaninac be left alone?

It forms strong bonds with its family and may not do well left alone for long periods. It is best in a home where someone is around, and early socialisation helps it cope better.2

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.