Pet Wiki

Small Međimurje Dog

Also called Mali međimurski pas, Međi, Štakoraš, Hrčičar

A lively, bright little dog that guards its home with loud warnings but is not aggressive towards people, other dogs or farm animals.

SizeSmall
Height27 to 33 cm (11 to 13 in)123
CoatShort, harsh, straight coat with soft woolly undercoat
OriginCroatia: the Međimurje region in the north-west13
Rare breedShort profile
alert, capable watchdog
devoted and affectionate with family
clever and obedient
12

Personality what they are like

A lively, bright little dog that guards its home with loud warnings but is not aggressive towards people, other dogs or farm animals. It is deeply attached to its family, plays happily with children and responds well to commands, while staying reserved with strangers.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, harsh, straight coat with soft woolly undercoat

A small, well-proportioned, low-legged dog that is noticeably longer than it is tall, with a wedge-shaped head and upright triangular ears in a wolf-like outline. The coarse, flat-lying coat is short on the head and legs and a little longer on the neck, forming a small mane, and on the underside of the tail.13

Coloursblackshades of brownyellowgreytwo-colour combinationstricolour132

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • 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 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high. Bred as a busy yard dog and rat catcher, it enjoys having jobs to do and regular chances to use its guarding and hunting instincts.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, hard coat is simple to look after with occasional brushing.1

Home where they are happiest

Though a country dog by heritage, the breed club notes it adapts to town living as long as it stays active and engaged.1

Company who they like around

Very family-focused and good with children; gets along with other dogs and domestic animals.12

The story where it all began

For more than a century farmers and millers in Međimurje kept these small dogs to guard yards and keep rats down, and a dog often had to prove its catching skill to earn its place. Breeding was organised from 2003 to save the dogs from being lost through crossbreeding, and the Croatian Kennel Club recognised the breed at the end of 2010, presenting it to the public in 2011.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its local nicknames 'štakoraš' and 'hrčičar' both refer to its skill as a rat catcher.2

  2. 2

    Villagers especially prized dogs that could flip a caught rat high into the air and catch it again.3

  3. 3

    It was the seventh dog breed to be recognised as native to Croatia.3

  4. 4

    A 2019 genetic study of 39 dogs found at least six separate maternal lines within the breed.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Međimurje region in northwestern Croatia, where it has been bred for over a hundred years.4

Name ideas for your new friend

RibarZvonkoMicaBebaLopticaCvrlePepiZippyBrusLunaRokoCica

A day in the life told by a Small Međimurje Dog

I started my day with a patrol of the yard, barking at a squirrel that dared to climb our apple tree. Then I played tug-of-war with the children. At noon, I napped in a sunbeam. When a stranger passed the gate, I gave a sharp yap, just doing my job. Later, I chased a ball and snuggled with my family. Perfect.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Croatian Kennel Club (HKS)
Recognised 30 Dec 2010 as the 7th native Croatian breed; entered in the conditional pedigree book3
Other national kennel clubs
Also recognised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, the Netherlands, Finland and the Czech Republic3
FCI
Not recognised by the FCI3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. 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

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

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

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Small Međimurje Dog, and at what times?

Adult dogs do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed at set times each day, such as morning and evening, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Small Međimurje Dog 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, so keep these away from your dog.6

How often should I bathe a Small Međimurje Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat is easy to care for, so a gentle dog shampoo is fine.1 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Small Međimurje Dog need brushing?

Brush your Small Međimurje Dog once a week to keep its short, harsh coat tidy and remove loose hair. This simple routine is enough for this breed.71 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Small Međimurje Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Small Međimurje Dog need?

This lively breed needs daily walks and playtime, as it was bred to be a busy yard dog. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily exercise to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Small Međimurje Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt without pushing anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends these steps for good hygiene.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Small Međimurje Dog live?

The lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for guidance on your dog's health and senior care. Senior years usually start around age 10. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Small Međimurje Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is deeply attached to its family, plays happily with children, and gets along with other dogs and farm animals. It is not aggressive and responds well to commands.123

Can a Small Međimurje Dog be left alone?

This breed is very family-focused and may not like being left alone for long periods. It adapts to town living if kept active, but consult a good breeder or vet for specific advice on your dog's needs.1

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? [email protected].

  1. Croatian Kennel Club: Small Međimurje Dog - Međi hks.hrused for standard, size, coat, colours, temperament, care
  2. Mali međimurski pas - međi (breed site) mali-medjimurski-pas-medji.weebly.comused for history, nicknames, temperament, height
  3. Wikipedia: Small Međimurje Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition dates, history, fun facts
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  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.