Also called Karst Shepherd Dog, Kraški ovčar, Kraševec, Illyrian Shepherd · Slovenia
A brave, confident guardian with a strong personality.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25 to 42 kg (55 to 93 lb)males 30 to 42 kg, females 25 to 37 kg12 |
| Height | 54 to 63 cm (21 to 25 in)males 57 to 63 cm, females 54 to 60 cm12 |
| Coat | Long, flat coat with thick undercoat |
| Origin | Slovenia, from the Karst plateau region near the Adriatic.132 |
| Group | FCI group 2 |
A brave, confident guardian with a strong personality. It is deeply attached to its people and reserved with strangers, and it can make a steady, obedient companion when well socialised.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Karst Shepherd. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Still has the working drive of a shepherd; regular daily exercise and a territory to watch over suit it well.1
A house with a securely fenced garden or rural property suits it better than a flat.12
Bonds closely with its family; early socialisation helps it become a relaxed companion around visitors.2
The long, thick coat benefits from regular brushing, particularly during seasonal shedding.12
Feed your adult Karst Shepherd at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Your vet can help you set the right schedule and portions.14 Pet Wiki plan
A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a complete list.15 Pet Wiki plan
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 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 natural coat oils.16 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Karst Shepherd every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Its long, thick coat benefits from regular brushing to prevent mats and remove loose hair.16 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.16 Pet Wiki plan
This breed needs daily walks and playtime, plus a territory to watch over. Regular exercise keeps it happy and healthy. Adjust the amount based on your dog's age and energy level.1 Pet Wiki plan
Brush its teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.16 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies by individual, but with good care many dogs live 10 to 12 years. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle support a long life.1 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, when well socialised from an early age, it can be a steady, obedient companion with children and other pets. It bonds closely with its family and is reserved with strangers.12
This breed bonds closely with its family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. Early training and gradual alone time can help, but it prefers company. Ask your vet or a trainer for advice.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.
Running costs for a Karst Shepherd, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
1 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Karst Shepherd. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
| Country | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people. | official |
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
The breed is named after the Karst Massif, a limestone plateau in Slovenia where it originated. It was formerly called the Illyrian Shepherd, but in 1968 the name was changed to distinguish it from the Sarplaninac, another shepherd dog from the Sarplanina Massif.8
I start my day with a slow patrol of the yard, my eyes on every gate. When a stranger approaches, I stand firm and give a deep woof, then relax as my human greets them. I follow my family from room to room, always ready. After lunch, I chase a ball in the meadow, then lie in the sun. By dusk, I curl beside the door, my territory safe.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Guardian dogs followed pastoral peoples through Istria and Dalmatia and settled in the Karst region of Slovenia. They were first written about in 1689 by Baron Valvasor. The breed was registered in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd and separated from the similar Sarplaninac in 1968.12
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Šarplaninac
Tornjak
Karakachan