Croatian Sheepdog

The Croatian sheepdog, or Hrvatski ovčar, is a medium-sized herding dog from Croatia, long used to move sheep and other livestock. It is typically black, with a wavy to curly coat, foxlike head, prick or semi-prick ears, and quick, springy movement. The breed is valued for speed, alertness, and close cooperation with a handler, making it a practical farm dog as well as a capable sport and training partner.

This is an energetic dog for people who enjoy teaching tasks, not a breed that does well with only a short walk and a yard. Herding, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and structured play can all suit its mind and body. The coat needs regular brushing, especially behind the ears and on the legs, but it is usually less demanding than heavy-coated shepherd breeds. Good breeders pay attention to temperament, working ability, hips, and eyes, and they help buyers distinguish normal herding intensity from nervousness or poor socialization.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow