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Need to Know
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Giant dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming
- Quiet dog
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Might not like other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard, preferably in the suburbs or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
Personality
Even-keeled and smart, the Sarplaninac dog is a working dog that is loyal but not particularly affectionate. They enjoy having a job to do more than anything, although they do love their owner’s company. They are wary of strangers and bark to alert. Courageous and strong, they are independent thinkers who might need a little more motivation to train.
The Sarplaninac dog is an ancient guard dog breed that comes from Yugoslavia. It was previously called the Illyrian Shepherd Dog and is sometimes referred to as the Macedonian Shepherd Dog. The dog first left Yugoslavia in 1970, carried down the mountainside by mules. The Macedonian Sarplaninac arrived in the U.S., where it is still a relatively rare breed but enjoys popularity among farmers and ranchers.
The Sarplaninac dog breed does best with experienced dog owners who are used to handling large breeds. They require training and a confident leader, so owners should be ready to take on a leadership role. A suburban or rural lifestyle best fits the Sarplaninac dog’s watchdog instincts and exercise requirements.
The Sarplaninac dog needs physical and mental stimulation daily to keep them well-mannered and prevent them from boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. They enjoy long walks, free running, and other outdoor activities. Inside, they can be mentally stimulated through playtime and games.
The Sarplaninac is a working dog used to having space to roam. They do best in suburban or rural settings where they have access to lots of land or a fenced-in yard.
Hardy and robust, the Sarplaninac dog has a thick double coat that sheds heavily. Regular brushing is a must, as is the occasional bath when the dog is dirty.
Independent thinkers, the Sarplaninac dog is intelligent but might need additional motivation to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent leadership. Early and ongoing socialization is vital, as are basic commands to help them overcome their instincts.
The Sarplaninac dog can be affectionate with its family but it is primarily a working dog that thrives with a job to do. They are natural-born protectors, so they do better with older children or no children.
The cost of a Sarplaninac from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Sarplaninac on Purina.
Did You Know?
- The Sarplaninac dog is sometimes called the Macedonian Shepherd Dog or Macedonian Sarplaninac.
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