How to Identify a Karst Shepherd Dog

The Karst Shepherd Dog was found originally in Slovenia's Karst Massif region, and initially was referred to as the Illyrian Shepherd. They were originally considered to be the same breed as the Sarplaninia Massif's Shepherd. Today, however, they are considered to be separate breeds, with that breed being referred to as the Sarplaninac. [1] While there are multiple characteristics that the Karst Shepherd Dog has in common with other dog breeds, they also have several distinguishing characteristics. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether a dog is a Karst Shepherd Dog.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. Karst Shepherd Dogs are typically somewhere between 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall, and they usually weigh anywhere from 55 to 90 pounds (25 to 41 kg). [2]
  2. With relation to their body, Karst Shepherd Dogs should have a comparatively large head. Between the dog's ears, their head should be the most broad, and you should also notice a little width tapering going towards their nose. When looked at in a profile view, the dog's head should appear rounded and deep. [3]
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  3. Karst Shepherd Dogs should have ears that are set relatively high, medium in length and in the shape of a V. The dog's ears should flatly fall onto their cheeks, and their ear tips should reach their eye corners. [4]
  4. Karst Shepherd Dogs should have eyes that are relatively well-set apart from each other and set fairly deep into their eye sockets. The dog should have almond-shaped eyes that are either dark or chestnut brown-colored. [5]
  5. Karst Shepherd Dogs should have a tail in the shape of a saber that is of a long enough length where it reaches to their hock and has a base which is thick. At the tail's tip, you may frequently notice a little hook. You should notice that the tail is not plumed yet coated heavily and that the dog carries their tail low when they are relaxed but raised to or a little higher than their back's level when they are excited. [6]
  6. Overall, Karst Shepherd Dogs should appear robust and balanced well, with an elastic, elegant gait that is coordinated well. [7]
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Method 2
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Coat

  1. Karst Shepherd Dogs should be iron grey in color. This should be the most dark on their body, and there should also be shading on the dog's limbs and belly to sandy or light gray in color. You should also notice streaking on the front of the dog's legs that is dark, along with a black-colored mask spreading to the skull on their muzzle. This mask should have a sandy, pale fawn or gray-colored border on the back of the dog's head that has a black-colored overlay. [8]
  2. Karst Shepherd Dogs should have a mane that feels stiff on the back of their neck, though it should feel softer on the back of the dog's legs, ruff found under their neck, and on their belly. [9]
  3. Overall, Karst Shepherd Dogs should a flat, long coat as well as a large amount of undercoat. Their hair should be shorter on their front ear edges, the front of their legs and on their head, while more supple hair that is longer can be found on the backs of their ears. The dog should have a bushy mane on the back of their neck, along with longer coat under their neck which creates a ruff. Their body should have a good amount of long hair, as well as a top coat that should be at least 4 inches (10 cm). [10]
  4. Karst Shepherd Dogs will need to be groomed using a wire comb one or two times every week. In shedding season, this should occur more often, and ideally, the dog should be brushed outside every day. It is also especially important that the fur behind the dog's legs and on their ears is given more attention when they are being groomed, since this fur is known to become tangled. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. Karst Shepherd Dogs are known to be loyal and devoted to their family, usually forming a strong bond with them. They also typically do fine with children if they have received correct training and socialization starting when they were a puppy. However, supervision is still important if children are around this dog breed, since they can be territorial and are strong. It is also important for children to treat this dog with respect and be respectful and responsible when around it. [12]
  2. Karst Shepherd Dogs are known to be quite wary of people who are unfamiliar to them, and guard their family and territory. This dog is also brave, making them good guard dogs overall. [13]
    • However, Karst Shepherd Dogs are only aggressive if they feel they need to be. [14]
  3. Karst Shepherds are known to want to be the dominant one, and therefore will need training that is consistent from every person training them on their household position starting from early on. [15]
  4. Despite their dominance potential, Karst Shepherd Dogs are known to be intelligent dogs overall. [16]
  5. Karst Shepherd Dogs are known to need a good amount of exercise every day, though this doesn't need to be fast-paced. Agility training or herding (if possible) or hikes/walks are all great activities that can be done with this dog breed. [17]
    • Failure to provide this dog with enough exercise every day can result in misbehavior. [18]
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      Tips

      • Look in to dog DNA testing if you want to find out what your dog's breed is. DNA testing can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Karst Shepherd.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      2. ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/karst-shepherd-dog/
      3. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      4. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      5. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      6. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      7. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      8. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      9. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      1. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/karst-shepherd-dog
      2. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/#grooming
      3. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/
      7. ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/karst-shepherd-dog/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/karst-shepherd/

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