Karst Shepherd Dog
Country: Slovenie Life expectancy: 13 years old Height: between 54 and 60 cm females / 57 and 63 cm males Weight: between 25 and 37 kg females / 30 and 42 kg males
History, origin & features
The Karst Shepherd is a member of the large molossoid family, and is thought to have arrived in Slovenia with the Illyrian tribes as they migrated through Istria and the Dalmatian islands to settle in the Karst region. The standard was officially recognized in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog, and completed in 1948. Karst Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by their docile, valiant character. Entirely devoted to their master, they will do anything to please him and protect him from threats. They're quite wary of strangers, but never aggressive. He's a very good shepherd dog, and can become a loyal friend to children as long as his independence is respected. Karst Shepherd Dogs are medium-sized, harmonious, robust and agile. They have a beautiful, fairly long coat with a dense undercoat. The color of the coat is iron gray, changing from dark on the back to lighter to sandy on the belly and limbs.