There are many breeds of dogs that have long been helping a person in his activities. One of them is Sharplaninskaya Shepherd. This is a shepherd guard dog, whose homeland is considered to be Macedonia.
Breed description
The dog is medium-sized (height at the withers does not exceed 61 cm), with a strong muscular torso. She has a rather deep chest, slightly convex ribs, a broad back, which gradually decreases from the withers to the croup, and a developed skeleton. The massive head in the cranial part is more rounded, tapering to the nose. Flat-hanging, triangular-shaped ears set high. Around the almond-shaped eyes a black rim of glasses.
Sharplaninsky shepherd dog can have a different color - white, black, gray or brown. Thick long hair forms beautiful tows on the tail and hind limbs. The saber tail also has a suspension of long wool. On the head and the outer side of the forepaws, it is much shorter. The neck and chest are covered with a thick mane.
Characteristics
Like any shepherd dog, the Sharplaninsk shepherd was bred to protect livestock and restore order in the herd. Therefore, in its character, distrust and aggression towards outsiders is especially pronounced. From these dogs excellent guards are obtained that do not allow strangers to touch either themselves or the protected property or cattle. Outwardly calm and balanced, they are prone to pugnacity, while manifesting complete fearlessness. As a family dog, the Sharplanin Sheepdog will not be the best option. The description of this breed characterizes it as a pet that does not tolerate affection and tenderness. These dogs also get along poorly with other pets in the house.
Having decided to have such a pet, you should be prepared for the fact that you will have to devote a lot of time to classes with him. Education and training must begin from the first days of the appearance of the puppy in the house, this will require a lot of time, patience and strength. It is good when there is a large area that allows the pet to run freely on it in order to maintain good shape. It is undesirable to keep a Sharplaninskaya shepherd in an apartment environment. This can cause her all sorts of disorders.
Story
The breed got its name in honor of the Shar Planin mountains located in Macedonia. It was there that the Sharplaninsky shepherd was bred about two millennia ago in order to protect the sheep from predators. Then it spread first throughout the territory of the former Yugoslavia and gradually began to gain popularity in other countries. Quite often today you can find the Charplanin Shepherd in the USA and Canada. However, a lot of time passed before the breed was officially registered. This happened only in 1939. Many people believe that the Caucasian Shepherd was a distant ancestor of these dogs , as they have a lot in common.
Conditions of detention
The main thing that representatives of this breed need most of all is long active walks. It is best to do their walking with people who are physically well trained, as the animals are very energetic and strong. A large enclosure is suitable for the dog, where it can move freely. Keeping Sharplanin Sheepdogs in the apartment is not recommended. In addition to the fact that these dogs require a lot of space, they tolerate loneliness quite poorly.
Wool requires special care. It is very thick and warm, the outer cover is long, and the undercoat is very dense and short. Thanks to such a fur coat, the Charplanin Shepherd can serve in any weather. Photos of these dogs, protecting the property, regardless of weather conditions, can be found very often. Wool should be combed regularly with a special brush, especially during molting. Dogs should be washed only in extreme cases, with very severe contamination.
No diseases characteristic of this breed have been identified. Under favorable conditions and good care, a Sharpplan shepherd dog can live up to 14 years.