Montenegro Water Dog

The great Montenegro Molossus is believed by some to be the same thing as the Durmitor Sheepdog, but the clear differences in size, temperament and use suggest otherwise. Others are convinced it is the same as the Montenegro Sheepdog, but this is unlikely for the same reasons as the above mentioned theory. Neither a herder nor a flock protector, the Montenegro Water Dog has been traditionally used as a patrol dog in harbours and a fisherman's dog. Closely related to the other two Montenegro breeds, as well as the rest of Balkan dogs, the Budvanac is slightly leaner and smaller, but equally strong and powerful. It is most likely that this breed developed from the old Dalmatian Ragusa Watchdogs, introduced into the bloodlines of indegenous sheepdogs of Montenegro in the past. By some accounts, these dogs never survived the WW2 and the few examples that can be seen in Montenegro today are suspected of being Newfoundland crosses.

Rare today even in Western Montenegro, the Budvanski Molos is a water loving mastiff, often seen aboard fishing boats and trade ships in the past. Its tail is sometimes docked by fishermen to prevent the dog from accidentaly knocking equipment overboard when excited, but this applies only to working dogs. Intelligent and friendly, the Montenegro Water Dog makes a good companion, but needs some socializing due to its somewhat confrontational nature around other dogs. The head is large and round, with a slightly narrower muzzle than other Balkan Molossers and somewhat longer ears. Straight-backed, deep-chested and well-boned, the Budvanac is a resilient water dog.

The waterproof coat is dense and of medium length, coming in shades of cream, fawn, brown and black, almost always with white markings of various sizes, usually on the head, chest and feet. Brown-coated dogs can have flesh-coloured noses. Average height is around 24 inches.