Herzeg Shepherd Dog

Once a common herder in Yugoslavia, the Herzegovina Sheepdog is becoming very difficult to find in its original form. Numerous crosses with the Bosnian Tornjaks, Sarplaninacs and Montenegro dogs, coupled with the devastating effects of the Yugoslavian wars in the 1990's, decimated the numbers of pure Herzeg Shepherd Dogs. Some even believe that the breed should be declared extinct, while others are convinced the future holds positive results in the revival efforts of dedicated breeders. In the late 1990's there were reports of plans to revive the Herzegovac through crosses with its descendant, the Zlatibor Era Cattledog from Serbia.

The Herzeg Shepherd Dog is an energetic breed, equaly adept at both herding and guarding duties. An excellent farm dog, the Herzegovac is distrustful of strangers, but completely devoted to its owner and gentle with family members. It shows little tolerance for strange dogs, but two males are said to be able to co-exist if raised together from very early on. This rustic Molosser is strong-boned and massive, but reportedly more agile than most of its Balkan cousins. The head is fairly wide, with a somewhat elongated muzzle and high-set ears. The chest is deep and broad. The Herzeg Dog carries its tail low when relaxed and fully curled over its back when excited.

The long coat is harsh and thick, usually white-based with large markings of various colours. Average height is around 27 inches.