Serbian Tornjak

A breed that is rapidly nearing extinction, the Serbian Tornjak is related to dogs of Bulgaria and Bosnia and is currently undergoing a joined revival programme by the fanciers of this dog from Serbia and Republika Srpska. During the post WW2 years, this breed, like many others was on its way to certain oblivion, but today it is supposedly being reincarnated by crossing the leftover stock with the Homolian Sheepdogs and the Bosnian Tornjaks. Unlike the old Bosnian Tornjaks that were bred true to type for centuries, the Serbian breed had a steady influx of the Sylvan, the Kopaonik Watchdog and the Sarplaninac bloodlines.

While the Bosnian Tornjak has been officially recognized as a breed with both Bosnia and Croatia as its parent countries, the Serbian population is slowly being assimilated into the newly established Serbian Shepherd Dog, which is consisted of many rare local livestock guardian breeds lacking proper recognition on their own. Very closely related to the Bosnian breed, this is a much larger and bulkier dog of true molossoid type, whereas the Bosnian Tornjak has a perfect balance between the lupoid and molossoid features. Preferring to stay close to its flock, it is rarely seen around people when not called. While both the Serbian and the Croatian dogs have similarities with the Bosnian Tornjak, they are noticeably different than each other, the Croatian variant being smaller and of lupoid type.

More massive than other Tornjaks, this is also a breed which posseses a very sharp temperament. Dog-aggressive, wary of strangers and quite stubborn, the Serbian Tornjak is not suited for urban life. The coat is abundant and weatherproof. Leaner specimens of Serbian Tornjaks can be found in some regions, but are not as valued as the larger mastiffs. Another obvious difference between the Serbian Tornjak and the other types breeds is in its harsher coat and colouring.

This variant comes in all colours, the most common being fawn with large white markings or mostly white with darker patches, although there are some uniform yellow, grey or white dogs to be found.

There is a variety of sizes today, but the average height has traditionally been around 33 inches.