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| History The Sarplaninac is believed to be between 1600 - 2000 years old. The ancestry of such an old race is unknown but most experts believe it is like other mountain dogs a descendent of the 'Great Tibetan Mastiff' although the Romans, the Turks & the Greek ancient dogs have all been suggested as possible ancestors for the Sarplaninac. The Balkans region has had so many migrations that is is impossible to be certain. The Sarplaninac was unheard of except in its native mountains until the first world war. Dogs were selected from 1926 & the breed recognised by the F.C.I (Federation Cynologique Internationale) on the 2nd June 1939 under the name Illyrian Shepherd dog. The Illyrians were an ancient people that inhabited that area of the Balkans before the arrival of the Slavs. It was chosen as a neutral name for political reasons. In 1957 after influence from the army the name was changed to 'Yugoslavian shepherd dog - Sarplaninac' but since the recent troubles in Yugoslavia it has simply been called 'Sarplaninac' with 2 countries listed as country of origin by the F.C.I that of Yugoslavia (Serbia) & Macedonia. The breed has remained pretty much unchanged because of its isolated homeland (the mountains boarding Albania, Macedonia & Kosovo). It was illegal to export a Sarplaninac under General Tito the punishment being the death sentence. He had a Sarplaninac called Lux who saved his life on 2 occasions even carrying a grenade in his mouth away from his master. Although the Sarplaninac is a livestock guardian, the Sarplaninac was originally put in group 1 (shepherds – herders) by the FCI but this was changed in 1980 & they were moved to a more natural home of group 2 (mountain dogs – livestock guardians) by all FCI members except France who continues to class them in group 1. Rare The Sarplaninac is still very much a rare breed with all the current problems of Yugoslavia & surrounding republics its hard to see a bright future for this wonderful breed, Inevitably animals are also victims of conflicts, including dogs. There are a few countries outside Yugoslavia with growing numbers of Sarplaninacs (or Sarplaninaci). France has the largest selection with some 3000 registered pure breeds. In the earlier 90’s yearly births rates were over 300 but this has fallen back to less than half that in the last few years. There are also varying numbers in the USA & Canada where they are largely used as working dogs & other European countries such as Germany, Belgium & some eastern European countries Character The Sarplaninac is normally a very calm placid dog who likes to spend lots of their time outside preferably with their owner. But don’t expect to play lots of ball games the Sar likes to just lie in the shade & doze while keeping an ear & eye open for any trouble. They are generally economic with their movements (i.e. don’t move a lot unless disturbed). But they can move with lightening speed when necessary in spite of their size. They are very dedicated to their owner & this makes changing owners difficult. They are also good with children & other household pets especially if introduced when the Sar is a puppy (although it isn’t very wise to have two male Sars together as inevitably both will want that dominant position leading to conflict). The Sar protects all his territory & everything living within it . The Sar is a natural guardian especially at night. They are untrusting of strangers & will not allow them to enter their territory unless their owner says so. They will usually go & lie down with their head resting between their legs & wait for the person to leave. They prefer to be left alone & don’t like being fussed by strangers. Education A hand of iron in a glove of velvet is the phrase best used when talking about the education of this beautiful breed. A Sarplaninac is not a ‘yes dog’ they are independent & like to do their own thing. Everything they do is for the love & praise of their owner but don’t expect them to perform orders in a spilt second because they don’t. They take the time to consider your ‘request’ ( treats & lots of praise will get your Sarplaninac to speed up his responses) but they don’t follow blindly & can’t be mechanised. Some owners presented with a young Sar will be too forceful in their Education & ‘breaking’ the dog will be the outcome. You should always be Firm but fair when educating your Sarplaninac. It will certainly take a lot more patience than educating a German Shepherd But then you must remember that the Sarplaninac is a breed ‘designed’ by nature to be independent & take initiatives to protect its flock without the need for commands. In short : PATIENCE, FIRMNESS, MORE PATIENCE & LOTS OF LOVE & PRAISE !!!!!!! |