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Boa and Roki, representing the true old type from the Sarplanina mountains.
Pictures by Goran Neskovic, Planinski Duh Kennels in Yugoslavia



The Sarplaninac of Yugoslavia is believed by some fanciers to be the living link between the ancient Molossers and the modern flock-guardians. Like the other Eastern-Europe big flock guardians it is very hard to tell the breeds exact origin and the component stock. Many of the Eastern-Europe Molosser breeds do not differ so much and it can be very hard for "outsiders" to classify the different breeds.
The Sarplaninac were, when recognized by the FCI in 1939, called Illyrian Sheepdog (Ilirski Ovcar) after the Illyrian mountains where the stronghold of the breed was located. The breeds name were changed to Sarplaninac in 1957. Until 1970 it was illegal to export the breed out of Yugoslavia, and the breed have been used, and is still being used, by the military and the police.



Beautiful speciments of the Sarplaninac.
From left; The male Ado at 3 years, 76 cm. at the withers, 73 kg, young champion of R. Macedonia. The female Berta at 6 years, 71 cm. at the withers, 59 kg, Multi CH. Berta at 2 years
Owner Hristijan Hristovski, Kennel "Monumental Spirit", Skopje - Macedonia.
Pictures by Panche Jovanovski.



Sadly, the Sarplaninac have been much marked by the war in their homeland and already for years the number of speciments in their original area have declined. It may very well be that the best speciments in the breed is preserved in other countries. Let's hope that still some of the original large and heavy mountain dogs has survived in remote areas.



Sarplaninac in the 1940's.



The Illyrian Sheepdog's former work was guarding of livestock, people and property, and they are still used to this kind of work.
The Sarplaninac does protect the sheeps in the hills in the summer, and in the valleys when the sheep and goats come down for winter feeding. It is a very clever race and can collect individual cheep and goats from their grazing lands when wanted for market, carry messages from one sheepherd hut to another (distances of many miles), and is sometimes used in hunting down the bear.



Pictures by Goran Neskovic, Planinski Duh Kennels in Yugoslavia



This breed do not make friendly bonds with everybody and are known to choose it's friends carefully. The Sarplaninac is also known to never trust no one completly and does follow his own ingrained code of proper behaviour. He does not easily follow commands, exepts from his master.
The breed have a rather sharp temperament and is always willing to defend himself or his human family. His characteristic makes him not suitable for everyone to own and should only be held by experienced dog-owners.
In the USA and Canada the breed have gained a position as a very hard working and reliable flock guardian



Aga Meda, representing the true and old type Sarplaninac. This is how a Sarplaninac head should look like.
Picture by Goran Neskovic, Planinski Duh Kennels in Yugoslavia



The Sarplaninac is well suited for living outside. The coat is medium in lenght and fairly soft to feel, thought the longer hairs on the neck, flanks and tail are rather harsh in texture. The hair on the face is short. The breed have feathering on the underbelly and legs, which together with the bushy scimitar tail, gives the apperance of a larger dog than he really (normally) is. Colour is usally sable or grey with darker "overalls" on the head and back, the underneat being paler. Almost all other colours than this is acceptable, from white to very dark brown. Tiny white spots on the chest and feat are allowed but not desired and is regarded as a minor fault. Larger white spots qualifies to a disqualification.
The breed does not need brushing more than now and then, exept when the dog does shed and needs brushing on a regular basis.



Three pictures on excellent speciments of the breed.
Pictures by Vladislav R. Bogicevic, Yugoslavia



The head of the Sarplaninac is medium in size and with, flat across the top and with a moderate stop, the eyes almost almond-shaped, dark and medium in size. The ears are set well back, fairly small and folded backwards, the muzzle is tapered but strong with powerful even teeth.
The body is rather long and very flexible, with moderately deep chest and slightly lifted belly, a muscular back with small arch over the croup, and fairly flat sides giving a wiry and lean apperance.
The size at the withers is above 61 cm. (24 in) for males and above 57 cm. (22,5 in) for females. Males below 56 (22 in) and females below 53,5 cm. (21 in) qualifies for a disqualification.
The weight on the males is usally between 35-45 kg. (77-99 lbs) while females weights 30-40 kg. (66-88 lbs).
Alhough the above is the weight and size normally given on the Sarplaninac far larger speciments are known. In the 1980's Molosser-Magazin, editor Chr. Habig, there once were a article about the Sarplaninac. Several pictures that followed the article showed speciments that were far larger and heavier than the information given in dog books. One of these pictures did show a male Sarplaninac, 4 years of age, 78 cm. (30 in) at the withers and 68 kg (149,6 lbs). Another pictured male was even larger, 3.5 years of age, 88 cm. (34,5 in) at the withers and 92 kg. (202 lbs).
I have copies of these pictures in my possession but sadly I can not show them on this page since they are copyrighted.
Insiders tells me that many speciments of the Sarplaninac is lacking the old breed caracteristics and is too light built, lacking bone & broad head and have a too narrow muzzle. I have also been informed that many breeders have crossed the Caucasian Ovtcharka into the breed. It is therefore very important for newcomers to the breed to seek out breeders that are breeding for the true and original mountain dog and who have kept their lines pure.

Sadly the Sarplaninac is suffering because of the war in the region. Many dogs are shot on sight, their owners killed or they are put down by the owners because of lack of food. I have contact with breeders in Serbia, Macedonia and Kosovo and they all tell me that the situation for the Sarplaninac does not look good, but hopefully there are still some old type dogs in remote mountain villages.



Sarplaninac Fact Sheet.




Links

Planinski Duh
The Mountain's Ghost Sarplaninac breeding farm
Monumental Spirit
Sarplaninac site in Yugoslavia
KEF
Sarplaninac kennel The Canine's Club - The Netherlands
Billy's Happy K9
Sharplaninec
Sarplaninac in Slovenia
Efoly's Sarplaninac - France
The Canine's Club - Holland
Goranin Sarplaninac Kennel



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