Croatian Sheepdog vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Croatian Sheepdog vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonCroatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia but Central Anatolian Shepherd is originated from Turkey. Croatian Sheepdog may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Central Anatolian Shepherd. Croatian Sheepdog may weigh 50 kg / 110 pounds lesser than Central Anatolian Shepherd. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Central Anatolian Shepherd has almost same life span. Croatian Sheepdog may have less litter size than Central Anatolian Shepherd. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Central Anatolian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

croatian sheepdog - historyKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

central anatolian shepherd - historyThe Central Anatolian Shepherd’s lineage is ancient, with the large dog originating from the Anatolia region of central Turkey. He has been used for guarding flocks against predatory wolves and has adapted to living in extreme weather conditions.

The Turkish shepherds would put a spiked collar on the dog to protect him against predators going for the neck of the dog. Today the dog is still being used as a sheep dog and it is closely related to the Kangal Dog.

In 1965 the first pair of Anatolian Shepherds arrived in the UK. A pair were also provided by the Turkish prime minister to the United States government. Today he is a majestic dog still serving man. He is an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, a working dog breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Croatia
Turkey
Height Male:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
40 - 70 kg
88 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
40 - 70 kg
88 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Hrvatski Ovkars
Karabash Dog, Kangal Dog, Coban Kopegi
Colors Available:
Black
whitish and brindle, Fawn, tan
Coat:
Medium length, wavy or curly
Short to medium length, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

central anatolian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Central Anatolian Shepherd is a large,impressive looking dog that possesses great strength, endurance and agility. He is beautiful to look at and is well muscled and strong.

He stands at roughly 66-76 cm and weighs 40 to 70kg. The head is large and strong, but in good proportion with the rest of the dog’s body. He has brown eyes and his ears are floppy. The tail is long and set high and when the dog is alert, the tail is carried high, making a wheel shape, otherwise the tail is held low, curling up at the tip.

The short to medium length coarse coat is essentially fawn colored and the dog has a black mask. With the dog, early training and socialization will be needed as he is a strong, stubborn, dominant breed who will require firm leadership from his human owners.

Temperament:

The Central Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a loyal guard dog that becomes possessive over his flock, his human family and anything that he regards as his property. He is aloof around strangers, being suspicious of them.

He will require a firm, positive owner who provides training and socialization. He is an affectionate family pet and gets on well with children who have been taught how to treat dogs and other animals with care and respect. This is a bold, confident dog without aggression who is intelligent, proud and independent.

Characteristics

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

central anatolian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe large, rugged Anatolian Shepherd is a dog that has been developed essentially to work as a guardian of livestock. He is a dignified, calm kind of dog who is fiercely possessive of those he guards. He is independent and will require a firm, assertive owner.

He won’t enjoy lying around the home with nothing to do. These are dogs who like to be busy, and therefore he is more a country-life dog than being found in the city on a small property. Make sure that if your pet hasn’t got a working role, that he is provided with exercise, although as a large dog, he isn’t particularly playful and doesn’t require loads of exercise.

Provide him with a caring, loving home and this large, beautiful dog will become your loyal and devoted friend who will guard you with his life.

Health Problems

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

central anatolian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a hardy, healthy dog who isn’t likely to get sick easily. The dog can live to be 11, 12, 13 years of age when he receives excellent care. Like any pure breed though, he is susceptible to hereditary disorders and some of the other common health issues.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is always a problem with a big dog. It’s an abnormal development of the hip joint and it can cause lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is brought about by a combination of environmental- as well as genetic factors.

Lymphosarcoma:

This is a common type of blood cell cancer diagnosed in dogs. Lymphoid tissue is present in quite a few places in the body including lymph nodes, liver and spleen, and dogs of any age can be affected.

Caring The Pet

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

central anatolian shepherd dogs - caringThe Central Anatolian Shepherd sheds fairly heavily so he will require brushing at least twice a week. Grooming is important and won’t only include brushing, but ear cleaning and nail trimming too as well as proper dental hygiene.

A dog such as the Anatolian Shepherd, with his floppy ears, will also need to have his ears checked and cleaned to avoid ear infections. There are some of these dogs where the hair needs to be plucked from the ear canal to ensure proper air circulation.

It is important that you are skilled to clean the ears properly, and if in any doubt, to avoid damage to the ear, consult your vet for sound advice.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  15. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  17. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  20. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  24. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Argentine Dogo vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Giant Schnauzer vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Goldador vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Dogo Cubano vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Sardesco vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Central Asian Shepherd vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Mackenzie River Husky vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. German Longhaired Pointer vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyredoodle vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Lurcher vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Maremma Sheepdog vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Sarplaninac vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Mastiff vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Mountain View Cur vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  46. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  47. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  48. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  49. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds