Tornjak vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Tornjak vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonTornjak is originated from Croatia but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Tornjak may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Istrian Sheepdog. Tornjak may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Tornjak and Istrian Sheepdog has same life span. Both Tornjak and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Tornjak and Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

tornjak - historyKnown also as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian, the Tornjak dog hails from Croatia and Bosnia and is a large mountain sheepdog.

It is thought that this protector of livestock dog has been bred from the Tibetan Mastiff. He is an ancient breed because there are records of its existence coming as far back as the 11th century.

As a working dog, his role of guarding sheep became less and the dog’s numbers diminished. It was during the 1970s that the breed was revived.

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

tornjak puppy - descriptionThis is a large, strong dog, standing at between 58 and 72cm in height and weighing between 28 and 50kg. He has a long, thick coat which has always protected him from the harsh winters of the countries he comes from.

Common colors for the coat are mainly white with tan, brown, grey or black markings.

Temperament:

The Tornjak is a beautiful dog and also calm by nature, well balanced, intelligent and self- confident. His calm nature doesn’t stop him from being a good watchdog though as he is also alert and brave.

He is more than willing to please his owner and is able to be trained and socialized with ease.

He is a social dog and just loves spending time with hs human family. Therefore efforts should be made not to leave him alone for long periods of time. He forms strong bonds with them and is loving and devoted. Because of his size and energy he won’t suit life in the city on a small property but will be better suited to life in the countryside.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

These are quiet, brave dogs but they can be good watchdogs too.

Calm and balanced, he is capable of being alert too and makes a good watchdog.

tornjak dog - characteristicsWith their human family, they become attached and loyal, not wanting to be separated from anyone for too long. Give him the care this beautiful dog deserves and he'll make you a splendid pet and companion.

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

tornjak puppies - health problemsMost dogs face one or two health challenges in their lives, but most Tornjaks are healthy and won’t easily get sick.

They’re large dogs so they typically don’t live as long as small dogs. They can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age.

Patellar Luxation: 

This is a dislocation of the kneecap, caused by an injury or it can be present at birth. It can cause pain and a limp.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a joint condition that is more often seen in large dogs. The ill-fitting joint rubs and chafes, and osteoarthritis and more pain is the result.

You will have to speak to your vet about relieving the pain for your dog and making him more comfortable. Don’t think hip dysplasia is something only old dogs get – it can develop with young dogs – even puppies. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and suggest different medical and surgical options.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

tornjak dogs - caringThe Tornjak needs exercise every day to keep him fit and happy. He will love it when you take down his leash for his daily walk. He is a social dog and will want to be involved with all your activities. He gets on well with other dogs too.

●Grooming:

The Tornjak will require quite a bit of grooming because the hair is fairly long and it sheds. Some dog owners have the hair cut by a professional groomer. Regular brushing certainly helps to reduce lots of dog hair flying around.

The insides of his ears need to be checked for signs of redness as well as the eyes. The eyes should be checked for pus and redness. Occasional dog nail trimming will also be required.

● Vaccines:

Keep his vaccines up to date to avoid deadly canine diseases.

● Diet:

Provide your Tornjak with top quality food. If you feed him with one of the commercially manufactured foods, make sure it is one of the better brands. The inferior brands are filled with bad ingredients that can actually make a dog sick.

Try to include some home-made food which can be added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat. Avoid human foods such as chocolates, grapes, onions, peanuts and chips as these can give him stomach pain and more vet bills for you.

Stick to wholesome, simple foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Your Tornjak will love it and it will ensure he has bright eyes ad a wagging tail. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Croatia
Slovenia
Height Male:
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
3 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Croatian Mountain Dog, Bosnian Shepherd Dog
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
White with tan, brown or black markings, grey
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
Long and thick
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  15. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  16. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  17. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  20. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  21. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  22. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Tornjak vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. Tornjak vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  28. Tornjak vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  29. Tornjak vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  30. Tornjak vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  31. Tornjak vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  32. Tornjak vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  33. Tornjak vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Tornjak vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  35. Tornjak vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  36. Tornjak vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  37. Tornjak vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Tornjak vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Tornjak vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  40. Tornjak vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  41. Tornjak vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. Tornjak vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Tornjak vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  44. Tornjak vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  45. Tornjak vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  46. Tornjak vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  47. Tornjak vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  48. Tornjak vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  49. Tornjak vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Tornjak vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds