At a glance the quick version
FCI figures. UKC gives about 35-45 kg (77-99 lb) for males and 30-40 kg (66-88 lb) for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, dense double coat
A powerful, well-boned mountain dog that looks compact under its heavy coat. The hair is short on the head and front legs but long, flat and coarse on the neck, body, hind legs and tail, with a thick undercoat beneath. At the withers the coat is about 10-12 cm long.23
Personality what they are like
Even-tempered and dependable, with a strong sense of duty toward its people and flock. It is clever and thinks for itself, stays calm most of the time and is naturally watchful around strangers.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. It likes steady daily walks and plenty of room to patrol rather than high-speed sport.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the long coat weekly and more often during the seasonal moult to clear loose undercoat.23
Home where they are happiest
Best in a rural home or farm with a large, well-fenced area; its thick coat makes it comfortable in cold mountain weather.23
Company who they like around
Forms strong bonds with its family or flock and benefits from early socialisation and an experienced, consistent owner.3
The story where it all began
This guardian has been kept for centuries by shepherds in the Šar Mountains, moving with the flocks between summer mountain pastures and winter lowlands. The FCI first registered it in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog and gave it its current name in 1957. Today it also protects livestock from predators on ranches in North America.234
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed appears on a Macedonian denar coin.4
- 2
Yugoslavia did not allow the breed to be exported until 1970, and the first dogs to reach America were brought down the mountains by mule.3
- 3
Though a little smaller than some other flock guardians, it is known for great strength and large teeth.3
- 4
It takes its name from the Šar Mountains (Sharplanina) range.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 41, Group 2 (Molossoid, mountain type); registered 1939 as Illyrian Shepherd Dog, renamed 1957, accepted definitively 24 July 19571
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 1995, Guardian Dog Group3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Šarplaninac. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina fci.beused for recognition, patronage, group
- FCI Standard No. 41 Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Sarplaninac - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, temperament, history, fun facts
- Šarplaninac - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.