Tornjak

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, thick double coat

Coarse, straight outer hair over a dense woolly winter undercoat. The face and legs are short-haired, while the neck carries a mane, the thighs have breeches and the plumed tail is carried like a flag.253

Personality what they are like

A composed, friendly and dignified dog that seems relaxed until it is needed, then acts decisively. It is gentle and affectionate with its own people, cautious with strangers, and picks up new tasks quickly.253

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs plenty of daily activity such as long walks or hikes and room to roam, ideally with a large garden or rural space.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular, frequent brushing keeps the long, thick coat free of tangles and debris; bathe only when needed.4

Home where they are happiest

Happiest with space, such as a farm or large fenced garden; the heavy coat makes it comfortable in cold weather and it enjoys snow.42

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete large-breed dog food in measured portions rather than free feeding.4

Company who they like around

A social dog that works well in groups and bonds closely with family; early socialisation helps it get on with children and other pets.34

The story where it all began

An old flock guardian of the Bosnian, Herzegovinian and Croatian mountains, mentioned in documents from 1067 and 1374. As traditional herding faded the type grew scarce, so enthusiasts began gathering typical dogs around 1972 and started purebred breeding in 1978.253

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard no. 355, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian mountain type; provisional recognition 1 June 2007, definitive 7 November 2017; countries of origin Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.1

UKC

Guardian Dog Group; recognised 18 August 2011.5