Discover Everything About Sarplaninac
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Sarplaninac, also known as the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, is an imposing, strong and robust dog. Its large head, deep-set eyes and wide, drooping ears give it an impressive and fearsome appearance. But beneath the hard exterior lies a gentle and loving nature. It belongs to FCI Group 2, Section 2.2, the Molosser group, mountain type. There is no distinction between show and performance lines in this breed.
| Height | 58 - 58 cm (Female), 62 - 62 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 30 - 45 kg (Female), 35 - 55 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 11 - 13 years |
| Character | Loyal, vigilant, independent |
| Coat | Dense, rough, long, with an undercoat |
| Coat Color | All shades of grey, white and fawn |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € € |
History
The breed originally comes from the mountainous region of Sar Planina (Shar Planina) between what is now North Macedonia and Kosovo, where it also gets its name. There it was mainly used to guard flocks of sheep against predators such as wolves and bears. Breeding of the Sarplaninac was carried out systematically in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The breed was officially recognized in 1939 and internationally accepted by the FCI in 1957. The Sarplaninac is a very ancient breed whose exact origins are obscure, but it is often associated with the great Molosser dogs of antiquity.
The Sarplaninac was bred as a livestock guard dog in the mountainous regions of the Balkans to protect livestock from predators.
Balkan region
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Sarplaninac is an extremely loyal and affectionate dog, ready to defend his home and family with his life. His protective instinct is deep-rooted and he will not hesitate to confront a threat. This makes him an excellent watchdog, keeping a watchful eye on his territory both day and night. Despite its vigilance and strong protective instinct, the Sarplaninac is not aggressive. He is generally calm and balanced and behaves cautiously and suspiciously towards strangers, but does not become aggressive without reason. The Sarplaninac is an independent dog with a strong will. He is not as people-oriented as other breeds and needs his space. While he loves being with his family, he also needs time for himself and is able to be alone without becoming anxious or destructive. The Sarplaninac is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise. He loves being outside and is very resilient to extreme weather conditions. He is not suitable for indoor living and needs a home with a large, safe garden where he can move around freely. Although the Sarplaninac was originally bred as a herding dog, it does not exhibit typical herding dog behavior. He has a strong protective instinct and is always on guard to defend his flock or family, but he does not have a strong drive to hunt or hound animals. Despite its independent and confident character, the Sarplaninac is a very playful dog. He loves playing with his family and is also good with children. However, his size and strength mean he should be supervised with small children. The Sarplaninac is a very intelligent dog that learns quickly and responds very well to positive reinforcement. However, he can also be stubborn and needs a consistent and patient owner who is willing to invest a lot of time and effort into his training. A Sarplaninac that is well trained and socialized is a loyal and loving companion that can be a valuable member of any family. Despite its strength and tough exterior, the Sarplaninac is a sensitive dog that does not respond well to harsh treatment or strict discipline. He needs an owner who will treat him with respect and patience and help him find his way in a human world. Although the Sarplaninac is an active and energetic dog, he is not hyperactive. He is happy and content as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He loves being outside and needs plenty of space to run and play. However, he is also happy just being with his family and being able to relax. The Sarplaninac is not suitable for everyone. He needs an experienced dog owner who has the time and commitment to properly train and socialize him. He also needs a home that meets his needs - one with plenty of space to run and play and with a family that accepts and loves him as part of the family. A well-behaved and happy Sarplaninac makes a wonderful companion who will be loyal and loving to his family throughout his life.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Sarplaninac gets its name from the Sar Planina mountain range in the Balkans, where it has been used as a livestock guard dog for centuries?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Sarplaninac is a livestock guard dog. These dogs are also not suitable for the city or for beginners.
Housing & Care
A Sarplaninac needs a lot of space and is therefore rather unsuitable for keeping in the city. A house with a large, secure garden would be ideal. He is a calm dog who gets along well with children, but due to his size and strength he should always be supervised when around small children. As for other pets, a Sarplaninac can learn to get along well with cats and other dogs if properly socialized from an early age.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Sarplaninacs are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they can also be stubborn and therefore require an experienced and patient owner. A Sarplaninac can be trained well in various dog sports, but also needs enough rest periods. An important part of raising a Sarplaninac is training frustration tolerance and impulse control. These dogs are naturally alert and protective, and without proper training and socialization this can lead to problems. It is important that you teach your dog to react calmly and calmly to new situations and strange people and animals.
Nutrition & Care
Sarplaninacs require a balanced diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates to meet their energy needs. There are many high-quality dog food brands that are suitable, but it is also possible to feed your dog a balanced raw diet as long as all nutritional needs are met. Grooming this dog is straightforward, but still necessary. The Sarplaninac has a dense, long coat with an undercoat that protects it from both cold and heat. However, this also means that he sheds heavily twice a year, especially in spring and autumn when he changes his coat. Daily brushing during this time will help remove the loose undercoat and prevent matting.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Sell Sarplaninac Puppies
Breeding Sarplaninac? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Sarplaninac Breeders Near You
Find verified Sarplaninac breeders in your region
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.