Crash Sheepdog – aboriginal shepherd breed that was formed on the territory of modern Slovenia. The dog is known under different names: Istrian, Regional, Karst shepherd. Representatives of the breed since ancient times faithfully defended the home of the owners and guarded the cattle. Outside the homeland, the Crash Sheepdog is little known.
The Crash Sheepdog breed has existed for several centuries and belongs to the Molossian group. It is assumed that the Crash Sheepdogs migrated along with the Illyrians through the Isterian and Dalmatian islands and settled in Slovenia, near the Crash mountain range. The first written mention of the breed dates back to 1689. The breed and its standard were officially recognized during the meeting of the FCI General Assembly, held in Stockholm on June 2, 1939, in which the breed was called the Illyrian Shepherd Dog. Until March 16, 1968, the Illyrian Shepherd Dog from the Crash Mountains had the same name as the Shepherd Dog from the Sarplan Mountains. In order to avoid the existence of two breeds with the same name, the Central Society of Yugoslavia decided to rename the shepherd dog from the Krash mountain range to the Krash shepherd dog, and the other breed – in Sarplanskaya. Since that day, both of these breeds have developed completely independently.
A hairy and athletic dog with an almost square body and a long, saber-shaped tail. The Regional Shepherd Dog has a massive head with a smooth transition to a short muzzle. The head is decorated with a dark mask, thick wool is painted in gray with a metallic tint. Long strands adorn the back of the legs, tail, create a mane on the neck. The coat of the dog fits snugly to the body. Brown or hazel eyes are almond-shaped, ears – triangular. The imposing appearance of the Istrian Shepherd is a convincing argument even for a wild animal. It's no wonder that human villains avoid it.
Pride and independence are combined in Regional Shepherd Dogs with good-natured behavior. With strangers, they are always serious and suspicious, carefully watching a stranger and protecting their property. In the family circle, these cheerful pets do not tolerate prolonged loneliness. Representatives of the breed are endowed with a balanced temperament, they consider decisions that they are used to making on their own. But when you need to act immediately, the Regional Shepherd Dog does not take courage and courage. Dogs from the Karst are treated very responsibly to the official duties. Crash Sheepdog – an incorruptible guard, distrustful of strangers, a pleasant, obedient companion, with a pronounced personality.
Freedom-loving rock will gladly exchange a place in an apartment for a street booth. Istrian Shepherds need a lot of space in the yard, as well as walks in nature. The paws of the dog are adapted to rough terrain, and the fur "pants" are adapted to different weather conditions. It is important to brush your dog's thick coat regularly. The Regional Shepherd Dog can get used to domestic cats and birds, but not to neighboring animals. She will diligently guard every sheep in the herd, and without him she will require other physical exertion. The owner of a working breed needs to remember that without work, the dog feels bad and starts to spoil everything around.
Istrian shepherds belong to healthy dog breeds. Their whole body is adapted to a difficult climate and difficult living conditions. Therefore, even scratches are avoided by such pets - also due to the special shape and coating of the paw pads. Obviously, this does not remove the need to vaccinate the dog. A balanced diet and constant physical activity will help her maintain good health throughout her life.
