Sharr Mountain Dog Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

The Sharr Mountain Dog is a rare and ancient breed that originated in the Sharr Mountains of North Macedonia. They are a medium-sized dog with a thick coat that requires regular grooming.

Sharr Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and independent, making them a great fit for experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on physical and mental challenges, so be prepared to engage them in activities that will keep them active and engaged.

In terms of exercise, Sharr Mountain Dogs need at least an hour of moderate-intensity exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime. This can be a challenge for busy owners, but it's essential for their physical and mental health.

Sharr Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

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The Šarplaninac is a large and strongly built dog, with a robust body that's well above average size.

Their head is large but proportional to the body, with dark eyes and a powerful muzzle.

They have a thick, long, rather coarse coat that emphasizes their short-coupled appearance, and their front legs account for approximately 55% of their height.

Dogs typically weigh 35-45 kg, while bitches weigh about 5 kg less.

The average height at the withers is 62 cm for dogs and 58 cm for bitches.

Their coat is usually solid in color, with shades of fawn, iron grey, white, or almost black, and often features darker "overalls" on the head and back.

Their size and build make them well-suited to life in the mountains, where they can be found sleeping on ice and snow contentedly.

Their dense, thick coat is impressively thick, protecting them from cold winters and harsh weather conditions.

Their tail is long and strong, carried in a slight curve like a sabre.

Their stride is long and elastic, and at gallop, they appear to be somewhat clumsy, but their jumps are usually long and cover plenty of ground.

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The Šarplaninac is a calm and quiet breed, always alert of their surroundings, but happy to relax at the end of the working day.

They are highly intelligent and susceptible to training, making them excellent working dogs. Serious and diligent, they make little fuss and will get on with their job with little persuasion.

This breed is independent and not prone to issues such as separation anxiety, as they are used to working without human interaction for long periods of time.

They are loyal and reliable, and will choose their master rather than submit to them. This means they require consistent and firm training to ensure compliance.

A pure breed specimen will be gentle and serene around small kids and smaller dogs, but they are highly territorial and always alert.

They are protective but never snappy, and will welcome people into their home coolly, as they tend to remain aloof with those that are not part of their family.

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The Sharplaninec is not a fan of apartment life, so if you're considering bringing one home, make sure you have a spacious area where it can roam freely.

They need regular walks and a large outdoor space to spend their days, and ideally, they'd love to live on a farm with a flock to protect.

The Sharplaninec has a usual life expectancy of 11-13 years, and with proper care, no significant health problems will arise.

Grooming is a must, as they shed moderately heavily, so establish a consistent routine from an early age to avoid any defensive behavior or fear aggression.

This routine should include tasks like clipping overgrown claws, checking between toes for debris, and cleaning out their ears, all started from puppyhood and continued throughout their life.

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The Sharplaninec is a breed that thrives in rural environments, particularly on farms with a flock to protect. This is due to its origins from vast pastures and high altitude mountain terrain.

The breed requires regular walks and a spacious area to spend the day, making apartment life not recommended. This is essential for its overall well-being and happiness.

A densely coated fur requires occasional brushing, but the Sharplaninec is capable of self-hygiene and often cleans its own coat skillfully and graciously.

The breed has a usual life expectancy of about 11-13 years, and with proper care, no significant health problems manifest. This is a testament to the breed's hardiness and resilience.

The Sharplaninec's bark is deep, loud, and heavy, which may be a concern for neighbors. To mitigate this, it's essential to lock the gate or display a clear sign indicating the presence of a large breed dog when you're not around.

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The Šarplaninac is a moderately heavy shedder, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

Establish a consistent grooming routine from a young age to avoid any defensive behavior or fear aggression in your adult dog.

You'll need to brush your Šarplaninac regularly to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

Clipping overgrown claws, checking between toes for debris, and cleaning out ears should be started from puppyhood and continued regularly throughout their life.

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The Šarplaninac is a breed that requires a confident and experienced trainer. They respond best to fixed commands and repetition, so consistency is key.

Their stubborn nature means they can be challenging to train, but with persistence and a firm hand, they can excel in various tasks. They are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but only if provided with suitable training.

A dominant handler who is firm and fair is essential for this breed, as they can be wilful at times. They need a trainer who won't yield to their obstinacy, or they'll take advantage of the situation.

Once trained, Šarplaninac can be disciplined and trustworthy, making them a valuable asset in various settings. Their history of being used by military forces is a testament to their ability to learn and follow commands.

The Albanian Mountain Dog is a type of dog that's closely related to the Sharr Mountain Dog. They're both part of the same mountain dog family.

They originated in Albania and are known for their thick coats, which help them withstand the harsh mountain climate. Their coats can be a variety of colors, including white, black, and brown.

They're a medium-sized dog, with males weighing around 60-80 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, weighing around 50-70 pounds.

They're intelligent and energetic dogs, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They're also loyal and protective of their families, making them great companions for active families.