The Karst Shepherd is an original breed that is native to Slovenia. It has had multiple names over the years including Istrian Sheepdog, Krasky Ovcar, and Krasevec. Yet its names are of no concern to us, we only care about whether the Karst Shepherd is the best choice for us or not.
Below this point we have collected essential information about the Karst Shepherd. You will find info on its diet, its history and its traits. Hopefully all the detailed info will help you in making the best decision.
Karst Shepherd History
The Karst Shepherd is so old that even the dinosaurs would call it a grandpa. Maybe that’s over exaggerating. Nevertheless even experts have not been able to determine the actual age of the Karst Shepherd. Its conception though is believed to have taken place somewhere around Pivka. According to some experts the Karst Shepherd does have links to the German Shepherd and the Molos.
Others believe that the breed is related to its ancestors from the Ilyan side of things. Nevertheless the breed is believed to have multiple plausible gene lines. The main purpose of the breed has always remained as a livestock dog. It is strong enough to protect and control livestock efficiently. The Karst Shepherd has been grouped with multiple other breeds throughout its long history. It has yet to be accepted by the AKC.
Karst Shepherd Characteristics
The Karst Shepherd has certain set rules regarding its physical proportions. The Karst Shepherd will usually have a medium sized body. The muscle definition is bound to be high because of its athletic nature. The Karst Shepherd will have long ears and round eyes. The eye color will mostly be the usual brown and amber. The coat of the Karst Shepherd will be dense and long. The colors that the Karst Shepherd will usually sport include Grey and shades of Grey.
How Big do Karst Shepherd Get
As stated above the Karst Shepherd is a medium sized breed with heavy muscles. The height range for males of this breed will be 22 to 25 inches. The females will be 21 to 24 inches tall. Usually the weights for both genders remain the same. Both the males and females will be 58 to 88 lbs heavy.
How Long Does Karst Shepherd Live
This sweet guy will have to face a few problems in its lifetime. Due to that its lifespan is reduced comparatively. The Karst Shepherd will normally live between 10 to 12 years of age. The lifespan of this breed will be hard to increase, but nothing is impossible. With the right mindset and effort you can give your buddy a longer life.
How Much Does a Karst Shepherd Cost
Boy oh boy the Karst Shepherd doesn’t come cheap. If you want a normal puppy it will cost you a minimum of 1000 dollars. You should keep in mind that the health of this breed won’t be anything significant. The price can go up to a few more thousand dollars based on the quality of its health. We recommend going for adoptive processes. Not only will it cost you less, but you will also give a puppy the warmth of a family.
Karst Shepherd Temperament/Personality
The Karst Shepherd is a family friendly breed. It will also be friendly with other pets, if it has been conditioned to not hurt animals. Otherwise it is quite oppressive. Strangers will have a hard time getting on its good side. The reason for that is the over protectiveness of the Karst Shepherd. You won’t have to worry about it hurting your family. If you are trying to get a good guard dog then the Karst Shepherd is a prime candidate.
Training it won’t be easy. It requires diligence, firmness and a hard dose of ethics. If you don’t have experience then this isn’t the breed for you. Even for experts we recommend taking the aid of a Dog Training Book and a few tasty Dog Treats. There are no substitutes to these options, unless you can afford classes.
Caring for Karst Shepherd
Like very breed the Karst Shepherd deserves the love and care of its humans. It is your responsibility to keep the Karst Shepherd as happy as possible by understanding what the Karst Shepherd needs.
Karst Shepherd Nutrition
Medium size means moderate tummy space. We recommend giving the Karst Shepherd nothing more than three cups. You could give it some healthy food like Eukanuba Dog Food or Iams Dog Food. For more choices and options you can look at the Dog Food section. You can give it anything as long as it’s not chocolate or alcohol.
How to Groom a Karst Shepherd
The Karst Shepherd requires the right amount of grooming. You will have to brush its coat at least two times per week. To prevent any additional matting or tangles you should brush its coat even more times. You will also have to bathe the Karst Shepherd after about a month or two. Brushing its teeth is also of vital importance. You should also trim its nails after every two to three weeks.
Karst Shepherd Activity Levels
The Karst Shepherd will usually require about 40 to 50 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. You should keep the Karst Shepherd as engaged as possible. It genuinely doesn’t have a good track record of sitting idle. Try to keep it immersed and depleted of pent-up energy.
Caring for Karst Shepherd
The first thing apart from the usual routines is keeping it safe from the sun. The Karst Shepherd will warm up quicker than a Terminator on the hunt for Sarah O’Connor. You should really limit your work out sessions to the evenings or early mornings. You should also keep its ears as clean as possible.
Karst Shepherd Health
The good thing about being a pure breed is the exemption from serious medical conditions. You could even call it a privilege from nature. The Karst Shepherd will have almost no medical predispositions or weaknesses. You can expect it to stay as healthy as possible. Yes with age some problems will affect its health, but other than that it will be fine. Specifically speaking, Hip Dysplasia and Joint problems will become greater problems.
You should still keep an eye on its diet and health. Honestly you can never be too sure or safe. One moment everything’s fine and then boom it hits you. We recommend an active, prepared stance. You should be ready to keep its health in check by taking it to the vet as often as possible.
Breeds Similar to Karst Shepherd
Best Dog Food For Karst Shepherds
The best dog food for Karst Shepherds is Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb & Barley Recipe. The savory recipe is best for oral health, brain development, vision, etc. The complete health formula of this recipe contains tasty lamb, menhaden fish meal, peas, etc.
- For vegetables, there are tomatoes, peas, carrots, etc.
- It features a 2:1 protein and fat ratio.
- The oatmeal heals the wound faster.
Best Puppy Food For Karst Shepherds
The best puppy food for Karst Shepherds is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food. Its crunchy kibbles sharpen the teeth of your Karst Shepherd puppy and keep the gum healthy. Ingredients like chicken, fish, eggs, peas, tapioca, etc., fill the body with wolf-inspired energy.
- This is the most high-protein recipe in the market.
- Its fish oil improves brain functions and provides ARA support.
- Designed for cognitive development, the recipe combines preserving products like tocopherol.
Best Dog Bed For Karst Shepherds
The best dog bed for Karst Shepherds is FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. Its rectangular shape allows the Karst Shepherd to sleep freely, and it has a nicely printed sleeping surface. The cushiony foam lets the dog climb on it easily, and dogs can jump on it as much they want.
- The washable dog bed provides orthopedic benefits.
- Its insulating layer keeps the bed warm in winter and cools in summer.
- In no case, your Karst Shepherd should chew this bed.
Best Dog Crate For Karst Shepherds
The best dog crate for Karst Shepherds is Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate. The green and black crate have black patches on the corners. Made with extra strong steel, the crate is well-ventilated, and it features heavy-duty zippers.
- The durable pet home is compatible with any car seat.
- Its climate control window can be rolled up.
- There are two doors on adjacent sides and one on top.
Best Dog Harness For Karst Shepherds
The best dog harness for Karst Shepherds is PetSafe 3 in 1 Reflective Dog Harness. It has two loops, and all the accessories are silver colored. The elegant dog harness has white stitching to enhance visibility, and the opposite side of the harness is black-colored.
- The three-in-one harness has a rear leash attachment system and control handle.
- It discourages pulling and helps the dog run freely.
- The harness has only straps, no additional fabric.
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