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The Karst Shepherd or Kraševec
A concise and vivid description of the breed's characteristics vas provided in 1689 by the historian Janez Vajkard Valvasor in The Glory o f the Duchy o f Carniola. Later it was described by many other, mainly German, writers. A detailed account of the development of the Kraševec breed was given in 1925 by the greatest Slovene dog expert, Dr Ivan Lovrenčič, in his study of the breed. The breed experienced a rapid development and international recognition after 1968, thanks to international judges Teodor T. Drenig, Janez Hojan, Miroslav Zidar and Ivan Božič, while the breeder who made the greatest contribution was Ivan Kupčič. From 1924, when there were 18 puppies a year, the number increased to around 100 in 1968 and to more than 400 a year in the 1980s. There are some litters in Germany and Italy as well. Today there are more than 1000 Karst Shepherds throughout Slovenia; with the highest concentrations in Maribor, Slovenska Bistrica and in and around Ljubljana. To its owner it is a friendly companion and a reliable guard dog. |
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Description
In general, the Karst Shepherd makes a good protective dog, a reliable and independent guard dog, an average hound, a poor retriever, but still an excellent sheepdog. If we are prepared to accept its behavioural logic and treat it as a kind of partner, then the path to successful training is secured. Any attempts at subordinating it too much can back-fire and we will loose an opportunity to train an obedient dog. In general, they are far more reliable guard dogs than other breeds. That fact that over 100 Karst Shepherds have won one or several titles as nominee, national or international champion, more than 10 international champions and that 50 have passed the service dog exams testify that the Kraševec is an established and quality breed. Together with the four breeds o f hounds, the Kraševec is part of a rich natural and national heritage and dogbreeding tradition which is celebrating its 76th anniversary of organised operation Slovenian Kennel Club. Source:
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This page compliments of Marisa Ciceran Created: Monday, October 28,
2002; Last updated:
Monday, March 26, 2007
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The Karst Shepherd is a Slovene Natural Treasure and the oldest indigenous
breed. It was internationally recognised in 1939 as the Illyrian Shepherd, and then again
under the current name of "Kraševec" in 1968. The breed is several centuries
old and has been used as a sheepdog in the Slovene Karst area, mainly around Pivka. The
ancestors of the Kraševec were described by internationally-renowned explorer, Prof.
Strebel, as a link between the Greek Molos and the German Shepherd. He mentions the
possibility of a Latin origin, via the Pompeii dog. It is more likely, however, that it
was brought to the Karst area by the Illyrians with their sheep herds via the Dalmatian
islands and Istria. The Greek Molos interbred with other sheepdog breeds in the wider
area, such as the Caucasian and Romanian sheepdogs or the Mačedonian sheepdog or
Šarplaninec. The Kraševec has long been regarded as a good flock guard and remains so
even today when, like most working dogs, it is more of a companion and friendly family
member. 
As a sheepdog it is independent and brave but also prudent and reliable; with a very
stable personality; it does not tolerate subordination well and likes to be an equal
partner; it responds best to intelligent, patient but consistent
training. Any pressurising will lead to rejection and distancing. Timely and correct
training is crucial.