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KRASKY OVCAR |
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Nestled up against
the Alps of Italy and Austria is the northern border of Yugoslavia. The
area called Karst (or Kras) encompasses much of northern Yugoslavia, including
the Istrian Peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea. The local livestock-guarding
dog is closely related to the Sarplaninac of the south. Both the Karst
and the Sar are obviously related to the flock guards of Greece, Rumania
and the eastern Balkans.
Americans, looking
for examples of this breed in the late 1970s, were told that if any existed,
"all the[se] dogs were now only in the south" of Yugoslavia.
But their obituary was premature. A few lovers of this breed worked to
see it saved in its homeland, Europe and even in America.
Most of these
breeders were people of Yugoslavian descent who saw the Karst as a living
piece of their country's history. The FCI has now granted international
recognition to the breed.
The Krasky Ovcar
is only seen in the iron gray color, preferably with darker shadings on
the back and "spectacles" around the eyes. The ears are small
and set fairly high, hanging down in a flat v. The long tail is
heavy with hair, forming a flag. Muscles must be strong and well developed,
giving an impression of mammoth strength. Its leathery footpads enable
it to go over nearly impassable terrain and rocks.
A good domestic
dog, the Karst has been described as a cheerful, delightful companion.
He is wary of strangers and not easily won over, and these characteristics
combined with abundant courage make him an excellent guardian. He is smaller
and less aggressive than some of the other flock guards. Sporadically,
a specimen of the breed is exhibited at rare breed shows in America and
FCI events in Europe. The breed has not been promoted like the Sar for
livestock guarding in America, but it has served in that capacity in its
homeland for centuries.
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