# Illyrian Shepherd

Also known as: Illyrian Dog
- **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2)
- **Size:** Large
- **Origin:** Balkans
- **Temperament:** Protective, Courageous, Loyal
- **Status:** Extinct

The Illyrian Shepherd is an extinct Balkan livestock guardian dog and the forerunner of the Šarplaninac, Karst Shepherd and Deltari Ilir.

## Overview

The Illyrian Shepherd was a mountain flock guardian of the Balkans that no longer exists as a distinct breed. Its name is also used for the Illyrian Hound, which is a different, scenthound-type dog.

Its importance lies in its descendants, which carry on the guardian tradition in several countries today.

## History

The Illyrian Shepherd is regarded as the predecessor of three modern breeds: the Šarplaninac, named after the Sharr Mountains, the Karst Shepherd from Slovenia, and the rare Deltari Ilir, accepted nationally in Kosovo and several other Eastern European countries.

## Appearance

No standard description survives. As the ancestor of the Balkan guardian breeds, it is thought to have been a large, sturdy, thick-coated mountain dog.

## Temperament

Like its descendants, it would have been a watchful, independent guardian devoted to the flock and wary of strangers and predators.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 4
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/illyrian-shepherd
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illyrian_dog · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8413492
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.