# Tornjak Also known as: Bosnian-Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog, Bosnian Shepherd Dog, Croatian Mountain Dog, Bosanski Ovčar, Hrvatski Pas Planinac, Dinarci - **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2) - **Size:** Large - **Origin:** Bosnia and Herzegovina - **Height:** 60–70 cm - **Weight:** 30–45 kg - **Life expectancy:** 10–13 years - **Temperament:** Calm, Protective, Affectionate, Alert, Sturdy - **FCI standard:** No. 355 A thickly coated mountain guardian from the Balkans, the Tornjak is a calm, watchful protector of flocks and family that is gentle at home and decisive when a threat appears. ## Overview The Tornjak is a large livestock guardian dog from Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring Croatia. It belongs to the family of molosser-type mountain dogs that also includes the Šarplaninac and the Bucovina Shepherd. On a quiet day it looks relaxed, almost indifferent, yet it never stops watching. With its people it is warm and loyal, and it has long been valued as a tough, dependable working partner in the mountains. ## History Written mentions of dogs like the Tornjak reach back many centuries, with clergy in Đakovo describing intelligent, restrained guardians in the 1300s and 1700s. They travelled with the Vlach shepherds who moved flocks between seasonal pastures. As nomadic sheep herding faded, the dogs became scarce. In the early 1970s a group of cynologists set out to find dogs matching the old descriptions, and organised breeding began in 1978 from local working shepherd dogs. The breed reached the UK in 2013. ## Appearance The Tornjak is a big, slightly square dog with solid bone yet an agile, easy gait. The long, very dense coat forms a full mane around the neck and heavy breeches on the thighs, while the face and legs carry shorter hair. The feathered tail is carried like a flag when the dog moves. It is nearly always particoloured, with white as the main colour and patches of any colour on the head, neck and legs. These markings once helped shepherds tell their dogs apart from sheep and wolves. ## Temperament Adults are calm and peaceful, rarely nervous and never aggressive without reason. With family they are affectionate, and they get along well in a group of dogs. Toward strangers and other animals they are reserved rather than hostile. When something truly threatens their flock or home they become bold and tenacious. They learn quickly, remember well and are generally easy to train with a fair, consistent hand. ## Care and exercise Exercise needs are moderate. Long off-lead walks and play with other dogs suit them, though a short walk on a busy day is acceptable. Avoid hard exercise while a puppy is still growing, up to about a year. The thick coat needs regular brushing, especially through moulting. They cope with snow and cold very well but need space, a secure fence and early socialisation, as they are natural guardians. Check local rules, since the breed is banned in Denmark. ## Health The Tornjak is generally a hardy, robust breed. As with other large dogs, hip and elbow problems and bloat can occur, so measured exercise during growth and sensible feeding routines are wise. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 3 - Exercise needs: 3 - Grooming: 3 - Shedding: 4 - Trainability: 3 - Barking: 3 - Good with children: 4 - Good with other dogs: 3 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/tornjak Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornjak · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39133 Photo: Unknown author (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bosniantornjak.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.