Description
The Tornjak is a huge guard dog breed with a square body shape, a deep chest, a long tail, and a thick double coat. It is also known as the Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Croatian Shepherd Dog. The fur of this proportionate and nimble breed often has a white background with black or tan patterns. The tail has a lot of hair on it, giving it the feathery appearance of a plume tail. as the dog is at rest, its tail hangs low; nevertheless, as it moves, it rises over the back.
Origin/History
In the slopes and valleys of this region, the Tornjak, also known as the Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Croatian Shepherd Dog, has been around since 1067. The Tibetan Mastiff and the Tornjak are said to be linked in a direct line. This breed toiled to defend its family and homeland against intruders, whether they were human or animal, and looked over flocks of sheep.
The Tornjak breed was in danger of going extinct by the 1970s. Breeders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia worked tirelessly to save it and gradually repopulate it. The Tornjak was reintroduced by 1978, and breeding initiatives kept the breed alive. In 2017, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), an international organisation, approved it. Currently, it is a part of the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club. Even now, the Tornjak is still very uncommon, especially outside of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Temperament
The Tornjak is a highly intelligent, trainable, and obedient dog. The serene demeanour and steady temperament of this breed combine to produce a being full of dignity and self-confidence. Tornjaks are warm-hearted people who are committed to their immediate family. These dogs are renowned for showering their owners with a lot of affection, yet they are notoriously suspicious of strangers, especially those they perceive as threats. This breed is courageous in the face of peril and aggressively defends its flock, so owners should be mindful of this. When necessary, the Tornjak reacts with prompt and appropriate ferocity, yet at home, it is chill and laid back.
Care
The Tornjak needs more instruction than exercise, similar to other guardian breeds. These big dogs are delighted to patrol their homesteads’ grounds every day. Although the grooming requirements of this breed are generally ordinary, tornjaks that live indoors will require more frequent brushings than those that reside outdoors watching over animals.
Exercise
Despite their size, tornjaks only require a modest amount of activity to remain happy and healthy. The recommended amount of exercise per day is 45 minutes. These dogs thrive on big, rural properties with lots of time spent outdoors and perform best when allowed to act according to their instincts. Tornjaks take pleasure in exploring new places while keeping a close eye on their families, pets, and other animals. These canines can accompany their owners on outdoor pursuits including swimming, hiking, and strolling.
Grooming
The lengthy, double coat of the Tornjak is very simple to maintain. Owners should maintain regular showers and weekly brush-outs. If your Tornjak spends a lot of time inside, frequent brushings may be preferred to lessen shedding within the home.
Like other dog breeds, tornjaks require regular cleaning of their ears, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors in inclement weather like rain and snow will probably need their ears checked more frequently to avoid moisture buildup, which can result in infections. If you observe any infection-related symptoms in your dog, such as redness, swelling, or an odd odour, clean the dog’s ears a few times each month and take him to the doctor.
Training
This breed is very intelligent and easily trained. Your Tornjak should start obedience training when he or she is a puppy, at around eight weeks old. They are capable of learning numerous tasks and pleased to complete them. Once they master the fundamentals, these canines succeed in more difficult training. The greatest way for owners to develop trust with these big, strong dogs is through positive reinforcement techniques.
It’s crucial for owners to give puppies plenty of early socialization because this breed is inherently wary of strangers. To help reduce aggression, socialize your Tornjak with unfamiliar dogs, cats, and people. This breed can develop into a discriminating but hospitable adult with the right socialization.
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