Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina
Male: 35-45 kg, Female: 30-40 kg
Male: 62-70 cm, Female: 58-64 cm
11-13 years
Former Yugoslavia (Sar Planina Mountain Range)
About the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina
The Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Sharplanina, is an ancient and formidable livestock guardian originating from the mountainous regions of the Balkan Peninsula. Renowned for its incorruptible courage and unwavering loyalty, this breed was developed to operate independently in harsh terrain, defending flocks against apex predators. It is a dog of great substance, possessing a calm yet watchful disposition that makes it a natural protector of its home and family. Physically, the Sharplanina is a sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a powerful frame and a dense, weather-resistant coat. While they are deeply affectionate and gentle with their 'pack,' they are naturally suspicious of outsiders and require a confident, experienced owner who understands the nuances of a guardian breed. They are not typical 'pet' dogs in the sense of being eager to please strangers, but rather dignified companions that thrive when given a sense of purpose and ample space to monitor.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
The Sharplanina is distinguished in the ring by its impressive, voluminous coat and a powerful, 'bear-like' head profile that exudes strength. Its movement is characterized by a long, reaching stride that is deceptively agile for its size, showing a steady, undulating gait.
Bred For
Livestock guardian dog (LGD) protecting sheep from large predators like wolves and bears.
Temperament
Devoted, courageous, independent, calm, and protective with a reserved nature toward strangers.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), and / (eyelid issues).
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily activity; they prefer long, steady walks or patrolling large properties rather than high-intensity play.
Grooming Needs
Moderate to high; requires regular brushing to manage the dense double coat, especially during seasonal shedding periods.
Living Suitability
can adapt to apartment livings. Requires a large, securely fenced yard or acreage to accommodate their patrolling instincts and size.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children in their own family, but should be supervised due to their size and protective nature.
Good with Other Pets
Can be dominant with other dogs; usually accepting of household pets if raised with them, but has a strong guardian instinct.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent and strong-willed; they require consistent, patient training rather than repetitive drills.
Coat & Colours
Long, thick, and coarse double coat with a dense undercoat.. All solid colors are acceptable, ranging from white to dark brown (nearly black), but iron grey is most common.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
As a deep-chested giant breed, the Sharplanina is more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)—this doesn't mean every dog will, but feeding smaller meals and avoiding exercise around mealtime is a wise precaution. Their dense double coat means they are heavy shedders, particularly twice a year when they 'blow' their coat, requiring extra vacuuming and grooming. While they are calm indoors, their territorial nature means they are prone to vocalising at perceived threats near the property boundary, which may bother close neighbours. Because of their history as independent guardians, they can be predisposed to stubbornness; however, this is simply a reflection of their intelligence and ability to make decisions without human prompts. Early and continuous socialization is vital to ensure their protective instincts remain manageable. Like many large breeds, they can be susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, so maintaining a lean weight via a fresh food diet is essential for joint longevity. They may also exhibit moderate slobber after drinking or when anticipating food, though generally less than many other mastiff-type breeds.
Feeding Guide for Your Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina
Healthy Weight
35-45 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
800-1200 grams
A raw diet should focus on high-quality proteins like beef and lamb. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. Include 10% edible bone and 10% organ meat.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
High-protein diet rich in natural fats and essential minerals, ideally via fresh or raw whole foods to support lean muscle mass and joint health.
An ideal raw diet for a Sharplanina should prioritise Majestik’s grass-fed beef or lamb to provide the energy required for a large-framed guardian. Incorporating kangaroo is excellent for maintaining a lean weight. Given their predisposition to joint issues, inclusion of green-lipped mussel or naturally occurring glucosamine from raw trachea or cartilage is beneficial. Always ensure the diet is low in high-glycemic fillers to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
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Made in Two Wells, South Australia
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Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.