🐶 Dog · size Medium
Karst Shepherd
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)
Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Élevé
Origin
Slovénie qui existe depuis plusieurs sièc
Coat
Iron gray; towards belly and feet, light gray sand color, with dark gray brindle on
Maintenance
Élevé
Training
Très élevé
The Karst Shepherd is a herding dog originating from Slovenia that has existed for several centuries. The International Cynological Federation recognizes it under the name Kraski Ovcar.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Élevé
Trainability
Très élevé
Maintenance
Élevé
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of activity per day for balance.
- 4Regular grooming — brushing 3 to 5 times per week.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Karst Shepherd
Origins & history
A story told
This dog probably followed the Illyrian tribe in its migration through Istria and the Dalmatian islands. The breed and its standard were officially recognized on June 2, 1939 under the name "Illyrian Shepherd". In 1948, the standard was completed and the breed recognized again.
Character
Daily temperament
The Karst Massif Shepherd is a herding dog par excellence and a good guardian; today, it is increasingly used as a guard and defense dog; if, in recent times, it is mainly a family dog, it nonetheless remains in its essence a perfect herding dog. Of good character, courageous and valiant without being aggressive, very devoted to its master, with moderately lively temperament. An incorruptible good guardian, it is wary of strangers; a pleasant and obedient companion dog, while maintaining strong individuality.
Physical
Breed standard
The Karst herding dog is a medium-sized dog, harmonious, robust, endowed with well-developed musculature and a strong silhouette. The tail and ears are drooping. The coat, gray-steel in color, is long and abundant.
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Karst Shepherd of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of karst shepherd (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a karst shepherd ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a karst shepherd ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
221 g
per day · 839 kcal
111 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Karst Shepherd in our rankings
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Karst Shepherd
Is the Karst Shepherd suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Karst Shepherd?+
What is the life expectancy of a Karst Shepherd?+
Is the Karst Shepherd good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Karst Shepherd.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.