The Krasky Ovcar, known also as the Karst Sheepdog and Istrian Sheepdog is presently registered by the FCI(Group 2 - Flock Guard). Modern standard Weight: 55-88 pounds; Height: 20.5-24 inches (52-60cm). Coat is medium, dense and harsh, iron gray with shadings of light tan/cream on legs, black mask w/spectacles. Wary of strangers, but said to be more cheerful and less aggressive than some flockguardian breeds.
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The following description is excerpted from Working Dogs of the World by Clifford L.B. Hubbard Sidgwick&Jackson Limited London 1947
The Istrian Sheepdog
The Sheepdog of Istria, the peninsula in the north-east corner of the Adriatic Sea, is obviously a close relative to the Sheepdogs of Sparta, Rumania and the Eastern Balkans generally. It shows much of the ancient Mollossus in its makeup, particularly in its short muzzle and heavy bone formation.. The dogs are not by any means common, being usually kept by shepherds in the mountainous interior of the peninsula and seldom found on the seaboard. The race is not officially recognized by the Jugoslovenski Kinoloski Savez (the canine governing body of Yugoslavia) nor the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana(the cynological authority in Italy).
Description. The head is very broad with a pronounced occipital peak, and rather short foreface with a distinct "stop". The eyes are hazel brown and medium in size; the medium ears are set high, but hang down the sides of the head; the muzzle is very strong with extraordinarily large teeth. The body is well muscled all over, giving the impression of thick-set shoulders and prodigious strength. The chest is deep and wide, and the back rather long and broad to the loins;. the legs (like those of all Balkan breeds) are heavily boned, with large round feet and hard strong pads; the tail is set rather low, well covered with hair though not plumed, and carried low.
The coat is short and dense, and rather harsh in texture except on the face. In color it is any of the darker shades of grey, and sometimes black-and-tan...these are departures from the true type, however, but they nevertheless can be found up in the interior of the peninsula, especially near the mainland. The height is about 24-25 inches at the shoulders and weight about 80-90 pounds.
(c)1997 Flock&Family Guardian Network