Tornjak Dog Breed Information

Tornjak (pronounced as torn-yak) is a large-sized, powerful, and muscular dog that is bred as sheepdogs. It is known by a different name as Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog, Croatian Mountain Dog, and Croatian Shepherd Dog.

It is not suitable in an apartment due to its large size and activity level. They should be kept in a house with a yard big enough for them to walk and play around.

Tornjak is a muscular dog with an almost square-shaped body. The bone is not light but also not overly heavy or course. It has a double coat where the outer coat is straight and long and the undercoat is woolly and dense. The eyes are large and almond-shaped in a brown color. Their chest is board and deep and the neck is strong.

Origin and History

The origin of the Tornjak is Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Croatia. the first written documents of this breeds date back to the 9th century, where the measurements and the personality traits of the Tornjak were shown. The studies on these breeds have discovered that it is more likely descended from Tibetan Mastiff. It was bred as a mountain dog that guard and protects livestock from the predators.

The American Kennel Club has kept Tornjak in the Foundation Stock Service (as of April 2019), which is the first step of recognition. It has assigned the breed in the working group destination. The United Kennel Club has recognized this breed in August 2011.

Is Tornjak Child-Friendly?

Tornjak is very affectionate and loving towards children as they are playful with them and at the same time protective of them. Therefore they make both playmates and protector of the children. They are gentle with both family and visiting kids.

Small children should always be supervised as they have a big body that might get knock on small children and injure them.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the Tornjak is calm, devoted, and protective. They love their family and are very protective of them. It is generally not an aggressive dog, but if it senses some threats coming towards its family, they become aggressive and try to defend them.

They make a great guard dog and also a companion as they are playful with family members.

Behavior: The Tornjak is very emotional with its family and thrives their company. If they are left alone for a long period of time without any family members interaction, they might be depressed. They are very suspicious of strangers and do not trust guest easily. Therefore, introduce the guest properly to your Tornjak before entering the house.

Personality: The personality of the Tornjak is courageous, intelligent, and friendly. They are very protective of their family and do not get afraid to stand if they sense any danger. It is a friendly dog, so makes a great companion for a solely living owner.

Trainability

Training Tornjak is not for a novice or an inexperienced dog owner. They need a leader who can train them with firmness and consistency. Train them gently, without being harsh on them, as harsh treatment can scare them and they may not be able to focus on training. Use positive methods of training by rewarding them with delicious treats and vocal praises. A gentle pat on the back will also motivate and encourage them.

Facts

• In the beginning, the Tornjak was registered as Kanis Mountain dog but the local people gave the name ‘Tornjak”. ‘tor’ means enclosure of sheep and cattle.
• This breed existence in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past thousand years, which can be proven with the written documents. There are not many breeds to have a written document this old.
• Tornjak is fond of snow and can be often found laying on the ground to get covered by the snow.

Health Issues

The average life expectancy of the Tornjak is between 12-14 years. They might suffer from the following possible canine diseases in those years:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is very common in the larger breed of dogs. So, Tornjak is also a possible breed that can face this situation. This is caused mainly due to genetic where the hip joints are either dislocated or underdeveloped. If it gets serious, there will be a sharp pain on the back of your dog, causing them difficult to move from one place to another. Therefore, a timely treatment after a vet consult is recommended.
• Elbow Dysplasia: It is caused due to the disturbance in elbow joints, where the elbow joints are not developed properly. It is caused due to genetic, low exercise, improper diet, or trauma. Consult a vet for treatment before it gets into a serious condition.

Colors

The Tornjak come in following colors and markings according to American Kennel Club:

• White
• Black and Tan markings
• Black markings

Puppies

Height and Size: The average height of the Tornjak is between 23-28 inches. The average weight is between 62-110 pounds.

Cost: The average cost of the Tornjak puppy is between $600-$800 USD. The adoption of a Tornjak puppy will cost less then buying from a breeders, which is around $300 USD.

Dog Breeds Similar to Tornjak

• Caucasian Shepherd Dog
• Kuvasz
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• Croatian Sheepdog
• Pyrenean Mastiff

Visit Doglime for more information about dog breeds history, behavior, training, puppies, and cost

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