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The Sarplaninac (Sharplaninatz) Yugoslav Sheepdog is probably the oldest breed in the Balkans, where it was used to guard the livestock and homes of people who lived on the slopes on Mount Shara, where the breed got its name. The Sarplaninac received full international recognition in 1939 as the Illyrian Sheepdog and was given its current name in 1957. Because of the harshness of the area in which it was developed, the Sarplaninac is a strong and hardy dog, with a large, bearlike head, muscular neck and powerful body. Its tail is long, bushy and curved like a saber. The Sarplaninac males stand 24 inches and over; females 22½ inches and over. The breed has a long, thick, rough coat and comes in shades from light cream to dark gray. The Sarplaninac is good natured and stable in temperament. It is extremely faithful to its master and is territorial and suspicious of strangers, making it an effective guard dog.

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