Sarplaninec
Exploring the pasture
There's lots more to a Sarplaninac than just owning it.
Sarplaninac Breeding
- Thread starter KaleighMaeA
- Start date
There's lots more to a Sarplaninac than just owning it.
Hi everyone my name is Zoran and I'v been living and working with Sharplaninatz dogs for a very long time. My personal opinion is that Shars are not going to benefit from trying to make them "easy to attain ". They are not for everybody , and that includes farmers as well. Before planing a litter one has to make sure that new homes are suitable for this breed, if new home is going to be a farm, I would like to know how much farmer knows about raising and working with LGD . Making them " attainable" is not going to educate farmer on the ways to prevent bad habits to be developed , it is not going to educate farmers on different bloodlines and what to expect from them. Making them " attainable" could also make them very " disposable" .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR04WlWv-G4
Here is a short video of my dogs playing in the morning
I hope you enjoy it...
Here is a short video of my dogs playing in the morning
I hope you enjoy it...Hi!
I just happened upon this site, and had to write my two cents worth!
I live in Montana and own a registered white Sarplaninac female. Her name is Vara and I purchased her from a wonderful, well respected breeder in Canada (Grazerie.com). They actively use their dogs as guardians for their sheep and cows. They take pride in thier breeding program and offer a great support system for new owners. Although we do have some livestock, Vara is a beloved family pet and we purchased her to be just that. My husband spent a year in Kosovo and "discovered" this breed and many years later, we finally found one to join our family. Vara is not used as a guardian dog (although she could do the job well.). (Vara's UKC registered name is: Grazerie's Zima Utvara).
I have shown, bred and raised other AKC breeds and have also owed "pound puppies". I can honestly say that I have NEVER owned a more loving, calm, family dog than Vara. She has never shown aggression towards any people. However, I believe all dogs should be properly socialized and trained according to their purpose in life. In truth, Vara will be more standoffish towards strangers unless we give her encouragement to meet them. And that is how it should be. She is never viscious or aggressive. Would she protect us if we were threatened?...probably...but she is never "out of control" or unstoppable.
It is true that this breed is more independent than other breeds and given the job they were bred to do--that should be expected. Our Vara has all the basic commands, always comes when she is called and spends most of her with us indoors or out. She even loves to retrieve balls (which surprised her breeder!). Outside she will run and play, and once we bring her inside, she quietly lays near us unless we want to play.
My dream is to breed her when she turns two, but only to a conformationally correct male who best represents the breed standard and who will be registered. I hope to find a grey male with similar affectionate traits to breed Vara to as well. Being in Montana, we are somewhat isolated when it comes to finding other Sarplaninac breeders, close enough to find a quality male.
Yes, this breed can be expensive, are harder to find and I guess that's OK with me. So many AKC breeds have been dramatically changed in type and have moved away from the working standard due to "popularity". People who breed should be selecting the best possible compatible breeding combinations to enhance and protect the breed from major change. In regards to the cost, I had to save my money to purchase Vara, but she has been worth every penny. Sometimes when people don't invest in their 4 legged family members, they consider them disposable. Hence all the puppy mills, and over population issues.
However, with that being said, I am not writing this to say that I am opposed to folks who want to breed, that is a personal decision. Just make sure you have good homes for all the pups you bring into the world. Try to "pre-sell" the litter so you know that they will be loved.
I just wanted to write to let you all know that I own a Sarplaninac and LOVE her! It is a great breed, but probably not for everyone. Thanks for letting me share my story!
Becky from Montana
I just happened upon this site, and had to write my two cents worth!
I live in Montana and own a registered white Sarplaninac female. Her name is Vara and I purchased her from a wonderful, well respected breeder in Canada (Grazerie.com). They actively use their dogs as guardians for their sheep and cows. They take pride in thier breeding program and offer a great support system for new owners. Although we do have some livestock, Vara is a beloved family pet and we purchased her to be just that. My husband spent a year in Kosovo and "discovered" this breed and many years later, we finally found one to join our family. Vara is not used as a guardian dog (although she could do the job well.). (Vara's UKC registered name is: Grazerie's Zima Utvara).
I have shown, bred and raised other AKC breeds and have also owed "pound puppies". I can honestly say that I have NEVER owned a more loving, calm, family dog than Vara. She has never shown aggression towards any people. However, I believe all dogs should be properly socialized and trained according to their purpose in life. In truth, Vara will be more standoffish towards strangers unless we give her encouragement to meet them. And that is how it should be. She is never viscious or aggressive. Would she protect us if we were threatened?...probably...but she is never "out of control" or unstoppable.
It is true that this breed is more independent than other breeds and given the job they were bred to do--that should be expected. Our Vara has all the basic commands, always comes when she is called and spends most of her with us indoors or out. She even loves to retrieve balls (which surprised her breeder!). Outside she will run and play, and once we bring her inside, she quietly lays near us unless we want to play.
My dream is to breed her when she turns two, but only to a conformationally correct male who best represents the breed standard and who will be registered. I hope to find a grey male with similar affectionate traits to breed Vara to as well. Being in Montana, we are somewhat isolated when it comes to finding other Sarplaninac breeders, close enough to find a quality male.
Yes, this breed can be expensive, are harder to find and I guess that's OK with me. So many AKC breeds have been dramatically changed in type and have moved away from the working standard due to "popularity". People who breed should be selecting the best possible compatible breeding combinations to enhance and protect the breed from major change. In regards to the cost, I had to save my money to purchase Vara, but she has been worth every penny. Sometimes when people don't invest in their 4 legged family members, they consider them disposable. Hence all the puppy mills, and over population issues.
However, with that being said, I am not writing this to say that I am opposed to folks who want to breed, that is a personal decision. Just make sure you have good homes for all the pups you bring into the world. Try to "pre-sell" the litter so you know that they will be loved.
I just wanted to write to let you all know that I own a Sarplaninac and LOVE her! It is a great breed, but probably not for everyone. Thanks for letting me share my story!
Becky from Montana
My name is Eric I have 2 shara female dogs. I live on a 30 acre hobby farm, and have a fully functional 100 acre farm that I work, but do not live on. My wife and I have always had several dogs usually not of the working variety but rescue dogs etc. at one time we had 9. All our dogs have always been large breed dogs and over the past 5 years our youngest dog a Lab named Cinnamon was all we had left. Unfortunately like all of us old age had caught up with all my dogs. My wife was so heart broken it took everything I had to convince her to acquire another dog. After a lot of research and I mean a lot of research I talked her into a shar. With our lifestyle, personalities our 1st shar was a perfect fit in our family. We loved her so much that 6 months later we acquired another, not just for us but for our first shar to have some extra company as well.
I read on here about a person who wants to create mixed breed of these dogs to make them more affordable and accessible to people. Why this may be considered with the best of intentions, remember what the road to hell is paved with. There are several problems with this type of irresponsible breeding practice. First, by creating a mixed breed you are creating nothing more than a mutt. While I haved owned several mutts and loved them as much as any dog I have had, if I desire a dog of this nature shelters and local pounds are full of them. Over population of mixed breed animals is a major problem and this would only add to the problem. Second while my wife and I have fallen in love with this breed ( we willnhave nothing but shars from now on) this breed is not for everyone. These dogs require more than a small back yard. These are very large independent dogs that require a firm hand and experienced pet owner. If you are going to contribute to the canine population you should do so with the intention of preserving characteristics of a breed. This is not accomplished with mixed breeding. In regards to the price of the animals, you have to ask yourself are trying to take advantage of the rarity of these animals to make a quick buck? The prices are high at the moment mainly because to avoid line breeding the few responsible breeders that are in the U.S. have had to import many of their dogs. If you visit a responsible breeder and see their facilities you will soon realize that they are not in it for the money. They are lucky if they turn a profit at all.
That being said my wife and I are considering breeding a litter, and I mean considering it. We would only do it to advance the breed in this country. It may not work out and may never happen. If we do go forward it will be done with the utmost care and even though we haved raised and bred dogs (on occasion) we would enlist the help and advise from an experienced responsible shar breeder. I know there aren't a lot of breeders out there, but they do exist and some of them have a vast knowledge of this breed. My two cents.
I read on here about a person who wants to create mixed breed of these dogs to make them more affordable and accessible to people. Why this may be considered with the best of intentions, remember what the road to hell is paved with. There are several problems with this type of irresponsible breeding practice. First, by creating a mixed breed you are creating nothing more than a mutt. While I haved owned several mutts and loved them as much as any dog I have had, if I desire a dog of this nature shelters and local pounds are full of them. Over population of mixed breed animals is a major problem and this would only add to the problem. Second while my wife and I have fallen in love with this breed ( we willnhave nothing but shars from now on) this breed is not for everyone. These dogs require more than a small back yard. These are very large independent dogs that require a firm hand and experienced pet owner. If you are going to contribute to the canine population you should do so with the intention of preserving characteristics of a breed. This is not accomplished with mixed breeding. In regards to the price of the animals, you have to ask yourself are trying to take advantage of the rarity of these animals to make a quick buck? The prices are high at the moment mainly because to avoid line breeding the few responsible breeders that are in the U.S. have had to import many of their dogs. If you visit a responsible breeder and see their facilities you will soon realize that they are not in it for the money. They are lucky if they turn a profit at all.
That being said my wife and I are considering breeding a litter, and I mean considering it. We would only do it to advance the breed in this country. It may not work out and may never happen. If we do go forward it will be done with the utmost care and even though we haved raised and bred dogs (on occasion) we would enlist the help and advise from an experienced responsible shar breeder. I know there aren't a lot of breeders out there, but they do exist and some of them have a vast knowledge of this breed. My two cents.
Vara,
My next step is to find a male with the features you describe. I am at at least 2 years from having a litter. But regardless if I have a litter or not I do plan on getting a nice male dog within the calendar year. Again we are used to having several dogs around and due to old age we lost everyone over the last 2 years. Our shars are 1 year old, and the other is just 4 months. But keep my contact information, I may be able to help you with a sire if you like him of course. I am working with an experienced breeder to help me find a good male. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgable, and is in the business for the dogs not money. My personal opinion you can tell the ones who love the breed they encourage responsible breeding and will help, those in it for the money discourage and make it difficult. I know the kennel you bought your oh from, it's a good kennel, one of the few. If we were ready for another puppy she offered one from a litter this spring that was just born. But we are not ready just yet so we are waiting till are youngest Luna is fully trained. She is a great dog just a our first was but as you know it takes time. We are excited at the prospect of having a litter since we have no kids We throw our attention to our dogs, but we want to take it slow and do it right. So we are a long time away from having a litter of our own. Our oldest who is a great dog does have a minor physical defect, entropy in her left eye. It's not serious and easily correctable with a very minor surgery. But because of this defect there will be no breeding for her. She is scheduled or that surgery and spay this month. So we must wit on Luna and make sure she conforms physically, which I do not see any problems with her. She has one trait in attitude that is a little different than most sharas though, most sharas are not overly affectionate, but this one is with one person.....me. From the first night I picked her up we bonded really close and it just hasn't left from her. Of course it would not leave me but I expected her to distance herself a bit as she matured but it won't happen. All dogs have different personalities and this one really loves me and I am grateful. She has a loyal but more normal attitude with my wife. That attitude is my biggest hang up with breeding her, not that the attitude is bad she is all shara with everyone and everything but me, I just don't know if I want to share!! Lol! I may keep the whole litter.
My next step is to find a male with the features you describe. I am at at least 2 years from having a litter. But regardless if I have a litter or not I do plan on getting a nice male dog within the calendar year. Again we are used to having several dogs around and due to old age we lost everyone over the last 2 years. Our shars are 1 year old, and the other is just 4 months. But keep my contact information, I may be able to help you with a sire if you like him of course. I am working with an experienced breeder to help me find a good male. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgable, and is in the business for the dogs not money. My personal opinion you can tell the ones who love the breed they encourage responsible breeding and will help, those in it for the money discourage and make it difficult. I know the kennel you bought your oh from, it's a good kennel, one of the few. If we were ready for another puppy she offered one from a litter this spring that was just born. But we are not ready just yet so we are waiting till are youngest Luna is fully trained. She is a great dog just a our first was but as you know it takes time. We are excited at the prospect of having a litter since we have no kids We throw our attention to our dogs, but we want to take it slow and do it right. So we are a long time away from having a litter of our own. Our oldest who is a great dog does have a minor physical defect, entropy in her left eye. It's not serious and easily correctable with a very minor surgery. But because of this defect there will be no breeding for her. She is scheduled or that surgery and spay this month. So we must wit on Luna and make sure she conforms physically, which I do not see any problems with her. She has one trait in attitude that is a little different than most sharas though, most sharas are not overly affectionate, but this one is with one person.....me. From the first night I picked her up we bonded really close and it just hasn't left from her. Of course it would not leave me but I expected her to distance herself a bit as she matured but it won't happen. All dogs have different personalities and this one really loves me and I am grateful. She has a loyal but more normal attitude with my wife. That attitude is my biggest hang up with breeding her, not that the attitude is bad she is all shara with everyone and everything but me, I just don't know if I want to share!! Lol! I may keep the whole litter.
Sarplaninec
Exploring the pasture
Hi Eric...
Can you tell me from who did you get your two Shars from?
I would love to see photos of them.
Becky...I would also like to see some photos of Vara.
Thanks,
Beck
Can you tell me from who did you get your two Shars from?
I would love to see photos of them.
Becky...I would also like to see some photos of Vara.
Thanks,
Beck
Hi!
Thanks for the post.
Vara is one year old and we won't breed until she is at least two. Vara is very affectionate, but then, we keep her with us and have fostered that trait in her. We spent a lot of time socializing her with people and other pets. We have become her "sheep". Haha! Shars can make very good family companions and it is not an undesirable trait. I am considering purchasing a non-related male pup. Unfortunately, Grazerie's new puppies are related to my girl. Their Dam is a full sister to Vara (just a year older). So, if I don't find a good stud with the calm demeanor (that we value), who is a good healthy representative of the Sarplaninac breed, then I will search for a male puppy that comes from a good, trustworthy breeder.
We love Vara so much. We have had alot of experience with breeding, showing and raising other AKC breeds. I didn't like the direction that so many of those breeds were going--to the point of breeding unsound dogs for the sake of looks. So, as my dogs/bitches got older, I stopped breeding. We also have had mixed breed dogs (still have one) that I rescued from the Humane Society. I love the fact that this breed is relatively free from puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders (so far). Non-popularity can be a good thing.
I will definitely keep you in mind. Good luck with your dog family.
Take care,
Becky
Thanks for the post.
Vara is one year old and we won't breed until she is at least two. Vara is very affectionate, but then, we keep her with us and have fostered that trait in her. We spent a lot of time socializing her with people and other pets. We have become her "sheep". Haha! Shars can make very good family companions and it is not an undesirable trait. I am considering purchasing a non-related male pup. Unfortunately, Grazerie's new puppies are related to my girl. Their Dam is a full sister to Vara (just a year older). So, if I don't find a good stud with the calm demeanor (that we value), who is a good healthy representative of the Sarplaninac breed, then I will search for a male puppy that comes from a good, trustworthy breeder.
We love Vara so much. We have had alot of experience with breeding, showing and raising other AKC breeds. I didn't like the direction that so many of those breeds were going--to the point of breeding unsound dogs for the sake of looks. So, as my dogs/bitches got older, I stopped breeding. We also have had mixed breed dogs (still have one) that I rescued from the Humane Society. I love the fact that this breed is relatively free from puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders (so far). Non-popularity can be a good thing.
I will definitely keep you in mind. Good luck with your dog family.
Take care,
Becky
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