Overview

The Karst Shepherd is a medium sized, compact sheepdog, of iron-grey color with a 10 cm long dense, double coat. The head is extremely noble with friendly, almond-shaped, dark-brown eyes and an amiable, rounded skull. It is slightly longer than its height, with a sabre-like tail that reaches at least to the hocks. The back is solid, straight; the chest of medium width and elbow deep with quite well-sprung ribs. Teeth: scissor-bite, dentition perfect. The iron grey color has two additional shades, toward silver grey or very dark grey. Some of the darker animals have characteristic stripes on the legs, a reminder of their ancestry.

The breed standard describes the dog as having a sharp temperament and strong individuality, distrustful of strangers. It's a good guard dog. Like all large dogs, the Karst Shepherd needs to be well socialized while very young, with people if the dog is to be a companion, and with livestock if the dog is to be a guardian. If the breed's background is taken into consideration, and if the dog is well socialized and trained, he may make a good family dog. Temperament of individual dogs may vary.