Tornjak

Breed Group: working

"Flock or family, it’s all the same to me!"

Breed Profile

Tornjaks are sheep herding dogs originally bred in Bosnia. Bears and wolves won’t stand in the way of these dogs keeping their flocks or their families safe. Tornjaks are good-natured and easy to train. However, they won’t be distracted with performing silly tricks and such when there’s a job to do!

Behavior

Tornjaks are calm, affectionate companions with those they know. However, their life’s mission is to protect, so you can expect them to be suspicious of strangers. New people should be carefully introduced to your Tornjak so that they can accept the guest. When it comes to their guard-dog mentality, they are noble dogs who don’t go looking for a fight but won’t back down from one either.

Coat

Tornjaks have a thick coat that protects them from harsh conditions, meaning that they can comfortably sleep outdoors in the snow. To keep this dog's coat up to snuff, you should brush them weekly to remove dead hairs and reduce shedding.

Lifestyle

Tornjaks have worked on farms for ages, which is the ideal setting for these dogs, as they need space. How are they supposed to do their job protecting the territory, if there is no territory? Acreage is ideal for Tornjaks, but they can also be happy with a large backyard. Well-socialized Tornjaks are tolerant of other dogs and are sweet companions for children.

Activity

On a farm, Tornjaks will naturally tire themselves out. In other settings, you might have to be conscious about making sure these hardworking dogs are getting enough exercise. Long daily walks are recommended.

Characteristics

Space Needs

Activity Needs

Intelligence

Playfulness

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Watch Ability

Dog-friendliness

Child-friendliness

About the Tornjak

Originally from Bosnia, Tornjaks are large livestock guardians who protect their flocks and families at risk to their own lives. Fierce while guarding, Tornjaks are also calm, friendly family members. With a high IQ, these dogs are easy to train, but if you ask them to shake or roll over, you might be met with a questioning glance. They simply don’t see the point in doing meaningless tricks. They have better things to do with their time – like getting back to protecting the lives of everyone around them.