Data on the appearance of the Serbian protective dog, external norms of the species, the nature of the animal and its health, walking, diet, training, interesting facts. Puppy price. Serbian protective dogs have a very ancient history. With all their appearance, they show power and strength, from time immemorial they have served people. The dogs fought, guarded and defended. They will not lend or sell, you cannot bribe them with anything. This is an ancient, and at the same time very young breed, as recently revived again. And now, in their homeland, they cherish it like the apple of an eye.
Appearance data of the Serbian protective dog breed
Once upon a time, on the site of present-day Serbia, there was the ancient Roman city of Sirmium or Sirmium. Its importance in ancient antiquity was so great that the Roman historian and writer Amianus Marcellinus called this city the glorious mother of cities. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius loved to spend his time here. Nobody can say exactly how old this city is. The first buildings here were made by the Romans around the first century AD. Sixteen Roman emperors were born here. It was in this significant place that the history of the Serbian protective dog or serbian protective dog began.
These dogs are not much different from their relatives, the Serbian protective canines, which the Serbs have had from time immemorial and participated in the battle on the Kosovo field in 1389. It is believed that the ancestors of the breed were the fighting dogs of Alexander the Great. War dogs were used in Assyria and Babylonia. The Assyrians were the first to adapt dogs for combat purposes. They put on them shells with large spikes and directed them against the enemy cavalry.
Attempts to revive the breed were made at the beginning of the 20th century, before the First World War. But, then these experiments were not crowned with success. But at the end of the XX century, the Serbian protective dog still managed to revive. This was done through a complex crossing of several breeds: Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Bosnian Tornak, American Staffordshire Terrier and wolf. It is hard to believe in the involvement of the latter.
The selection of dogs for selection was very interesting. It would seem that the progenitors were selected for one single criterion - the worse the better. But, in fact, this is not entirely true. All these dogs are united, firstly, by tremendous physical strength, secondly, by insane devotion to their owner, and thirdly, they are quite easy to train. And most importantly, all these dogs are considered the descendants of the legendary Malossian dogs - pets of the Roman legionaries. So the selection of the progenitors was thought out well and carefully.
Modern SOPs were created by a wonderful person, herbalist Ninat Gavrilovich. In the eighties of the last century, he came up with an idea to revive the Serbian medieval dogs, and he successfully brought it to life. These dogs are currently not recognized by the International Cynological Federation. But, this is not an indicator that the breed is bad. She just hasn't settled down yet. In 1991, individuals turned out that were recognized in their homeland, in Serbia. In this country, most experts consider them part of the cultural heritage of the nation. But such a title is simply not given.
Description of the external norms of the Serbian protective dog standard
SOP belongs to the category of large dogs. It has a powerful structure, large bones and a muscular body. Height at the withers in males 59–70 cm and females 49–55 cm. Weight in males 65–75 kg and females 60–70 kg.
- Head impressive. The skull is large, flat, wide at the top. The frontal part is pronounced. A deep groove highlights the frontal lobes. The cheekbones are well muscled. The brows are developed.
- Muzzle - powerful, of moderate length, rectangular in shape. The bridge of the nose is wide. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smoothed out. Lips with dark pigmentation, voluminous, slightly loose. The flews hang down. The jaws are powerful. The dentition is developed, connects like scissors.
- Nose the dog is developed, rounded with wide nostrils. The lobe is colored black.
- Eyes Serbian guard dog of medium size, rounded, black-brown or light brown. The eyelids are not taut.
- Ears lie low, of medium size, always triangular in shape, hanging on cartilage. Can be docked shortly.
- Neck - of moderate length, erect, very powerful and muscular. The withers are very well developed. There is a dewlap under the neck.
- Frame - rectangular, powerful, muscular. The chest is large, widened and deep. Rounded ribs. The back is wide. The croup is muscular and voluminous.
- Tail - located high. Natural size is long. Can be cut short.
- Front legs - stable and powerful. The blades are well connected to the body. The hind ones are set slightly wider than the front ones with strong bones. Joints and articulations are harmonious.
- Paws - moderately large, in a lump.
- Coat Serbian protective dog is short, even and thick.
- Color can be black, gray, gray-blue or sand-beige, black-brindle, gray-brindle. Sand dogs have a black mask on their muzzles.
Typical behavior of the Serbian protective dog
SOPs are awe-inspiring for their appearance. They are powerful, strong and beautiful. From the first days of their appearance in your home, pets need early socialization. These are very serious dogs and they must adequately respond to everything that happens around them, to strangers and other animals. If this is not done, irreparable damage can occur. With proper training, Serbian protective dogs behave in a very balanced and dignified manner. They have a flexible mind and their occupations develop only for the better.
Dogs are devoted to their owners and love household members, especially children. But, it is not recommended to leave such dogs alone with small children. Serbian dogs are excellent protectors and guards. With such a dog in a house or apartment, no one will enter your territory. Despite their seriousness, dogs love to walk and play with all family members. They are mobile and love to frolic.
Serbian Protective Dog Health
Representatives of the SOP breed are powerful dogs, not only externally, but also internally. Their average life span can reach ten to twelve years. Genetic diseases inherent in them can be such as: hip dysplasia, volvulus and eye problems.
Dysplasia of the joints is characteristic of large animals with massive bones. Because of this, their musculoskeletal system is always under strong influence. Therefore, the tissue of their joints undergoes changes in whole or in part. Malfunctioning of the joints causes pain in the dog. The animal cannot move freely, and begins to limp, it is wrong to rearrange its paws when running.
It is possible to identify this pathology at the initial stage at an early age of the dog by means of X-ray examination. Dysplasia can be either hereditary or acquired. For example, due to excessive body loads or improper nutrition. The sooner you find the disease, the easier it can be cured. The late stages of dysplasia, it is practically impossible to cure completely. The animal remains disabled until the end of its days.
In the early stages, this defect can be treated conservatively. After examining the pet, the veterinarian prescribes physiotherapy procedures and medications that are taken orally. These are chondroprotectors for the restoration of joints, supplements that strengthen bone tissue, relieve inflammation and pain.
In addition, the breeder should completely rethink his dog's diet based on the doctor's advice. The pet must be prescribed therapeutic physical activity. Often the dog is taken for special massage manipulations. With bad symptoms of dysplasia, most often, after passing tests and an X-ray examination, an operation is performed.
Since the breed is large enough, its health implies, first of all, proper care and rearing from early childhood. Their skeletal system does not grow evenly and during its formation, the pet must receive all the necessary substances for normal development. These are not only complete foods, but also high-quality vitamins and minerals.
It also affects the normal growth of SOP not only what enters its stomach, but also external influences, that is, balanced physical activity. With an excess of them, you can cause irreparable harm to the animal. After all, imagine, when the muscles and ligaments are not yet fully formed, and you force the puppy to run unnecessarily, what a colossal load the dog's body must withstand. You have probably noticed more than once that on a walk, when a puppy gets tired, he stops, he often even has to be picked up and carried.
Do not forget that timely vaccinations will save the dog from many diseases. Don't ignore vaccinations, assuming that your dog already has a strong immune system and can handle it all. You cannot be completely sure how your pet's body will react to a particular virus. Better to be safe than wasting time and money on treating your four-legged friend. Until one year of age, there should be three scheduled vaccinations. And then, you will only vaccinate your dog once a year.
The dog's health is also promoted by procedures for the prevention of external and internal parasites, such as ticks, fleas and worms. Manipulations are carried out regularly. The dog is treated for parasites about once every three months.
How to care for Serbian protective dogs?
For all procedures, such serious dogs must be taught gradually, from an early age. Otherwise, you may have serious problems not only with the care of the SOP. A loved one should calmly react and allow his owner to do whatever is needed with him.
- Wool - short but thick. Therefore, when a dog changes its hairline, it must be brushed every day. For combing out, all kinds of devices made of rubber materials, for example, gloves, are perfect. But, you can comb out the dog with a thick brush. Pets are bathed quite rarely or with strong unplanned pollution. Of course, it will be easier to buy such a large dog on the street. But, this is possible in the presence of a private house and warm weather. It is better to buy means for "bath" of high-quality, well-known companies in order to avoid problems with the skin of the animal. Anything that has been applied to the wool during washing should be well rinsed off. To cleanse your dog without water, there are many different dry shampoos.
- Teeth dogs, that's what she eats. But, their condition is affected not only by food, but also by cleaning. To maintain their healthy condition, perform the manipulation at least once a week. For the prevention of plaque, dry food or pressed bones will help.
- Ears - it is necessary to clean only when dirty. The frequency of cleaning is individual for each dog.
- Eyes require attention only if dust or dirt enters them. Then they need to be wiped with a sponge soaked in an anti-irritant agent. A more serious problem requires an examination by a veterinarian ophthalmologist.
- Claws cut as soon as they grow back. If they are long, they will interfere with the pet, move freely. Excessive length of the horny plate is removed with clippers. Walking the dog on hard terrain facilitates grinding of the claws, and no intervention is required.
- Feeding muscular canines with large bones, requires good vitamin and mineral supplements. These dogs need a lot of calcium as they grow, as well as chondroprotectors for the health of their joints. Natural food is a lot of meat and a balance of fiber and slow carbohydrates. In order not to puzzle over its correct composition, in the modern world there are excellent ready-made feeds that were invented by professional specialists. They took into account everything that is necessary for large dogs at different times of their lives, from a puppy to old age.
- Walking these seemingly overweight dogs should imply active physical activity. Of course, this applies to adults. SOPs are mainly taken to dog training grounds. There, you can practice under the supervision of a dog handler or by yourself, if you already have some experience. You can go for morning or evening jogs with the dogs. It is also great to ride a bike accompanied by your four-legged pet. Serb puppies are loaded carefully and gradually. You need to take your pet out into the street at least two or three times a day.
Serbian Protective Dog Training
SOPs need to be trained. Particular attention is paid to their protective qualities. Serbian protective dogs are distinguished by tremendous strength, endurance, and, according to experts, an iron grip. The peculiarities of the breed include the fact that they need to be socialized from early childhood. Dogs show as many strangers as possible, small children, various situations, and other animals. Then they will be wonderful, intelligent and loyal guards. Otherwise, they can turn into crazy paranoid, and then the dog will become a headache for the owner.
You need to deal with them a lot. Serbian protective dogs have flexible brains. They are used to following all the commands of their owner. But, when educating, it is necessary to take into account that SOP is guided by one golden rule, you do not know - bite. That is why these dogs were bred. This is neither good nor bad, but a property of their character.
The general course of training for them is not just desirable, but obligatory. They must be able to obey the person. This is exactly the same skill. The master submits, and the pet obeys. You can't follow the dog's lead. On the street, the dog wants to pick up some muck or decides to show its protective qualities, which are inappropriate in this situation. Man should control the animal, and not vice versa.
Interesting facts about the Serbian protective dog
People have always wanted to defend themselves with the help of dogs, and Serbia is no exception. The breed is very serious. Sometimes its representatives are called incorrectly - Serbian fighting dogs. The definition of fighting is not in cynology. As a rule, dogs were bred for hunting guards or cattle rangers. The only dog that was bred for fighting with their own kind is the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Now on the territory of Serbia there are about two thousand Serbian protective dogs. On average, these dogs produce twelve puppies. But there was a case when in the kennel a bitch brought twenty-two puppies. And what is most interesting, they were all born healthy and survived.
In Serbia, as in the entire civilized world, there is a rule on keeping pets. Throughout Europe, they are advisory in nature, but there are laws that must be strictly observed. Recommendations include a provision for moving in the center of cities with large dogs that are muzzled. But, in principle, the owner decides everything because he is responsible for his animal.
Serbian Protective Dog Puppy Price
If you dream of these dogs, then come to Serbia and buy such a pet. They say that Serbian protective dogs are relatively inexpensive $ 300-600, and you will find out the more exact price at the place of purchase. If you buy them in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia or Slovenia, keep in mind that such a four-legged friend will cost several times more.
More useful information about the Serbian Protective Dog in the following video:
