The Spotlight shines on one of the rarest breeds competing in League this season – the Croatian Sheepdog. The breed is in the AKC Foundation Stock Service, moving towards recognition. Liya hails from her home country of Croatia, and her owner, Lorie, was inspired to get the breed because of her own heritage. Her father is Croatian. Liya has earned the Excellent level AKC Agility titles and competes in League on the Fast Paws team in Florida. Lorie tells us more about this athletic breed.
Call name: Liya (lee-ya)
Breed: Croatian Sheepdog
Age: 3 years
Registered name: Buona Splitsko Dalmatinska AX AXJ XF CA DCAT ACT1 ACT1J
Owner name: Lorie Grgurch
City/State: Daytona Beach, FL
League Team name and division: Fast Paws – Regulation Senior
How did you discover this breed and what attracted you to them?
My father is Croatian. One day I just decided to research dog breeds indigenous to Croatia and stumbled upon this cute curly breed. After researching the characteristics, I knew this was the new breed for me. My husband, who is Hungarian, was able to find a few reputable breeders within Croatia as I was having no luck on the American search engines. What was most important to me is that the Croatian breeders are very passionate and protective about the breed, striving to preserve it as best as possible. I hope they succeed!
Tell us a little about the breed’s history.
The Croatian Sheepdog came with the Croats during the migration in the Seventh Century AD, and it has been bred in Croatia continuously since then. The first written proofs of this breed appear as early as the 14th Century. They are described as black, covered with medium length curly or wavy black hair. The hair on the head and legs is short, and ears are pricked. The average height is generally between 16-20 inches and weight, 30-45 pounds. They excel at herding and protecting all farm animals.
How did you decide to train Liya in agility and how has she been to train in the sport?
Liya is a very smart dog who catches on quickly to what her human is requesting of her therefore, I was confident that she may someday excel in agility. Liya has been somewhat of a challenge to train as she is very environmentally aware of her surroundings. At times she is easily distracted but, once she is focused: Game-on!
What should people know if considering this breed?
The Croatian Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed. They require socialization. They are working dogs that look for constant interaction and contact with humans. If neglected or are not provided enough attention or activities with running and movement daily, they will bark and bark a lot. They have a keen and well-developed prey drive that needs to be put under control at an early age. This is a breed for healthy and very active humans. They will go above and beyond to please their owner when provided the required attention and exercise.
Does she do other sports?
Liya absolutely loves Fast CAT, hence the strong prey drive! She loves the water however, not crazy about dock diving. Although we haven’t yet tried Barn Hunt, I have a good feeling that she would excel in that as well. Maybe that’ll be next on our agenda.
What is the favorite reward?
Liya loves her ‘special’ cookies however, nothing and I mean nothing compares to her ‘Tucker-Toy,’ aka Flirt Stick. That’s always her go-to! I can’t leave home without it!!
What is your favorite part about being on a League team?
I think the camaraderie that our team shares is my favorite part of being on a League team. We strive to do our best for our teammates.
Future goals?
Invitationals here we come! The environment may be a bit too much for Liya right now but, we’ll try our best! We’ve dabbled a bit in herding, and she’s catching on so, we’ll see about that too.