The Tornjak dog breed originated in the countries of Bosnia and Croatia with the purpose of being a livestock guardian dog who thrives in mountain conditions and terrain. Today, people know this medium-sized breed for making loyal and sociable companions.

In some cases the breed is also called the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Croatian Shepherd.

Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop, whenever possible, if this is the breed for you.

Tornjaks benefit from being around people a lot. This breed will develop extremely strong ties to the humans in their life and will act to protect them if the situation arises. As befits the breed’s sheep guarding heritage, they really enjoy being outside and like to stay mentally stimulated. The breed is not very suitable for apartment dwellers or for people who are away from the home for most of the day.

See below for complete list of dog breed traits and further facts about Tornjaks!

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.

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Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!

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Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

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Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn't the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

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Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!

If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk.

If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses--or that bunny that just ran across the path--even if it means leaving you behind.

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

The very earliest mentions of the Tornjak breed of dog go all the way back to the 9th Century; although, it was only more recently during the 1970s that a rise in interest in the dog occurred.

The Tornjak was originally developed to be a livestock guardian dog for use in the mountain regions of Bosnia and Croatia, and their thick and wooly coat is designed to help keep it warm during harsh and cold conditions.

Some accounts of the Tornjak's heritage speculate that the breed is related to the Tibetan Mastiff; although, no definitive evidence has ever been discovered to back this claim up.

These days, the Tornjak is recognized by the American Kennel Club by virtue of being included in the organization's Foundation Stock Service category.

Most Tornjaks stand 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 to 110 pounds. Females are often noticeably smaller than male Tornjaks.

That said, some dogs can be smaller or larger than their breed average.

When people who have Tornjaks talk about the breed's personality, the first thing they remark on is usually along the lines of just how loyal and affectionate the dog is. Tornjaks love to be around the people in their life and will take on a protective guardian role.

The breed is strong and athletic but also has a laid back temperament most of the time and enjoys hanging out with the family just as much as taking part in any extra intensive exercise sessions. Tornjaks are extremely smart dogs that tend to take well to training; although, you will need to make sure that the dog stays mentally stimulated so that they don't become bored.

In reward for meeting the needs of the Tornjak, you'll find yourself living with a super loyal and very affectionate dog who loves to feel like a key part of the family unit.

Tornjaks are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all Tornjaks will get any of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Some of the more common health problems Tornjaks suffer from include:

When it comes to caring for the Tornjak breed, it's important to provide enough outdoor time and exercise. Aim for at least 45 minutes of exercise and play time every day, and preferably more if at all possible.

The Tornjak is capable of athletic feats, but this is also a super smart breed of dog that will benefit from regular training sessions and the use of interactive toys to help keep mentally alert.

If you have private outdoor space to let your Tornjack hang out in, remember that this is an athletic dog who will require a large fence that cannot be scaled. Also remember that the Tornjak is a sociable dog who will not take well to being left outside in a yard on their own for large parts of the day.

Other needs for the Tornjak include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the accompanying bacteria. Daily is better.

Check your Tornjak's nails once a month and see if they need to be trimmed. Although, if a Tornjak is given sufficient outdoors time, there's a good chance their nails will stay in great condition naturally.

An ideal Tornjak diet should be formulated for a medium- to large-sized breed with high energy levels.

The Tornjak has a tendency to gain weight if they're not given a high level of daily exercise. Keep your dog in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

As with all dogs, the Tornjak's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your dog's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs -- including weight, energy, and health -- to make a specific recommendation.

The Tornjak usually comes with a coat that is a mix of brown, black, white, and red. The coat is normally described as being thick and wooly. This is due to its heritage as a working dog in the mountains.

When it comes to grooming, weekly brushing sessions should suffice; although during yearly shedding season, you might want to start brushing the dog daily.

Due to the density of the Tornjak's coat, they can live comfortably in cold climates and conditions. During the warmer summer months, make sure that your dog has access to enough fresh water to stay cool and hydrated.

The Tornjak can be a great family dog and can act as a companion to kids; however, this will require proper socialization and training from the earliest age. Make sure that early socialization takes place and that boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise as much as possible when dealing with the combination of an active dog and small kids.

When it comes to other household pets, the Tornjak can be fine with some domestic animals, but the dog might act protective if they feel that their human is being threatened in any way. Always make sure that you oversee early interactions when introducing the dog to your household.

Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Tornjak for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family!

Rescues specifically for Tornjak dogs might be hard to come by, as this is not a very common breed. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:

You can also check out DogTime's adoption page that lets you search for adoptable dogs by breed and zip code!