When people think of a Sarplaninac, they think of the mountains and guarding livestock.
But then you run into internet nonsense that claims these dogs are half-beast, or a “ticking time bomb” that turns on the owner at age seven. Some even say they are stupid.
None of this is true!
These myths only exist because judges and breeders didn’t do their homework.
Once those myths are out of the way, you can see the real dog in everyday situations. Let’s look at how they live as family guardians.
I grew up with Sarplaninacs, and they are the number one breed in the world for me. In second place, I’d put the Samoyed because of its beauty.
I am against training them to “sit,” “lie down,” or fetch a ball. That approach is wrong for this breed.
Socialization is necessary, but turning the Sarplaninac into an obedient dog just to impress the neighbors? Never.
You don’t teach tricks to a dog meant to face wild beasts.
They are highly intelligent and independent. If they see you are trying to trick them, they will ignore you.
Their job is to guard what is entrusted to them as a gift, and they do it well.
The Sarplaninac doesn’t waste energy. They stay calm in the yard unless a real threat crosses the line – like an unknown person or a stray animal. Then, their reaction is explosive.
It takes a lot for them to bite a human; they usually do it based on their own judgment when they sense the family is in danger.
We have had many dogs in our yard, and no Sarplaninac has ever bitten me.
The only dogs I couldn’t approach without my father were a few that arrived at our kennel when they were already old, but those cases were rare.
Are Sarplaninacs Good With Cats?
The Sarplaninac doesn’t bark for no reason, and they don’t have the urge to attack those weaker than themselves.
Our dogs have proven this many times.
Take Tyson, for example. He stayed with a friend of ours who has cats, and there wasn’t a single problem.
The photo and video below back up what I’m saying.
Tyson is well aware of his strength and size. He understands that the cat isn’t a threat to his territory, but a friend.
A well-balanced dog, whether the Sarplaninac or any other breed, should behave this way around cats.
On the other hand, let’s be honest: I don’t know of many cases where the dog caught the cat anyway.
They are usually too quick!
Sarplaninac and Children: A Bond for Life
Growing up with the Sarplaninac means having a loyal protector from day one.
These dogs don’t just provide security; they keep a child active and teach them about commitment and responsibility in a way no book can.
They also boost a child’s confidence and teach them what real responsibility means from an early age.
I grew up with them myself, and I can tell you that these lessons stay with you for life.
Take a look at the gallery below – these are real moments, including pictures of me as the child with our dogs. You can see for yourself how they behave around the youngest members of the family.
- All
- in the House
- outside the house
Is Keeping a Sarplaninac in an Apartment as a Pet a Good Idea?
Is Keeping a Sarplaninac in an Apartment as a Pet a Good Idea?
Let’s take a step back to the roots of this article: sheep, mountains, vast pastures, clean air, and untouched nature!
It is clear that these dogs belong in wide-open spaces, and when considering city living, the logical choice seems to be a house with a yard.
However, some “keyboard experts” claim that an apartment and the Sarplaninac should never go together!
So, I ask them, how can a German Shepherd Dog (classified under FCI: Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs) make a perfect apartment pet?
Doesn’t their place belong with sheep on a mountainside, like other sheepdogs?
I always get funny answers, but people forget one simple thing – Sarplaninacs are lazy dogs!
If you plan to keep the dog indoors for long periods during the day, my advice is simple: do not get a Sarplaninac!
However, if you are bringing this dog into your life for security, out of love for the breed, and you’re ready to commit – my answer is YES!
This means morning, noon, and evening walks, whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny – 24/7/365.
Trips to the park, visiting different city spots, and shared adventures all become part of your routine.
In fact, many owners view the apartment just as a place to sleep or a quick stopover, because work allows them to be with the dog throughout the day.
Here’s an interesting comment on our Facebook post:
“I live in an apartment, though I only sleep here because I don’t like enclosed spaces. But with my Max, we’re constantly on the move because the job I do requires driving from place to place, and we’re literally together 24/7.”
Conclusion
I’ve tried to be as objective as possible in answering whether the Sarplaninac is the right family pet.
At the end of the day, it all depends on your lifestyle, your time, and your commitment.
However, I believe that the images and videos I’ve shared speak louder than any words. This dog has so much to offer as a loyal, protective, and loving companion to the right family.
Thank you for your time. The perfect pet is the one that brings real joy and companionship into your life and for me, and many others, that dog is the Šarplaninac.
