There’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer, it depends on several factors. But in our experience, if you have a healthy Sarplaninac in its prime years, long daily walks won’t harm them.
That said, there are key details to consider to ensure your dog stays happy and injury-free.
Below, I’ll break down the essentials: what to watch for, when to adjust, and how to make long walks beneficial – not risky for your Sarplaninac!
Pay Attention to the Following …
Deciding how much to walk your dog depends on several key factors:
- Breed and Size of the Dog;
- Age;
- Health Condition;
- Weather Conditions;
- Temperament.
Size of the Dog (Breed)
The Sarplaninac is a dog above average size, with minimum heights of 56 cm for males and 54 cm for females. There is no upper limit!
These are exceptionally intelligent dogs who make independent decisions about whether it’s time for action or not. They don’t like rules imposed by owners, especially when it comes to obedience training, so stubbornness is a trait that follows this breed.
However, I would highlight that laziness is another key characteristic at the top of the list.
You can easily conclude that a true Sarplaninac won’t enjoy long walks without freedom (which means walks without a leash).
Age
Puppies (Under 3.5 Months): A Sarplaninac puppy should not leave your yard until they complete their vaccination schedule! During this time, focus on gentle leash training (getting them comfortable walking beside you in a controlled environment).
Young Dogs (3.5 Months – 1 Year): Daily long walks (5 km+) are not recommended at this stage. Why? Your dog is still growing, and excessive exercise (just like excess weight) can lead to elbow and hip dysplasia. Instead:
- Keep daily walks short (around 500 m).
- One longer walk per week is fine, but don’t overdo it.
Prime Conditioning (1 – 3 Years): This is the ideal time to build your Sarplaninac’s endurance. You’ll learn their limits, when they need a break, whether they prefer a slow or fast pace …
Adult Dogs (3+ Years): Once fully developed, a healthy Sarplaninac with no joint issues can handle long daily walks (especially if they have excess energy).
Health Condition
Sarplaninacs have two areas that need extra care – elbows and hips. These dogs are strong, but their joints can be sensitive, especially while they’re growing.
Here’s something I often see: We all adore those fluffy, chubby “teddy bear” puppies – but how many of us stop to think: “Can those little joints handle all that extra weight? And what about their pasterns?
It’s easiest for vets to prescribe appropriate therapy and say it’s all genetics.
Weather Conditions
The Šarplaninac got its name from the Šar Mountains for practical reasons: to separate, recognize and differentiate from other dog breeds.
Their thick coat, muscular frame, and endurance are direct results of thriving in harsh mountain conditions!
So the winter weather and moderate continental climate are ideal for them.
However, extreme heat is a different story. In tropical climates or during summer heatwaves (above 35°C/95°F), long walks should only happen in the early morning or late evening when temperatures drop.
If the ground is too hot for your hand to touch for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws.
These dogs are known to have a double coat, but when it’s very hot outside, their coat is short …
Temperament
The best way to define a dog’s temperament is to look at a single litter – take two male/female puppies, for example.
The first puppy is all about food and simply doesn’t want to waste energy. During the day, it mostly rests, carefully watching its littermates but rarely taking initiative.
The second puppy is full of energy! Its tail never stops wagging, it’s constantly exploring, and as I like to say, it just can’t stay in one place for long.
When bored, it starts playfully nipping at its siblings, hoping they’ll join in.
We might call the second puppy “more temperamental,” but that just means we’ll need to adjust our training methods compared to the first puppy.
The goal? A well-balanced dog in the end!
The first dog will walk calmly on a leash, almost reluctantly.
The second dog will pull, eager to charge ahead.
My advice? In both cases, keep a steady, relaxed pace until you reach your destination.
Long Daily Walks (5 km and more)?
The primary role of the Sarplaninac is defense and protection – guarding livestock, their owner (property/ safety of family members).
The way they work is more about control and vigilance than active herding.
Unlike a Border Collie or Belgian Malinois, they don’t rely on high-energy movement to manage threats. Instead, they patrol and observe, staying close to their “flock” (whether that’s sheep or their human master).
Because of this, a 5 km walk isn’t a major challenge for them. However, don’t expect a fast-paced hike. Sarplaninacs move at a steady, deliberate pace, conserving energy for when it’s truly needed!
The moment they sense potential danger, their demeanor changes instantly.
You’ll see their focus sharpen, their posture stiffen, and their movements become more calculated.
That’s their instincts kicking in (proof that even on a casual walk, they’re always on duty).
Conclusion
Our Recommendation: Plan long walks 2-3 times per week, allowing at least one rest day in between, while keeping in mind the factors we mentioned earlier.
There’s no fixed (walking) time or distance that applies to all Sarplaninacs! As an owner, you must monitor your dog’s condition and adjust accordingly.
If you check our YouTube channel, you’ll notice that our walks with the dogs are usually short and close to home.
However, our dogs have access to a huge outdoor space (two large yards), but I’ve rarely seen them actively playing for most of the day.
Their “playtime” usually starts the moment someone approaches our property, followed by the expected (and loud!) reaction.
