Welcome to my blog post where I’ll be exploring the differences and similarities between two popular dog breeds: Sarplaninac and German Shepherd.
I have a unique perspective on this topic since my family has been raising Sarplaninac dogs since 1990, and my father’s first dog was a German Shepherd back in 1978.
I aim to present an objective comparison between the two breeds, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, as well as discussing which one might be the right fit for you.
Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of shepherd dogs!
Table of Contents
Uncovering the Primary Purpose of Two Incredible Breeds
In my opinion, both the Sarplaninac and German Shepherd are exceptional breeds with different primary purposes that make them highly valued and respected in the canine world.
The Sarplaninac’s primary purpose as a livestock guardian dog is a testament to their exceptional courage, loyalty, and intelligence, and their specialized breeding has made them highly effective in this role.
For centuries, Sarplaninac Dogs have been bred and used by shepherds in the mountainous regions of the Balkans to protect flocks of sheep and goats from predators such as wolves and bears.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd’s intelligence, trainability, and loyalty have made them invaluable working dogs across a range of disciplines: search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, and service dogs for people with disabilities.
Both breeds share a common purpose of protecting sheep from predators!
Last update on 2024-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Police and Military Dogs
Sarplaninac and German Shepherd Dog are highly valued and frequently used in military and police work! The German Shepherd, in particular, has a long history of serving in these roles.
They are used as police and military dogs in many countries around the world, and their versatility makes them well-suited for a range of tasks such as search and rescue, bomb detection, and even tracking down criminals.
Similarly, the Sarplaninac’s powerful build and protective instincts make them well-suited for security and defense work.
While they may not be as commonly used in these roles as the German Shepherd, they have been trained for military and police work in their native Balkan region.
German Shepherd Linda (1978)
Linda holds a special place in my father’s heart as she was his first dog when he was just 16 years old.
Despite limited resources and no internet, my father trained her extensively using books as his primary source of information.
Linda was a highly skilled German Shepherd who knew over 10 exercises!
She was so well-trained that my father could rely on her to fetch the newspaper from another village and bring it back home (3 kilometers) while he continued on his way.
Her obedience and intelligence were remarkable, and she never failed to impress those around her with “super” skills.
One memorable instance was when my father ordered Linda to climb onto the roof of a police car and instructed her not to come down without his order.
The police officers were amazed by her obedience but eventually threatened to use firearms if she did not come down in 10 seconds.
Thankfully, everything ended without incident.
Through Linda, my father learned the importance of dedication and patience in dog training. She was not only a faithful companion but a valuable teacher who left a lasting impression on him.
Sarplaninac Condor (1990)
My love for Sarplaninac dogs began with Condor, who I had the privilege of spending a part of my childhood with. To describe him in two words: an amazing dog!
We purchased Condor from a well-known breeder in Paracin when he was just a puppy, for a hefty sum of 400 DM, which was a significant amount compared to the average salary in the country at the time, which was 10 German marks (DM).
What fascinated my father the most about the Sarplaninac breed were their traits of laziness, dominance, intelligence, and independent decision-making.
Last update on 2024-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sarplaninac attacks are unpredictable and training is not required for such a thing. They will instinctively go for the arm and bite the enemy’s leg.
That’s why I emphasize that exercises that are typical for German Shepherds should not be used with Sarplaninac!
These dogs must possess fearlessness and a wild appearance at first glance, but with a calm and stable character.
Despite attempts by the army to train sarplaninac dogs, the results have shown that it doesn’t work in the best way.
I suggest you watch the next video …
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between these two breeds depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.
Both breeds are loyal, loving, and protective companions, but they have unique characteristics that make them better suited for certain situations.
By considering these differences and choosing the breed that aligns with your lifestyle, you can ensure a happy and fulfilling relationship with your furry friend.
Finally, it’s worth noting that German Shepherds are much more popular than Sarplaninacs when it comes to internet searches.
According to recent statistics, German Shepherds have an average of 2,240,000 monthly searches, while Sarplaninacs only have 60,500.
This information is not necessarily a reflection of the breeds’ qualities, but it does indicate that the German Shepherd is more well-known and widely researched by dog enthusiasts worldwide.
