The Croatian Sheepdog is an energetic, clever herding breed who loves to work. His bravery, agility and alertness make him ideal for herding although he also makes a great companion as he is ever attentive and faithful to his owner. In addition, he makes a great watchdog for the home. This rare medium sized breed lives from 13-14 years and tends to be very healthy. He is easy to groom and his always-black coat only needs occasional baths and brushing.
The coat is one of the distinguishing features of the Croatian. Either curly or wavy, but always solid black (aside from the occasional small patch of white on the chest), this protective coat allows him to exist in almost any weather or climate. It even keeps the dog somewhat water-proof! Bathing the dog can be done, however shampoo and water might take a while to be worked down to the skin. In order to keep the curly water-resistant features of the hair, he shouldn’t be bathed too frequently. Finally, the curly or wavy locks do shed, but it is quite minimal. The coat, combined with the fox-like face (reminiscent of a spitz breed) and stubby tail (either natural or closely docked), give the Croatian his unique appearance.
Croatians do have a naughty side (such as when they get frustrated) and can be destructive – particularly in the form of digging. They require plenty of attention and fun to keep them entertained! Because their activity level is very high, they require an owner that can give them all the exercise they need. When properly exercised (both body and mind), they are calm and collected in the home. Croatians also do not like to be left alone and prefer to be with their people. In fact, some can become nuisance barkers if they are left alone too long. They are very social toward humans, including children. They also get along well with other pets. This said, they may tend to be wary around strangers so extensive socialization is highly recommended while they are puppies. 
Croatian Sheepdogs make great candidates for obedience training as they are extremely biddable and tend to learn quickly. Besides obedience, they love learning and competing in dog sports such as frisbee, flyball, herding, conformation, tracking, agility, rally and skijoring. They relish learning new things and being given opportunities for jobs. Some members of the breed tend to be quite enthusiastic and vocal when being trained – and should be taught a quiet command. Because they can have an independent streak, an owner or trainer should make sure to stay consistent and always follow through on commands.
The Croatian Sheepdog can live in an apartment, but only if the owner is prepared to put extensive time into both mental and physical exercise. The breed is adaptable as long as his needs are met – and those needs are higher than many other breeds. They also require more attention and plenty of leadership compared to other dogs. A prospective owner should be honest with themselves as to whether or not their lifestyle will be a good fit for this breed. Furthermore, these strong-willed dogs do best with owners who are already experienced in owning dogs. For all but the most committed people, they are normally happiest in a home with a large yard and a high, escape-proof fence.
