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Tornjak Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Tornjak so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank240
Reviews1
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Tornjak dog profile picture
OriginBosnia and Herzegovina flagBosnia and Herzegovina Croatia flagCroatia
Other Names
What other names does the Tornjak have?
Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd DogCroatian Mountain DogBosnian Shepherd Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Tornjak Size and Weight

Size
Is a Tornjak small, medium or large dog?

How big do Tornjak get?

What is the average size of a Tornjak?

Large
Weight
How much does the Tornjak weigh? How much should a Tornjak weight? What is the normal weight of a Tornjak? How much does a full-grown Tornjak weight?
Male: 77-110 pounds (35–50 kg), Female: 62-88 pounds (28–40 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Tornjak?
Male: 93.5 pounds (35–50 kg), Female: 75 pounds (28–40 kg)
Height
How tall is the Tornjak? Tornjak height:
Male: 25-27 inches (65-70 cm), Female: 23-25 inches (60-65 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Tornjak?
Male: 26 inches (67.5 cm), Female: 24 inches (62.5 cm)

Tornjak Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Tornjak puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Tornjak in the United States? How much money is a Tornjak?

Where to buy a Tornjak with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Tornjak, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Tornjak for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Tornjak gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Tornjak? How many Tornjak are there in the world?
Average: The Tornjak is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Tornjak Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Tornjak? Is the Tornjak breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Tornjak ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Tornjak dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Tornjak?
Tornjak dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Tornjak good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Tornjak dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Tornjak dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Tornjak dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Tornjak dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Tornjak can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Tornjak will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Tornjak Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Tornjak have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AlertSteadyCalmVigilantPeacefulPersistent
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Tornjak sensitivity:
Tornjak dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Tornjak a good family dog?
High: Tornjak dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog need? Tornjak social needs:
Tornjak dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Tornjak to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Tornjak roam?
Tornjak dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Tornjak have high prey drive?
Tornjak dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Tornjak Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Tornjaks, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Tornjak dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog bark?
Low to Average: The Tornjak rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Tornjak good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Tornjak in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tornjak breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Tornjak indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Tornjak Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Tornjak dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Tornjak be left alone? How long can you leave a Tornjak alone?
Tornjak dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Tornjak Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Tornjak has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Tornjak? How much bite force does a Tornjak have? How strong is a Tornjak bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tornjak bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Tornjak measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Tornjak is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Tornjak bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Tornjak bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Tornjak puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Tornjak, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Tornjak bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Tornjak can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Tornjak bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Tornjak? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Tornjak has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Tornjak do?
Tornjak dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Tornjak dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Tornjak Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Tornjak dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Tornjaks tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Tornjak breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Tornjak breed? Most common health risks of Tornjak:
Hip Dysplasia Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatElbow DysplasiaObesityDigestive ProblemsAutoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Tornjak breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Tornjak see the vet?
Frequent
The Tornjak should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Tornjak dogs live? How old can a Tornjak be? What is the age limit of the Tornjak? How many years can the oldest Tornjak live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Tornjak?

How long is the lifespan of a Tornjak?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Tornjak: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Tornjak can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Tornjak Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Tornjak have? What is the activity level of the Tornjak?
Tornjak dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Tornjak need? How much exercise do Tornjak dogs require per day?

Do Tornjak dogs need a lot of exercises?

Tornjak dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Tornjak breed need?
Tornjak dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Tornjak Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Tornjak need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Tornjak breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Tornjak? How much food should I feed my Tornjak?
3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Tornjak risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tornjak's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Tornjak weight regularly.

Tornjak Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Tornjak have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Silky
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Tornjak coats?
Black Red White BrownPiebald
Grooming
How to groom the Tornjak and how often? How often should I take my Tornjak to the groomer?
Advanced: The Tornjak requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Tornjak a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Tornjak, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Tornjak dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog? Do Tornjak dogs shed a lot?
Tornjak dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Tornjak need a bath? How often should you give a Tornjak a bath? Can I bathe my Tornjak every day?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Tornjak breed hypoallergenic?
No
Tornjak dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Tornjak has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Tornjak drool?
The Tornjak drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Tornjak.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Tornjak Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Tornjak dogs get along with other pets? Are Tornjak dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Tornjak dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Tornjak temperament with other people:
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Tornjak dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Tornjak temperament with children:
Tornjak dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Tornjak dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Tornjak breed live with a cat?
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Tornjak good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Tornjak dogs get along with other dogs?
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Tornjak breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Tornjak breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Tornjak dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Tornjak dogs good office canines? Do Tornjak dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Tornjak is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Tornjak dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog temperament with senior people? Are Tornjak dogs good for elderly owners?
Tornjaks are usually recommended for elderly people.

Tornjak As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Tornjak be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Tornjak is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Tornjak be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Tornjak be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Tornjak is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Tornjak be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Tornjak is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Tornjak be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Tornjak is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Tornjak be a boat dog?

Not really

Tornjak breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Tornjak be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Tornjak breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Tornjak dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Tornjak Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Tornjak pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Tornjak breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Tornjak: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Tornjak have in a litter? How many puppies can the Tornjak breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Tornjak have? How many puppies can a Tornjak give birth to?
4-7 puppies

Tornjak Recognition

AKC Group
Is Tornjak recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Tornjak recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.

Tornjak Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Watchdog Ability: Tornjak dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Tornjak dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Tornjak dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Tornjaks are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Tornjak dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Tornjaks tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Tornjak dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tornjak breed.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Tornjak requires a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Tornjak drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tornjak's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Tornjak dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Tornjak is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Tornjak History

The Tornjak is one of the most ancient dog breeds that existed in records and documentation from over a millennium ago. Ever since the early periods, the Tornjak’s purpose was to shepherd, guard, and watch over the livestock in the Balkan area in Europe especially in the Dinaric Alps, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in Croatia. According to some experts, the Tornjak type of dogs’ ancestry goes back further than the year 900, even to the Roman Empire’s existence. Presumably, the breed was used in dogfights, as well as for guarding people and territories. A theory even suggests that the Tornjak is one of the descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff.

The breed was first mentioned in the 11th century, then in the 14th century. Moreover, descriptions of the dogs were found in the writings of the bishop of Dakovo, Croatia, named Peter Horvat, which dates back to 1374. Other written documents were discovered by Peter Lukic, the Canon of the Dakovo diocese, which was made in 1752. These early written records about the breed showed a close resemblance with the Tornjak we know today, except for the breed’s name which was Bosanski Ovčar, which translates to Bosnian Shepherd Dog in Croatian. Another name for the breed was the Hrvatski Pas Planinac, meaning Croatian Mountain Dog. In respect to the dogs’ function and their appearance, the dogs in these documents were portrayed as entirely equal to what they are today; an intelligent, and protective guard dog.

Throughout the years, as the nomadic shepherding lifestyle started to fall out of style, and the introduction of new dog breeds and farming methods got to the Balkan region, the Tornjak’s population numbers drastically decreased. The breed has fallen out of favor in its native countries. As a response to the declining numbers, in the 1970s, zoologists began to accumulate all of the documents, records, and historical findings of the breed, trying to prove the breed’s true antiquity. Fortunately, in 1978, in order to combat the protentional extinction of the Tornjak, the Croatian Kennel Club started a pureblood breeding program. The breeding mix consisted of numerous purebred dogs selected during a series of serious DNA studies throughout the Balkan area, especially in Croatia and in Bosnia. Consequently, thanks to these efforts, the breed became homogenous. Thus, a little later, in 1984, the breed standard was finally drawn up and finalized in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Tornjak was first exported to the United Kingdom relatively late, in 2013, with the intention of trying to get the UK Kennel Club to recognize the breed. The breed was provisionally accepted by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in 2006. The Tornjak was also registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) foundation stock service, furthermore, the UKC (United Kennel Club) also classified the breed as a guard dog. Today, there is a concentrated effort to use the Tornjak for its traditional purpose. It is also customary, that local breeding groups donate purebred Tornjak puppies to local farms to use the dogs as the protectors of the livestock. This custom is already proven to be successful, for the reason that several farmers stated that the presence of the dogs reduced the number of attacks from larger predators, like wolves.  

Rate The Tornjak Breed

Tornjak Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Coco

    Jun 7, 2020, 11:35:19 AM:

    He's so cute and the best dog in the world