January the 17th, 2026 – The Croatian sheepdog, a Croatian breed that has changed very little since the 14th century, has officially been declared an intangible cultural asset of Croatia.
As HRT/Melita Homa/Dnevnik writes, the Croatian sheepdog has officially been declared an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia, confirming the exceptional cultural and historical value of this ancient native breed. The black curly-haired dog has always been an indispensable part of Slavonia’s sprawling estates, and is increasingly being appreciated far beyond the borders of Croatia. It was first mentioned in historical documents of the Đakovo region back during the 14th century.
The Croatian sheepdog develops a devoted and completely unbreakable bond with its master, having played a crucial role for the owners of Slavonia’s old estates for many centuries.
“I have known about Croatian sheepdogs for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I had to look after the pigs every day, without these dogs, it would have been an impossible mission. As we changed jobs, we switched to cows, but our Croatian sheepdogs are with us non-stop,” said Marko Vrtarić.
Despite this ancient breed’s meaning to its native Croatia, it was still a very long road to the recognition of the Croatian sheepdog as an intangible cultural asset.
“This means that we’ve protected the breed in some way. We’ve protected its originality, we’ve protected its authenticity, its origins, and Slavonia,” emphasised Blago Petric, president of the Croatian Shepherd Dog Club in Đakovo.
Highly intelligent and active, the ancient Croatian sheepdog is much more than a pet and is a true working breed. Its virtues are increasingly being discovered across the world.
“Given that they learn very quickly, nowadays they are also very good at sports. I specifically go to races with mine, we do agility, and in addition to all that, various other sports are possible – they’ll manage to master whatever you want. This breed is really versatile,” said Marija Kelava from the Croatian sheepdog club in Đakovo.
Preserving the breed’s highly specific genetics and standards, and what makes this breed special is the task of breeders. Many of them have been attached to this breed their entire lives.
“I’ve been breeding Croatian sheepdogs since I was a child, from my grandfather, great-grandfather, father, and now me,” said Krešimir Brataljenović, a breeder.
These dogs are now winning hearts all over Europe, and even in faraway Japan. The task of a responsible Croatian sheepdog breeder has remained unchanged – to preserve their genetics, personalities, drive, working spirit, sharp mind and lively spirit. The first big step has been taken – by recognising the unique Croatian sheepdog as an intangible cultural asset of Croatia.
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