With regard to the development of the genetic code of this breed there are two theories:

First theory is that Illyrian Sheepdog descents from Caucasian dogs 2500 years ago, a theory which is

considered not to be valid and the

Second theory which it is expressed is that Illyrian Sheepdog descents from Indian/Tibet Mastiff (doga)

which arrived thousand years ago during the period of Great Alexander in Illyrian Peninsula in Illyrian

inhabited territories where it has bred with local native dogs for which a cross bread of Molosser Dogs

was created.

Those territories were inhabited by a well-known Illyrian clan/tribe known as Moloss which were

engaged in extensive  farming and have also cultivated such autochthonous dogs from which the

Illyrian Sheepdog autochthonous breed descents.

In the last 100 years in light of the morphological aspect of designation and the

character (characteristics) have been represented in a deviated manner to the worlds general opinion.

Although, it is being presented that this breed it is the identical breed, which has been initially

registered in FCI as Illyrian Sheepdog in 1939, and thereon through the continued

persistence of Yugoslav Sinology Federation in 1957 the naming of this breed has been changed

to “Sarplaninac”.

Such actions have been politically motivated in order to ensure that Kosovar Albanians are

denied of everything that has relevance to the autochthony.

Illyrian Sheepdog in an absolute manner differs from the “Sarplaninac” from the morphological

aspect as well as the character and it is very important to state that the

Illyrian Sheepdog as a breed has never been standardized. It is very true that samples of this

breed have been taken and were sent to the former Yugoslavia, for which the

Yugoslav Cynological's and the Yugoslav Army have performed various experiments by breeding the

 Illyrian Sheepdog

with other breeds in order to create the breed which we are acquainted with today and which

 has been recognized by FCI

as Yugoslav Sheepdog Sarplaninac. It is also worth mentioning that today’s parameters of the

Sarplaninac standard do not conform to the parameters, which Illyrian Sheepdog has.

How and from where these parameters have been obtained and how did they come up

with that standard it is a matter which only Yugoslav Cynologue’s’ know.

In Kosova this breed is called Sheepdog (Shepherd) whereas in

xml:namespace prefix = st1 />

xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Albania we have a similar breed but they are smaller

with a height of approximately 65cm-70cm and weights around 45kg.

They are shorthaired and are called Herdsman dogs. These dogs up to date have not

 been standardized yet.

From the measurements made on the field during the last 20 years, on 335 mail dogs

and of 191 female dogs

we have arrived to the standard of Illyrian Sheepdog and now the breed has a true standard. 

Illyrian Sheepdog breed has been standardized from Kosova Cynologycical Federation KCF

(KCF up to date has not been accepted by the FCI but its aim is to be a full member

 of FCI in the near future)

and since 1990 has started the registration in the birth registry book.

Last war in Kosovo, has not been merciful towards its dogs neither although many dogs have

 either been killed or have gone missing, nor in despite of all these difficulties and other day to

day obstacles the KCF has managed to create

seven (7) genetic lines (evidenced) and in addition the required material/documents have been

prepared and it will be submitted to FCI for its further review in order for the Illyrian Sheepdog

breed to be recognized as a pure breed. 

SOME GENERAL CHARACTERISTCS

Illyrian Sheepdog is full of strength, large, good posture, long haired, irreplaceable shepherd and

 good care taker.

It is very strong with impressive appearance, massive head, and compact build, with strong and

muscular legs.

It has a fiery eye look is intelligent and it is very brave. It has a sincere character and is very

sharp when it is required but not aggressive.

BODY: It is slightly longer in width then height, index size for male dogs is 104-108 cm

whereas for female dogs

is 106-110.

Height in Male Dogs: 67-75cm

Height in Female Dogs: 62-70cm

Weight in Male Dogs: 46-60kg

Weight in Female Dogs: 30-50kg 

Over 50% of exemplar male dogs dominates the height of 70cm whereas in female dogs 66cm. 

HEAD: Head length in male dogs is 27-32cm with an average of 30cm whereas, in female dogs 24-29cm

with an average of 27cm.

The proportion skull-muzzle, in mail dogs 17,4cm: 12,6cm whereas in female dogs 15,3cm : 11,7cm,

report 60:40 muzzle compose 2/5 of head whereas the skull 3/5 in male dogs and 5/9 in female dogs. 

COLOUR: In Illyrian Sheepdog we have several varieties of colors where in relation to

percentage dominate:

Tiger Color with 30%, grey color with all the varieties 20%, Yellow color with black muzzle 20%,

white color 20% and counter mask (muzzle). 

HAIR: Long 

In the below photo you are able to see the Illyrian Sheepdog angle parameters. 

In addition to the Illyrian Sheepdog in Kosova we have another dog breed known amongst

the native population as “RUDAT”.

This particular breed has served in Kosova more as guard dogs in household yards.

They have a height around 65cm; most dominated color is Grey, Tiger, and yellow however,

 there are other colors also

present and the hair length is short. etc.