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Tornjak Livestock Guardian Dogs
The Tornjak (also known as Bosnian and Herzegovinian – Croatian Shepherd dog) is a rare breed of dog from the mountains of Croatia and Bosnia. This livestock guardian breed was my choice of guardian for the farm due to unique characteristics that I wasn’t able to find in other livestock guardian breeds, including their mild and friendly temperaments, smaller size, and longer life spans (12-14 yrs). The official FCI breed standard can be found HERE.
My journey with this breed was a long time coming, but I finally welcomed my first Tornjak puppy to the farmstead in September of 2022. As my 15-acre property consists of mostly thick woods that back up to more than 5,000 acres of state land, I get my fair share of wildlife including predators such as coyote, fox, raccoon, and possums. However, the front of my home sets nestled in a little rural neighborhood that’s busy with folks enjoying the rec area, including children, which solidified my need for a guardian with the intelligence and empathy to discern an innocent neighbor over a hostile trespasser. Therefore, I required a strong and courageous guardian that was also friendly and gentle. The Tornjak breed met and exceeded the criteria I required in a guardian.
"BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT: Of steady disposition, friendly, courageous, obedient, intelligent, full of dignity and self-confidence. Fierce in guarding property entrusted to him, cannot be bribed and is suspicious of strangers. Devoted to his master and very calm in his presence. Very affectionate towards persons living in his immediate vicinity. Learns quickly and keeps this in his memory for a long time, gladly performs tasks assigned to him. He is easy to train." (Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Tornjak Breed Standard, 2017)
Our Dogs
CH Ola Dalmatinski vrisak
(Boss Boss-Tor X Dashing Diva Dalmatinski vrisak)
Ola was bred by the amazing Robert Filipović of Karlovac, Croatia. She was born there at his kennels in June of 2022 and was carefully selected by Robert out of a litter of 8 to be the one to join my family.
Ola arrived in Michigan the following September and has been the an absolute joy since day one. Ola emulates the definition of Tornjak temperament with loyalty, empathy, friendliness, gentleness all while remaining courageous and steadfast. Her intelligence is matched by her beautiful and correct structure.
In additional to guarding my Nigerian Dwarf goat herd, Ola enjoys showing conformation (both UKC and AKC).
Health Screening:
OFA hips: moderate
OFA elbows: normal
OFA cardiovascular: normal/clear
OFA eyes: 2026 Normal
CH Mak Buba Vinifera
(Gord od Burzića X Palačinka Vala Liburna)
Mak joined my pack in November of 2025. He was bred by Ema Bošnjaković of Slovenia and stayed with her for the first 6 month of his life before making his journey to me in Michigan. Like Ola, he was carefully chosen by the breeder per hours of discussion with her regarding what character traits I wanted in a dog. Mak was people-oriented from the very beginning, and remains a kind soul with a soft heart, just the way I like my guardians!
Mak achieved his UKC Champion title at just 8 months old and in the bare minimum amount of shows needed to earn the required points and legs. At barely a year old, he continues to be formidable in the conformation ring in both UKC and AKC shows.
At home, Mak enjoys spending time getting to know the animals he will eventually be entrusted to guard.
Health Screening:
Pending
