Also known as the Krasky Ovcar or the Karst Sheepdog, the Istrian Sheepdog is a flock guardian that is most often found in Slovenia.

Istrian Sheepdogs are reserved and cautious of strangers, but are more lively and affectionate than most flock guards. They make excellent watchdogs because of their bravery and wariness. They are also good family dogs because they get along well with children and are very playful.

Istrian Sheepdogs will weigh in between 55 and 88 pounds at maturity, depending on gender. They will grow to a height of 20 to 24 inches. Its coat is of medium length and is thick and very rough. Coat colors are gray with shades of tan/cream with a black mask on the face. Its topcoat is water-resistant with a thick insulating undercoat. Their eyes are light brown and medium-sized and their ears are set high and hang down the sides of their heads. Their bodies are powerfully built and their shoulders are set thick and very muscular. Their chests are deep and strong and their tails are carried low and are well covered with hair.

The Istrian Sheepdog originates in Slovenia and is from the Istrian Peninsula, in the northeast corner of the Adriatic Sea. They are closely related to Spartan and Romanian Sheepdogs. They are relatively rare outside of this environment, and they are usually kept by shepherds in the mountains of the peninsula. Istrian Sheepdogs are seldom found elsewhere. They are most commonly used for guarding and herding flocks, and they are one of the former Yugoslavia's oldest breeds.

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