The Šarplaninac or Sharr dog is a breed of dog of livestock guardian type. It is named for the Šar Mountains or Šar Planina range in the Balkans, where it is principally found. It was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog or Ilirski Ovčar from 1939 until 1957, when the name was changed to Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog – Sharplanina or Jugoslovenski Ovčarski Pas – Šarplaninac.
Šarplaninac
Šarplaninac service dogs of the Royal Yugoslav Army
Guarding sheep near Lake Peak in Kosovo
A livestock guardian dog (LGD) is a dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators.
A Maremma Sheepdog with a flock of sheep in Australia
Relief from a Roman sarcophagus depicting a herdsman and his dog, 2nd or 3rd century CE
A Great Pyrenees with a herd of goats
A "wolf-collar", commonly used as a neck-protection by LGDs against predators