The Small Međimurje Dog, also known as Međi or Štakoraš (“Ratter”), is a dog breed native to Croatia. It has been bred for more than a hundred years, mostly in the Međimurje area of northwestern Croatia. In rural yards, it is used as a guard dog and to hunt harmful rodents. National kennel clubs in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, the Netherlands, Finland, and the Czech Republic recognize the breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) does not currently recognize it. An unofficial FCI classification places it in Group 1, Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1, Sheepdogs, without a working trial. The breed’s profile therefore includes both practical roles in rural settings and a distinction between recognition by several national kennel clubs and its current non-recognition by the FCI.
Who it is for
This breed may interest readers looking for a dog with Croatian roots and a history of guarding rural yards and hunting rodents. It is also relevant to people who want to understand its current recognition status.
What is good
- Native to Croatia.
- Bred in northwestern Croatia for over a century.
- Used as a guard dog and rodent hunter.
- Recognized by six national kennel clubs.
What to know first
- Not currently recognized by the FCI.
- Its FCI classification is unofficial.
Verdict
The Small Međimurje Dog has a long breeding history in northwestern Croatia and practical roles in rural yards. Its recognition by national kennel clubs does not extend to the FCI.
