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Utility · Croatia

Small Međimurje Dog

A walker's guide to the Small Međimurje Dog: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 8 to 14 kgActiveCroatian farm dogRatterRareQuick learner
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleLively, cheerful, close
With other dogsSociable, confident

Overview

The Small Međimurje Dog, or Međimurski mali pas, comes from the Međimurje region in the far north of Croatia, where it has lived on farms for generations as a ratter and watchdog. It is a compact, short-coated dog of pinscher or terrier type, usually black with tan or white markings, and was only formally recognised in Croatia in recent years. Hardly any exist outside the Balkans.

Owners describe a bright, confident and sociable dog that bonds to its family and keeps a close eye on the household. On a walk, expect a busy, interested companion that wants to be involved rather than one that wanders off.

Exercise and walking needs

About an hour a day in two walks suits an adult, with time to explore and a chance to run in a safe space. The breed is active without being frantic and settles well after exercise.

Training games and scent work are enjoyed and keep the quick mind occupied. A bored farm dog will find rats of its own, real or imagined.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeOften reliable

On the walk

  • Recall: Often decent thanks to the people focus, but small rodents and birds will trigger a chase. Reward every return and use a long line in new places.
  • Pulling: Light. A small dog with good lead manners once it is used to you and the routine.
  • Other dogs: Confident and generally friendly, with a touch of small-dog boldness that bigger dogs may not appreciate. Watch introductions.
  • Barking: Bred to announce visitors, so expect the dog to alert at strangers, cyclists and anything unusual.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Give the dog a small job on each walk: find a treat, carry a toy or practise a trick.
  2. Keep a coat for cold, wet weather; the short coat is not much protection in a British winter.
  3. Check the route for rat bait and discarded food, as a keen ratter investigates holes and bins.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How is the dog with cats and small pets, and does it chase birds or squirrels on walks?
  • Does the dog bark at strangers on the lead, and is there a cue that quietens it?
  • Where did the dog come from, and is there any health information the owner wants you to know?
Croatian SheepdogA blackDanish–Swedish FarmdogA smallDutch SmoushondA smallGerman PinscherA sleek