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After protecting coexistence with the Croatian Shepherd Dog, it now appears on a coin
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

After protecting coexistence with the Croatian Shepherd Dog, it now appears on a coin

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The tradition of breeding and coexistence with the Croatian Shepherd Dog has been recognized as protected intangible cultural heritage.
  • Blago Petric, president of the Croatian Shepherd Dog Breed Club in ฤakovo, spearheaded efforts to preserve the breed's significance.
  • The initiative highlights the deep historical and symbiotic relationship between the dog and people in Slavonia.

The deep-rooted tradition of breeding and living alongside the Croatian Shepherd Dog has officially been recognized as protected intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia. This designation celebrates the breed's historical importance and its symbiotic relationship with people, particularly in the Slavonia region.

Blago Petric, president of the Croatian Shepherd Dog Breed Club in ฤakovo, has been a driving force behind this recognition. He observed that the breed, often referred to by local names like 'bujtar,' 'pulin,' or 'ฤ‘ukac,' was not adequately appreciated despite its historical significance as a symbol of work and loyalty. Petric aimed to showcase the Croatian Shepherd Dog as more than just a pet, but as an integral part of rural tradition and a testament to the bond between humans and animals.

I wanted to show that a large part of the people in the four Slavonian counties we visited still look at this dog with a special gaze, a gaze in which that long-standing connection is still visible today.

โ€” Blago PetricDescribing the motivation behind the initiative to preserve the tradition of the Croatian Shepherd Dog.

Petric emphasized the long-standing connection, stating, "Since God and the world exist, it has always been with us, a tireless and loyal worker." He noted that the breed, unique in bearing "Croatian" in its name, accompanied Croats when they first settled in the region. Despite its historical importance, Petric felt the breed was undervalued domestically, while gaining international recognition.

The project involved extensive fieldwork across four Slavonian counties, documenting the enduring connection people have with the dogs. Petric highlighted the crucial support from professionals, including ethnologists, and historical data from the ฤakovo Archdiocese archives, which contributed to the successful application for heritage status. The initiative, initiated in 2022, aims to bring greater awareness to the breed and the profound coexistence it represents.

Since God and the world exist, it has always been with us, a tireless and loyal worker.

โ€” Blago PetricHighlighting the enduring presence and role of the Croatian Shepherd Dog.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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