The major historical dates are the years 1067 and 1374. Written documents from these periods mention the Bosnianherzegovinian- Croatian breed for the fi rst time.

The research about their historical and more recent existence and then a systematic salvation from extinction started simultaneously in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina around 1972 and continuous pure blood breeding began in 1978. Nowadays, the breed population consists of numerous, purebred dogs selected during a series of generations dispersed throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Tornjak is a large and powerful dog, well proportioned and agile. The shape of the body is almost square. The bone is not light, but nevertheless not heavy nor coarse. He is strong, harmonious and well balanced when standing and moving. His coat is long and thick.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
The body is almost square. The length of the body should not exceed its height by more than 8%.
The ratio between the length of the skull and the muzzle is 1:1.

BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT:
Of steady disposition, friendly, courageous, obedient, intelligent, full of dignity and self confidence. Fierce in guarding property entrusted to him, cannot be bribed and is suspicious of strangers. Devoted to his master and very calm in his presence. Very affectionate towards persons living in his immediate vicinity. Learns quickly and keeps this in his memory for a long time, gladly performs tasks assigned to him. He is easy to train.

HEAD:
Elongated. The ratio between the skull and the muzzle is 1:1.
Cranial region:
The upper lines of the skull and muzzle are divergent. Supraorbital arches are slightly visible. The hind part of the skull is elongated but moderately wide. The area from supra-orbital arches to the occiput is flat. The occipital protuberance is very slight.
Stop: Slightly pronounced.
Facial region:
Nose: Large with sufficiently wide nostrils. Should have dark pigmentation. Pigmentation in harmony with the colour of the coat. Depigmentation is not allowed.
Muzzle: Rectangular. The bridge of the nose is perfectly straight.
Lips: Tight fitting with dark pigmentation.
Jaws/teeth: Jaws are very long and strong. Perfect scissor bite with full dentition.
Eyes: Almond shaped, close fitting lids, dark colour. Dark pigmentation on edges of eyelids.
Ears: Of medium size, triangular, folded and pendant, set rather high. Carried close to the cheeks. With shorter hair. NECK:
Of medium length, powerful, carried slightly low. Skin tight fitting. Long, abundant coat forming a mane.

BODY:
Withers: Moderately developed.
Back: Short, taut, moderately broad and straight.
Loin: Connection between chest and croup is short and moderately broad; in females it is a bit longer.
Croup: Of medium length, broad and slightly sloping.
Chest: Very spacious, deep, broad and oval shaped. The lowest point of brisket reaches at least to the elbows. Never barrel shaped. Chest is strong, with moderately pronounced point of sternum.
Underline: Belly well muscled. The underline is not tucked up but gradually slopes up from the end of the sternum to the rear.

TAIL:
Long, set at medium height, very mobile. When relaxed it is hanging and in movement it is always raised over the level of the back, which is characteristic of the breed. Abundantly coated with distinct plume.

LIMBS:
Strong and well angulated.

FOREQUARTERS:
Well developed, strong bones, tight muscles. Parallel and upright when standing.
Shoulders: Of medium length, well laid back. The scapular humerus angle is about 120°.
Upper arms: Muscular and strong. Almost the same length as shoulders.
Elbows: Moderately close to the body.
Forearms: Strong bones, developed muscles, upright.
Metacarpus (pastern): Slightly sloping.
Front feet: Toes arched and tightly knit. Nails pigmented, dark pigmentation desirable. Resilient pads, hard and tight, dark pigmentation desirable. Front feet more developed than hind feet.