When considering their morphological and exterior characteristics, Tornjaks are one of fifty existing shepherd dog breeds, which originally lived in the mountain areas of Eurasia continent and in the valleys where extensive sheep breeding existed.

The main duty for shepherd dogs, including the Tornjak, was to guard flocks and property of cattle breeders from vaerious predators (including the ones with two legs).

The use of these dogs expanded to different guarding duties (when the railway was built on the Majevica mountain where they guarded the railway builders) to their present role as a decorative dog and pet, who guards their owners on the way.