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Serbian Hound
Other Names | Balkan Hound, Srpski gonič, Balkanski gonič, Yugoslavian Hound |
Country of Origin | Serbia |
Weight | 42 - 46 lbs. (19 - 21 kg) |
Height (at withers) | Males: 18 - 22 in. (46 - 56 cm) Females: 17.5 - 21.5 in. (44 - 54 cm) |
Coat | Hair is short, abundant, gleaming and quite thick, lying well all over the body. The undercoat is quite well developed. Hair is slightly longer over the back of the thighs and the underside of the tail. |
Colour | Red going from yellowy red to a rust tone, with a black mantle or saddle. The mantel or saddle goes as far as the head, which shows black marks on either side of the temples and has a round white mark no longer than 2 cm on the chest. |
Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
Life Span | 12 years |
Origin & History | The Serbian Hound is one of a group of scent hounds that spread throughout the Balkans. The first record of the Balkan Hound comes from the 11th century where a man called Frank Laska described the breed in detail, along with other scenthounds of that time. The Serbian Hound has been a permanent fixture in the Balkans throughout history with the first standard written for the breed in 1924; however, it was not until 1940 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted the standard which had been accepted elsewhere. The Serbian Hound was spread most widely through Serbia and, at a FCI meeting in 1996, it was decided to officially change the name to the Serbian Hound. Described as pleasant natured and obedient, the breed is thought to descend from dogs left in the Balkan region by the Phoenicians in ancient times. Today, the Serbian Hound can be seen throughout its native country, but remains very rare in other lands. Also called the black and tan. |
Personality | The Serbian Hound is a kindly breed with lively temperament which lends itself to both hunting in the field and life in the home. Tenacious, dependable, full of character and robust, this scenthound can make a good companion. Consistent and patient training required. |
Care Requirements
Health | There are no known health problems that are specific to the Serbian Hound. Any health problems it may develop can be found in most other dog breeds. |
Grooming | The Serbian Hound does not require a large amount of grooming. The Serbians smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Owners will simply want to make sure the coat is brushed on a consistent basis. These dogs should only be given baths when they need it. A wipe down with a damp towel should suffice for the bathing aspect, (although you should bathe it with mild soap only if or when necessary; you should also dry shampoo it occasionally), however a rubber, wire, or hard bristled brush would work best for the brushing aspect. The shedding patterns of these dogs are not known. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection. The nails of the Serbian should also be trimmed, (particularly to avoid nail-born infections). |
Feeding | This is a hunting dog that needs extensive amounts of exercise. Without it, the dog could become problematic for its owners. It should be taken on walks daily, and this dog is great for healthy people who love to jog and hike. |
Exercise | While it can live in an apartment, it may perform better in a small yard. It is important for owners to make sure this dog is never unleashed in an unsecured area, as it may run off in the direction of the first interesting scent it picks up. It is important for owners to make sure these dogs are given lots of space to move around in. |