Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Similar to other scent hounds of the region, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound, originally known as the Black or Yugoslavian Mountain Hound, is a well-tempered breed with excellent tracking abilities. They are not only known for their excellent noses, but their hardy nature, impressive endurance, endless resolve and all-around even temperament. As their name implies, they were bred for traversing mountainous terrain and are tenacious hunters in the field, used for centuries to hunt small game such as hare and fox and occasionally even deer and wild boar, usually in packs. Much of their characteristics derive from their age-old duties, such as their social nature with other dogs and their easy-going attitude with most people. They form strong attachments to their owners and families and have know to be quite affectionate, especially with those who train them. Montenegrin Mountain Hounds are not the easiest dogs to train, but they are also not the most difficult, and generally do well with at least mildly experienced owners as long as they have firm but caring guidance. While bred for hunting, they've begun to make a slow transition into that of companion animals in recent years, as their laid-back attitudes make for relatively easy care. They do, however, have a few small setbacks, including their high energy level, which requires a considerable amount of exercise, as well as a high prey drive, which means they're generally not good with non-canine animals. Because they are used to warning their owners of potential prey or general excitement, they also tend to bark a fair amount, making them less suitable for apartment living unless thoroughly trained. Fun fact: The most famous dog of the breed is actually a rubber hand puppet named Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog from Late Night with Conan O'Brien.