35-45 lbs
18-23"
Croatia
The Posavaz Hound is a small game scent hound. They are very happy, affectionate dogs that love their family. These dogs do require a significant amount of daily interaction including plenty of exercise time or they will become destructive and high strung. They are not recommended for apartment living. The Posavaz Hound does need a strong leader willing to train and socialize them properly. If there is no leadership in place, the Posavaz Hound will try to take that role and that could become problematic within the home. Training classes are highly recommended for this breed to ensure they understand their place within the family.
The Posavaz Hound is one of only five Croatian breeds. Their name is literally translated to Scent Hound from the Sarva Valley. Many historians argue over the Posavaz Hound’s true ancestry with several claiming they originated in Yugoslavia, and not Croatia in the 1700s. However, evidence points to 15th century Croatia because of frescoes, or watercolors painted in wet plaster on walls or ceilings, dating back to this time depict dogs that closely resemble the Posavaz Hound. Historians think the Posavaz Hound descends from Mastiff-type hunting dogs that were possibly bred to Egyptian Hounds. Phoenicians were major traders and used many Yugoslavian ports along the Adriatic. These Phoenicians brought Egyptian hounds with them for companionship and protection when they traded and even traded the dogs for goods. The resulting hounds were commonly called Boskini and sold by Croatians throughout neighboring regions. The Posavaz Hound became very popular as a wonderful tracker with loud, strong vocals that could be heard through the thick underbrush and over the plains of the Sava River. The first official stud book for the Posavaz Hound was opened in 1929. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) began accepting registrations for the Posavaz Hound in 1955 under the name Kras Posavac Basic Hound or Karst Hound. It was not until 1969 that the breed’s name was officially changed to Posavaz Hound. In 2006 the United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the breed into its registry. The FCI and UKC both agree that the Posavaz Hound did originate in Croatia in the 15th century and not in Yugoslavia in the 18th century.
The Posavaz Hound is a typical hound with a distinctive look. They have a long, narrow head with a domed forehead. Because they are scent hounds, they have a wide nose with open nostrils. Their nose is black or dark chestnut in color. Their eyes are large, slightly rounded and dark brown with a gentle expression. The ears of a Posavaz Hound are thin with rounded tips and hang flat against the cheeks. Their tail is medium-long with a thick base and is covered with thick hair. They have a broad, deep chest with a rounded ribcage and a muscular back that is also broad. The Posavaz Hound has a dense, straight coat that lies close to the body. They can be found in any shade of wheaten or red but should never appear chocolate or brown. White markings on the chest, throat, head, neck, belly and lower legs are common. White markings cannot cover more than one-third of their body if they are to be shown.
The Posavaz Hound is relatively easy to keep groomed and looking great. Their smooth coat should be brushed weekly using a slicker brush or a firm bristle brush. Between brushings, rub them down with a soft towel or chamois to keep the coat shiny and looking healthy. The Posavaz Hound does have a dense coat that will shed; although with routine grooming, shedding should be kept to a minimum. Check their feet each week to make sure no debris has become trapped and trim between his pads when needed. Trim his toenails as needed, about every two to three weeks. Since the Posavaz Hound is prone to ear infections, clean their ears weekly and watch for irritation or redness. The Posavaz Hound only needs to be bathed every few months. When bathing, use a mild shampoo that is veterinarian recommended. Be careful not to get water into his ears and dry them thoroughly if water does go into the ears.
The Posavaz Hound is a very confident hound. Originally bred to be a small game hunting hound, they do have a higher prey drive and should never be left alone with small pets in the home. They do require a definite human leader and if there is no clear leader, they will attempt to take that position. Daily exercise is important for the Posavaz Hound including games that will keep them mentally sharp as well. Long daily walks or jaunts in the back yard are great ways to exercise. Interactive dog toys are also a good way to keep them entertained. Even though they are great with children, they are not ideal for apartment living or first time dog owners. The Posavaz Hound can become excessively vocal or even destructive if they are not given enough attention or time to stretch their legs. If you do not have time to spend with your dog, do not get a Posavaz Hound.
The Posavaz Hound is an active dog. They need plenty of time each day to run and play. The Posavaz Hound is a long distance runner and has great stamina, they should never be allowed to run without a leash or fence to keep them safe. They also need mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them from becoming bored. A bored Posavaz Hound will become destructive and very loud which could cause neighbor trouble. Dog sports such as tracking or scenting may be an ideal way to train them as well as tire them out while having fun and creating a strong bond.
Written by a Rough Collie lover Holly Ramsey
Published: 03/01/2018, edited: 02/24/2021
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