Serbian Hound
12-15 yrs
40-48 lbs
17-21"
Serbia

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Serbian Hound

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Serbian Hound

40-48 lbs

17-21"

Serbia

Balkan Hound, Srpski gonič, Balkanski gonič

Lively in the hunt, affectionate in the home, and dedicated in both, the Serbian Hound is known to be equally as good as a companion as it is a hunter. Stemming from nearly a millennium ago, this breed has long stood as a favorite of hunters in the Balkans for centuries, prized for its excellent nose, endurance in the hunt, and overall intelligence. While many are run in packs in efforts to track and bring down deer and boar, they are similarly good solo hunters and are often used to track small game like hares and foxes. While their hunting instincts often imbue a nearly endless drive in the hunt, in the home this breed is easy-going and known to be kind, gentle, and affectionate. Serbian Hounds are intensely loyal, especially to whoever trains them and their family, which, given their intelligence, can sometimes be a challenge. They are quite social and do well with other dogs and are known to be a good with kids, but may be a problem if in a home with other non-canine animals because of their strong prey drive. All in all, they make an excellent all-around pet, as they are able to function as hunters, guardians and companions equally well.

                
                Purpose
              
Hunting, Watchdog, Companion

                Date of Origin
              
11th Century

                Ancestry
              
Molossian Hunting Dogs, Phoenician Dogs

Serbian Hound Health

Average Size

Height: 18-22 inches Weight: 40-48 lbs

Height: 17-21 inches Weight: 40-48 lbs

Major Concerns

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Ear Infections
Eye Problems

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Serbian Hound Breed History

Like many storied European hounds, the Serbian Hound has a long, verbal history with very little actual documentation or confirmation of their origin. Some historians claim the breed came into existence as early as 1000 BC, the product of crossbreeds with the dogs left by Phoenician traders. While many others may claim knowledge of the Serbian Hound's history, then known as the Balkan Hound, it stands to reason that the first written description of the breed stemmed from the 11th Century, penned by a man named Frank Laska. Regardless of what has changed throughout history, this breed remained a popular favorite in the Balkans due to their exceptional noses, dedication in the field and their excellent overall temperament -- much of which did not seem to change much throughout their timeline, if modest records are any indicator. A breed standard was finally drawn in 1924 but it wasn't until 1939 that the breed standard was written. In 1940, it was finally recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Throughout the entirety of its history, this breed retained the name Balkan Hound until 1996, when the FCI officially changed its name to the Serbian Hound. In 2006, they were finally recognized by the United Kennel Club.

Serbian Hound Breed Appearance

The Serbian Hound is a medium-sized dog, standing 17 to 22 inches at the withers and generally averaging around 44 pounds. Their coats may be one of the most distinguishing features, as they are consistently short, thick, a majority red with a black saddle and a few additional markings, along with the possibility of a white spot on the chest. Their heads are long and narrow with the skull being slightly longer than the tapering muzzle. They feature a black nose and medium-sized, dark oval-shaped eyes. They have high-set, thin, folded ears. Their bodies are a bit longer than they are tall and equipped with muscular legs, a deep, wide chest that helps to produce considerable barks and bellows, and a somewhat thick, tapering tail.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Red

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Serbian Hound Breed Maintenance

The Serbian Hound is a low maintenance breed overall. It takes only a brushing or two a week with a thick, bristle brush to help keep their coats clean and to distribute their natural oils. They do not need bathing more than once every few months unless they get into something offensive smelling and otherwise maintain their coats themselves quite well. If they are not used as hunting dogs, where their nails can wear down naturally, their nails should be monitored and trimmed as needed to prevent cracking or breaking. Their teeth should also be brushed on a weekly basis if possible to maintain good oral health.

Brushes for Serbian Hound

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Serbian Hound Temperament

Serbian Hounds are known to be exceptionally well-mannered animals both in the field and at home. They are tenacious hunters with a determined drive and significant endurance while on the hunt, but while at home with the family, they have been noted to be regularly kind, gentle, affectionate and incredibly loyal. Because they were used as pack animals for so long, they are generally good with other dogs as well as children, especially if properly trained and socialized, but may still be aloof with strangers. They are not recommended for homes with other non-canine animals, as their high prey drives may be problematic. While they may be relaxed at home, they do require a considerable amount of exercise and may exhibit poor behavior if it is not provided to them. They can also be a bit of a pain to train, as their intelligence and independence can often translate into stubbornness. Overall, however, considering their minimal setbacks, they still make both fantastic family pets as well as companions and will even act as an intimidating guard dog if trained to do so.

Serbian Hound Activity Requirements

Serbian Hounds are considered high energy dogs, but don't quite touch the upper echelon of the total breeds. Because they were trained to be hunters, they have excellent endurance and can exercise for hours on end without tiring, which means they are best suited for homes with active families or those who are able to provide them a yard to run to are able to take them to the dog park regularly. To be safe, they should be given a couple miles of walks or runs a day or around 45 minutes at the very minimum.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Serbian Hound

Similarly Sized Breeds to Serbian Hound

Serbian Hound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $2.00
Monthly Cost
$45.00 - $60.00

Serbian Hound Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 14.5 inches
                  Weight: 31.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 13.5 inches
                  Weight: 31.0 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 17.5 inches
                  Weight: 37.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 16.5 inches
                  Weight: 37.5 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 20.0 inches
                  Weight: 44.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 19.0 inches
                  Weight: 44.0 lbs

Written by a Puggle lover Jonathan Powell

Published: 02/07/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Serbian Hound Owner Experiences

Kara

6 Years

1 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walking

Awesome, affectionate, obedient and with only 3 legs very agile

2 years, 10 months ago

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