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Balkan Hound Breed Description

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Breed Organization

Federation Cynologique International (FCI)

Native Country
Serbia

Other Names
Serbian Hound, Balkanski Gonic

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12 Years

Litter Size
No litter information available.

Breed Group
FCI-Scenthounds

General Description

The Balkan Hound, previously known as the Balkan Hound, is a pack hunting dog breed used in Serbia. It is red or tan with a black saddle, neck and cranium and red or tan face. Its head is flat and sloping, its muzzle pointed, with drop ears of the usual scent hound type. It is smooth-coated and coarse-haired. 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.

The FCI changed its official designation of this breed to the Balkan Hound in 1996.

The Balkan Hound is a very kind breed of dog, forming bonds with its family and owners. It is a lively breed and loves to walk and play with loved ones. The Balkan Hound is a very good worker with a tenacious nature that will not let it give up until it finds its quarry.

Breed Standard

Head: Long Skull moderately wide. Forehead slightly domed. Well-pronounced brow bones. Slight stop. Straight nosebridge. Long muzzle. Well-developed, tight black lips.
Ears: Medium in length, flat, lying against the cheeks, fairly large.
Eyes: Oval, brown with black eyelids.
Body: Longer than it is tall. Neck slightly arched, very b, without dewlap. Withers not very pronounced. Broad, long chest. Rounded ribs. Slight tuck-up. Long, broad back. Long, powerful, slightly sloping croup.
Tail: Thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. Held low and loosely in saber fashion.
Hair: Short, thick, slightly rough, glossy. Undercoat.
Coat: Background fox-red or wheaten-red with black mantle or saddle. Black coloring extends to the head.
Size: Dog: 46 to 54 cm. (18-21 in).Bitch: 44 to 52 cm. (17.5-20.5 in).
Weight: Up to 20 kg. (44 lb).

History

The Balkan 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 Balkan 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 F d ration Cynologique Internationale accepted the standard which had been accepted elsewhere. The Balkan Hound was spread most widely through Serbia and, at a FCI meeting in 1996, it was decided to officially change the name to the Balkan Hound.

Today, the Balkan Hound can be seen throughout its native country, but remains very rare in other lands. Also called the black and tan.

Behavior

A tireless, tenacious, lively hunter, the Balkan Hound has a fiery temper but is good-natured and docile. He has a high, sometimes booming voice and hunts hare, deer, and wild boar. He is an energetic tracker of wounded animals. He needs a firm owner.

He needs space and lots of exercise and requires regular brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog.

Health

No health information available.

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