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Istrian Shorthaired Hound Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club (UKC)

Native Country
Croatia

Other Names
Istarski Kratkolaki Gonic, Smoothhaired Istrian Hound, Istrian Pointer

Life Expectancy
No Information Available

Litter Size
No Litter Information Available

Breed Group
FCI-Scenthounds

General Description

The Istrian Short-haired Hound has a short, smooth, glossy, hard coat, primarily white with sparse patches of orange. The breed has a typical well-muscled hound body, with long legs and a long tail. The head is fairly broad and flat with short triangular drop ears that hang close to the head, a type typically called East European.

The ideal height for an adult dog is 50 cm (19.5 in) at the withers and weight is about 18 kg (40 lb); females are slightly smaller.

The cry or baying while hunting (important for a scenthound) is described as persistent and sharp.

Breed Standard

Head: Long, not very lightweight. Slightly domed skull. Fairly broad forehead. Stop not very pronounced. Strong, rectangular muzzle. Well-joined lips. Visible mucosas are dark.
Ears: Long, hanging against the cheeks.
Eyes: Large, dark. Eyebrows very bushy and thick in the wirehaired variety.
Body: Robust, slightly longer than it is tall. Neck has no dewlap. Broad chest. Rounded ribs. Slight tuck-up. Broad, slightly sloping croup. Straight, broad back.
Tail: Thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. Carried low, curved slightly upward.
Hair: Wirehaired: 5 to 10 cm long, standing on end. Thick, short undercoat.- Smoothhaired: fine, dense, and glossy.
Coat: White. Ears usually orangish or covered with orangish flecks. Orange flashings on the forehead. Orangish spots and flecks may also appear on the body.
Size: 44 to 58 cm. (17-23 in).
Weight: 18 to 20 kg. (40-44)

History

This very ancient breed has always been prized in Istria. The breed’s mysterious origins probably match those of Italian hounds. The two varieties of Istrian Hound are the Wirehaired Istrian Hound (Istarski Ostrodlaki Gonic) and the more popular Smoothhaired Istrian Hound (Istrian Shorthaired Hound), also known as the Istrian Pointer.

Behavior

The Istrian Hound is calm, has a powerful voice, excels on hare and fox, and is a very good bloodhound. He is affectionate and makes a good companion.

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

Function

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is still kept in its homeland and in nearby areas for hunting, not as a pet, and is especially valued for hunting fox and rabbit.

Health

No specific health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The ideal temperament according to the standard is docile and calm, and lively and enthusiastic when hunting.

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