The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound presents as a medium-sized scent hound with a robust, well-muscled build designed for endurance hunting in mountainous terrain. The breed's overall silhouette should convey strength and stamina without appearing heavy or cumbersome. Males typically stand between 18 and 22 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 17 to 21 inches in height. Weight generally ranges from 35 to 55 pounds, with males carrying more muscle mass than females. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, creating a rectangular rather than square profile that facilitates efficient movement over long distances.
The head is proportionate to the body with a moderately long skull that is slightly domed when viewed from the side. The stop is not pronounced, creating a gradual transition from skull to muzzle. The muzzle itself measures approximately equal to the length of the skull, displaying good depth and width to accommodate the large nasal passages needed for superior scenting ability. The nose is always black and well-developed with wide nostrils. The lips are tight-fitting without excessive flews, maintaining a clean profile suitable for working in dense brush.
Eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, and set slightly obliquely, conveying an intelligent and alert expression. Eye color ranges from dark chestnut to hazel, with darker shades preferred. The expression should be gentle when at rest but intense and focused when working. Ears are of medium length, set relatively high on the skull, and hang close to the cheeks. The ear leather is thin and reaches approximately to the nose when pulled forward. The ears should not be excessively long or thick, as this could impair the dog's ability to work in heavy cover.
The neck is strong and of medium length, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. There should be no excess skin or dewlap present. The topline is straight and firm from withers to croup, showing no tendency to sag or roach. The chest is deep, reaching at least to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs that provide ample heart and lung room without creating a barrel-ribbed appearance. The underline shows a moderate tuck-up, allowing for sustained running without appearing overly tucked or wasp-waisted.
Front legs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front, with strong bone and well-developed musculature. Pasterns show a slight angle, providing shock absorption without weakness. The shoulders are long and sloping, allowing for good reach in movement. Rear legs display moderate angulation with well-muscled thighs and strong hocks. When viewed from behind, the hind legs should be parallel. Feet are oval-shaped with well-arched toes and thick, durable pads capable of handling rocky terrain. Nails are strong and dark in color.
The tail is set as a continuation of the topline and carried in a gentle saber curve, never curled over the back. At rest, the tail may hang down but should not reach significantly below the hock. The tail is covered with the same coarse hair as the body, becoming slightly longer and more plume-like toward the tip. When working or excited, the tail is carried higher but maintains its graceful curve.
The breed's most distinctive feature is its harsh, coarse double coat. The outer coat is of medium length, measuring roughly one and a half to three inches, with a shaggy, bristly texture that provides excellent protection against thorns, brush, and harsh weather. The undercoat is dense and soft, offering insulation in cold mountain conditions. Coat texture should be hard to the touch, never soft or silky. The coat may be slightly longer on the back, thighs, and tail, but should not form excessive feathering. Facial hair includes bushy eyebrows and a moderate beard, contributing to the breed's characteristic rustic appearance.
Coat colors accepted in the breed standard include wheaten-yellow, reddish-yellow, earthy gray, and blackish shades, typically with white markings. White is commonly seen on the chest, throat, feet, and tail tip. Some dogs may display a white blaze on the head or a white collar. Solid colors without white markings are acceptable but less common. The overall color should blend well with the natural environment of the breed's traditional hunting grounds.
Disqualifications and serious faults in the breed standard include aggressive or overly timid temperament, significant deviations from the height standard, absence of proper coat texture, overly refined or heavy bone structure, poor movement, and anatomical defects that would impair working ability. Sexual dimorphism should be evident, with males appearing distinctly more masculine in head and overall substance compared to females, who should maintain a feminine appearance without excessive refinement.
Movement is purposeful and efficient, covering ground with moderate reach and drive. The gait should appear tireless and smooth, with good extension and solid topline carriage. At a trot, the legs should move in parallel planes, demonstrating sound structure and balanced angulation. The breed should be capable of maintaining a working trot for hours without fatigue, and should be able to shift quickly to a gallop when pursuing game.
Affection Level
Moderate to high with family members; forms strong bonds but maintains some independence
Good with Children
Good with older, respectful children; may be too energetic for toddlers
Good with Other Dogs
Excellent; bred to work in packs and typically very social with other dogs
Good with Other Pets
Moderate; strong prey drive may create challenges with cats and small animals
Playfulness
Moderate to high; enjoys active play but focused on hunting activities
Energy Level
High; bred for endurance hunting requiring sustained physical activity
Trainability
Moderate; intelligent but independent, requires patient and consistent training
Intelligence
High; excellent problem-solving abilities for hunting situations
Tendency to Bark
High; bred to bay while trailing, will vocalize when excited or tracking
Amount of Shedding
Moderate; seasonal shedding with heavier coat loss during spring and fall
Grooming Needs
Moderate; weekly brushing needed to maintain coat health and remove debris
Prey Drive
Very high; strong hunting instincts remain powerful in all bloodlines