Serbian Hound

also known as Srpski gonič, Balkan Hound, Balkanski gonič

Pros History


The Serbian Hound is a breed of dog that is native to Serbia. It is believed to have originated in the region of Vojvodina in northern Serbia, where it was used for hunting small game such as hare and fox.

The breed's history can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used by Serbian nobles for hunting. The Serbian Hound was also used by the Serb rebels during the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century.

During the 20th century, the breed's numbers declined due to the lack of interest in hunting and the disruption caused by the two World Wars. However, the breed was revived in the 1970s by a group of Serbian breeders who were determined to preserve the breed and its unique characteristics.

The Serbian Hound is known for its stamina, agility, and keen sense of smell, which make it well-suited for hunting small game. It is a medium-sized breed with a short, dense coat that is typically black, red, or fawn in color.

The breed's name, "Serbian Hound," is derived from its origin in Serbia and its use as a hunting dog. The breed is recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and the UKC (United Kennel Club).

In addition to Serbia, the Serbian Hound can also be found in other countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. It is still used for hunting in these regions, but it is also kept as a companion dog by some families.

Breed Information


Type

Is Serbian Hound a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Serbian Hounds originally used for?

Hunting, Watchdog, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Serbian Hounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Serbian Hound? How long can Serbian Hounds live?

12-14 years

The average Serbian Hound lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Serbian Hound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Serbian Hound?

What is the average height of a Serbian Hound? How big is a Purebred Serbian Hound height? Serbian Hound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-22 inches (45.7 - 55.9 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm)
Female 17-21 inches (43.2 - 53.3 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Serbian Hound? How much should Serbian Hounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-48 pounds (18 - 22 kg) 31.0 pounds (14 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 44.0 pounds (20 kg)
Female 40-48 pounds (18 - 22 kg) 31.0 pounds (14 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 44.0 pounds (20 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Serbian Hounds get fat easily?

The Serbian Hound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Serbian Hounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Serbian Hound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Serbian Hound personality? What are Serbian Hound dogs best known for?

Obedient
Tenacious
Dependable
Lively
Kind
Good-natured

Shedding Level

Are Serbian Hounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Serbian Hound Shed?

Serbian Hound dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Serbian Hound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Serbian Hound dog?

The Serbian Hound dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Serbian Hounds come from?

Serbia

Ancestry

What are Serbian Hounds descended from?

Molossian Hunting Dogs, Phoenician Dogs

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Serbian Hound breed?

Federation Cynologique Internationale
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Serbian Hounds first bred? How old is the Serbian Hound breed?

11th Century

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Serbian Hound?

Hound
Scenthound (UKC)

Serbian Hound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Serbian Hound eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Serbian Hound nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Serbian Hound coat be naturally?

Black
Red
White

Coat Length

How long is a Serbian Hounds coat?

The coat of a Serbian Hound dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Serbian Hound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Serbian Hound?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Serbian Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Serbian Hound have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Serbian Hound can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Serbian Hound dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Serbian Hound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Serbian Hounds have a lot of health problems?

The Serbian Hound breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Serbian Hound?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Serbian Hounds?

Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Ear Infections
Eye Problems

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Serbian Hound breed?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Serbian Hound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Serbian Hounds have a lot of energy?

Serbian Hounds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Serbian Hounds need socialization? How social are Serbian Hounds?

Serbian Hound have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Serbian Hounds get?

The Serbian Hound needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Serbian Hound have? Do Serbian Hounds sleep a lot?

Serbian Hounds dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Serbian Hound drool a lot?

The Serbian Hound is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Serbian Hound, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Serbian Hound dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Serbian Hounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Serbian Hounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Serbian Hound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Serbian Hound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Serbian Hounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Serbian Hound busy?

Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Serbian Hound? How much energy does a Serbian Hound have?

High

Serbian Hounds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Serbian Hound walk each week? How many miles should a Serbian Hound walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Serbian Hound, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Serbian Hound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Serbian Hound need?

45 minutes

In general most Serbian Hounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Serbian Hound?

The Serbian Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Serbian Hound?

Weekly

Serbian Hound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Serbian Hounds?

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Serbian Hound eat?

3 cups

For an average 40-48 pound (18 - 22 kg) Serbian Hound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Serbian Hound Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.80 / day

The average cost of a Serbian Hound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Serbian Hound Cost Per Month?

$63 - $84 / month

The average per month expenses of a Serbian Hound is between $63 - $84. This makes an average of $756 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Serbian Hound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Serbian Hound?

The Serbian Hound breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Serbian Hound dog?

Serbian Hound dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Serbian Hound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Serbian Hound do well in apartments? Are Serbian Hounds good indoor dogs?

Serbian Hounds are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Serbian Hounds good with kids? Are Serbian Hounds good around children?

Serbian Hounds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Serbian Hounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Serbian Hounds good with cats? How friendly Serbian Hounds are toward cats?

Serbian Hounds are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Serbian Hounds can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Serbian Hound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Serbian Hounds OK with other dogs?

Serbian Hounds are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Serbian Hound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Serbian Hounds friendly with strangers?

Serbian Hounds are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Serbian Hounds like to play? Are Serbian Hounds playful?

Serbian Hounds are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Serbian Hound for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Serbian Hound easily trained?

Serbian Hound dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and affectionate
    Serbian Hounds are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners and family members.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Serbian Hounds are intelligent and easily trainable, making them a good choice for those looking for a companion that can be trained to perform various tasks.
  • Low maintenance coat
    Serbian Hounds have a short, thick coat that requires minimal grooming to maintain its health and appearance.

Cons

  • Barking
    Loudness is a common trait among this breed of dog.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Serbian Hounds do not possess the temperament to coexist peacefully with cats.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Serbian Hound.
  • High energy level
    Serbian Hounds have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Not suitable for apartment living
    Serbian Hounds' high energy level and need for regular exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living. They are best suited for a home with a yard where they can run and play.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Serbian Hounds may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Prone to certain health problems
    Like many purebred dogs, Serbian Hounds may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections.