Serbian Tricolour Hound

The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a moderately sized scent hound from Serbia. It is a versatile hunting dog, often worked in small packs.

History

Like its close relatives, among them the Serbian Hound, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound, the Posavac Hound and the two Istrian hounds, the breed is believed to descend from hounds traded by Mediterranean seafarers through ports on the Adriatic coast. These breeds are also thought to have some early sighthound blood.

According to Serbia’s national kennel club, the Kinološki Savez Srbije, the tricolor dogs were at first treated as a variety of the Serbian Hound. In 1946 a separate standard was drawn up and the breed was recognised in its own right. The FCI recognised it in 1961. It was originally called the Yugoslavian Tricolour Hound, and the name was changed after the breakup of Yugoslavia. The breed is rarely seen outside its homeland and is considered extremely rare and possibly at risk of extinction.

Appearance

The Serbian Tricolour Hound looks very like the black and tan Montenegrin Mountain Hound but is usually a little lighter in build. Under the Serbian standard, males stand 45–55 cm, ideally 51 cm, and females 44–54 cm, ideally 49 cm. Adults typically weigh 20–25 kg. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with long legs and good bone.

The coat is short, thick and glossy, coarse to the touch, and protects the dog well from the weather. It is mainly black and fawn, with white around the neck, on the chest and the lower legs, and a white blaze on the face.

Temperament

The breed is usually affectionate and obedient and forms a particularly strong bond with its owner. It is calm and relaxed at home and very energetic at work. It hunts hare, fox, deer and wild boar, mainly by scent, though it also makes use of very good eyesight. The country it works is difficult, and hunts can last for many hours.

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