Serbian Hound

The Serbian Hound is a robust, medium-sized dog. The skull is slightly rounded with a well-developed muzzle and a nose that is always black. The eyes are oval and slanting with dark irises. Ears are set high and of medium length and width; they are carried hanging down and close to the cheeks. The neck is strong and slightly arched. The body is slightly oblong, with a back that is well-muscled, long and powerful. The tail is slightly curved up and is carried below the line of the back, covered in abundant hair. Forequarters are powerful, well-muscled and parallel with muscular shoulder blades. The hindquarters are strong with well-muscled thighs.

The Serbian Hound is a kindly breed with lively temperament which lends itself to both hunting in the field and life in the home. Tenacious, dependable, full of character and robust, this scenthound can make a good companion. Consistent and patient training required.

The Serbian 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 Serbian 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 Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted the standard which had been accepted elsewhere. The Serbian Hound was spread most widely through Serbia and, at a FCI meeting in 1996, it was decided to officially change the name to the Serbian Hound. Today, the Serbian Hound can be seen throughout its native country, but remains very rare in other lands. Also called the black and tan.