Discover Everything About Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Montenegrin Mountain Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is considered a very robust working breed for which there are currently no specific mandatory genetic tests. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of typical issues in larger scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as there is very little official data available on these conditions. Without targeted health screenings of the parent dogs, the purchase remains a minor health risk despite the breed's natural hardiness.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
46–56 cm
Weight
20–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Montenegro
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Montenegrin Mountain Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Montenegrin Mountain Hound right for you?
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a robust, extremely enduring scent hound—bred to hunt game independently and with a distinct baying voice over long distances in rugged mountain terrain.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a true working dog for tracking, mantrailing, or hunting practice—simple walks are not enough to keep this specialist occupied.
- You live in a rural area, ideally with a securely fenced garden where he can move around freely between tasks.
- You are a confident and patient leader, because a dog that makes its own decisions in the mountains will also tend to question the point of commands in everyday life.
- You appreciate a calm, balanced companion at home who forms a close bond with their primary caregiver.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that remains instantly recallable when catching a scent—he was bred to pick up the trail with a loud voice precisely then.
- You live in a thin-walled apartment, as this vocal hunter has a powerful, penetrating voice that he isn't afraid to use.
- You are looking for a pure companion dog for leisurely strolls in a city park or an easy-to-train agility partner.
The real vibes check
At home, he is unobtrusive and quiet in his spot, but as soon as he gets a fresh scent in his nose in the woods, he flips a switch and becomes an untiring machine. You aren't getting a dog that blindly reads your every wish—but rather a self-confident specialist who needs real tasks and clear leadership to keep from going his own way.
Breed Profile
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a robust and versatile dog breed that was originally bred in the mountainous regions of Montenegro. It belongs to the group of hounds and was primarily used for hunting in difficult, rugged terrain. Its build is medium-sized, muscular, and agile, with a dense, weather-resistant coat that protects it from harsh weather conditions. Characteristic are its attentive, almond-shaped eyes and slightly drooping ears, which give it a friendly yet alert appearance. Within the breed, there are different lines that vary in their hunting and running performance. The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a loyal and enduring companion, valued both as a working dog and as a family pet.
| Height | 46 - 56 cm (Female), 46 - 56 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 20 - 25 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, alert, high prey drive |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more. |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound, known in its homeland as the Crnogorski Planinski Gonič, is a traditional hunting breed from the Balkan region. Its origins lie in the rugged and inaccessible mountain landscapes of Montenegro, where it has been selectively bred for hunting since the 19th century. Unlike many other regional breeds, it never served as a herding or livestock guardian dog, but was used exclusively as a persistent scenthound and tracking dog. Its primary task was the tireless pursuit of foxes, hares, and occasionally wild boar through dense undergrowth and difficult terrain. The breed shares genetic roots with other Balkan hounds but was shaped as a distinct type due to the geographical isolation of the Montenegrin mountains. The first official recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) occurred in 1969. At that time, the breed was still listed under the name Yugoslavian Mountain Hound. Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the political restructuring in the Balkans, the name was eventually updated to honor its true country of origin, Montenegro. To this day, this robust and sure-footed dog is highly valued in its homeland and is primarily kept by hunters as a reliable working dog, while it remains a rare sight outside the Balkan Peninsula.
This breed was developed for hunting game in mountainous terrain and is renowned for its stamina and hardiness.
Montenegro
1900
Character & Temperament
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a robust and enduring hunting dog, especially valued for its excellent abilities in mountainous terrain. It is characterized by a balanced yet lively temperament, making it a reliable companion for active people. Its close bond with the family and strong work drive make it a dedicated partner in hunting and other demanding tasks. This dog requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to fully realize its potential. It is eager to learn and shows high motivation to work with its human, which is why consistent training and clear leadership are important. Despite its independence, it is very people-oriented and appreciates closeness to its family. The Montenegrin Mountain Hound possesses natural alertness without being aggressive. Its hunting instinct is strongly pronounced, making early training and socialization essential to ensure controlled behavior. Overall, it is a versatile, loyal, and resilient dog, particularly suitable for experienced owners who can provide sufficient activity.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a true mountain professional: With its strong legs and the endurance of a marathon runner, it effortlessly masters steep paths and rough terrain – perfect for adventures in the Montenegrin mountains!
What Awaits You
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is an enduring and alert hunting dog, especially used in mountainous regions. It is characterized by its high endurance and strong hunting instinct. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn but require consistent leadership and sufficient exercise. They are well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion in the terrain.
Housing & Care
Montenegrin mountain hounds are robust and enduring dogs originally bred for hunting in mountainous terrain. They are very attentive and show a high willingness to work, therefore requiring a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are usually alert and can be reserved towards strangers, but are loyal and affectionate towards their families. They are generally friendly with children but should be well managed due to their hunting drive and energy. Consistent training and early socialization are important so that they integrate well into family life. They usually get along well with other dogs, especially if raised together from a young age. Overall, Montenegrin mountain hounds are demanding but loyal companions for active people who have plenty of time for exercise and engagement with their dog.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is an intelligent and enduring working dog that requires consistent and patient training. Similar to the German Shepherd, it is important to consider its natural instincts and need for movement without overwhelming it. It learns quickly but also shows a certain independence, which is why positive, reward-based training is particularly effective. This dog needs varied activities that challenge it both physically and mentally. Long hikes, search games, or controlled hunting training are ideal to develop its abilities. As with the Labrador, care should be taken to ensure the dog does not develop obsessive behaviors but learns to accept periods of rest. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important training focuses to obtain a balanced and well-socialized companion. Early socialization and building a strong bond between dog and owner are essential to strengthen trust and cooperation. Overall, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound requires time, patience, and commitment but rewards its owner with loyalty, endurance, and a pronounced work ethic. Those willing to nurture these qualities will gain a versatile and reliable partner for active pursuits.
Nutrition & Care
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound requires a balanced diet that supports its active and robust character. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to promote its musculature and endurance. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as overweight can strain the joints. Its short, dense coat is easy to care for and protects it well from changing weather conditions in mountainous regions. Regular brushing, about once a week, is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased shedding can occur, making more intensive brushing advisable. The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is accustomed to a moderate to cool climate and handles cold well. At high temperatures, you should provide enough shade and water to prevent overheating. Overall, it is a robust dog that can lead an active and healthy life with proper care and nutrition.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Robust
Health grade
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is considered a very robust working breed for which there are currently no specific mandatory genetic tests. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of typical issues in larger scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as there is very little official data available on these conditions. Without targeted health screenings of the parent dogs, the purchase remains a minor health risk despite the breed's natural hardiness.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise and regular care of his floppy ears, you can significantly reduce the risk of joint wear and chronic ear infections in everyday life.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and eyes of the parent animals checked and pay attention to healthy ear canals to minimize avoidable risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Dragan M., Jäger aus dem Schwarzwald (Rüde, hielt die Rasse über 10 Jahre)
Ich habe jahrelang einen Montenegrinischen Gebirgslaufhund (bei uns in der Region oft noch unter dem alten Namen „Alpinac“ bekannt) zusammen mit einer Serbischen Bracke im Team geführt. Für die Wildschweinjagd waren die beiden ein absolut unschlagbares Duo. Mein Gebirgslaufhund hatte eine unglaubliche Nase und ein echtes „Köpfchen“ (Kefalo) für die Sauen – er hat sie extrem clever aufgespürt, während der andere Hund die nötige Ausdauer beim anhaltenden Verfolgen mitbrachte.
Diese Hunde sind extrem robust und mutig, aber sie haben auch ihren eigenen Kopf. Wenn man sie nicht jagdlich führt, muss man sich bewusst sein, dass man ihren unbändigen Fährtenwillen und die Wildschärfe kaum kontrollieren kann. Sie sind keine Hunde, die man einfach so nebenher laufen lässt. Zu Hause war er zwar ein absolut liebenswerter und treuer Gefährte, aber draußen im Wald erwacht der kompromisslose Jäger.
Sonja T., Halterin aus Oberbayern (Hündin, seit 2021)
Wir haben unsere Hündin aus dem Tierschutz übernommen. Sie ist im Haus eine unglaublich sanfte, treue Seele und baut eine extrem enge Bindung zu uns auf. Sie liebt es, bei ihren Menschen zu sein, und ist sehr verschmust. Auch mit unseren Kindern klappt es wunderbar, da sie ein sehr ausgeglichenes und freundliches Wesen hat.
Die große Herausforderung ist jedoch ihr enormer Bewegungsdrang und der Jagdtrieb. Ohne einen sicher eingezäunten Garten und mindestens zwei Stunden intensive Beschäftigung am Tag geht gar nichts. Sie neigt außerdem dazu, recht lautstark anzuschlagen, wenn sie aufgeregt ist oder etwas meldet. Für eine Mietwohnung in der Stadt ist diese Rasse meiner Meinung nach absolut ungeeignet. Man braucht Hundeerfahrung, Geduld und viel Platz, um ihrer Sturheit und Energie gerecht zu werden.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Is a Montenegrin Mountain Hound the right dog for me?
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Montenegrin Mountain Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Montenegrin Mountain Hound is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Montenegrin Mountain Hound need?
Montenegrin Mountain Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Montenegrin Mountain Hound good for families with children?
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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