Learn More About Serbian Hound

Summary

The Serbian Hound is a medium-sized dog breed classified in FCI Group 6, Section 1.2 (Medium-Sized Hounds). Its elegant and at the same time robust appearance gives an idea of ​​its extraordinary endurance and performance. The breed is characterized by its elongated physique, a medium-length neck and drooping ears that reach to the tip of the nose. The head is narrow and elongated with a pronounced stop and the eyes are dark and oval. The tail is set high, strong and broad at the base, carried in a saber shape. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines, as it is bred primarily for performance and less for appearance in its homeland. The Serbian Hound is very durable and weather-resistant, making it an excellent working dog for long hunts in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.

Character

The Serbian Hound is a dog with many facets. His work as a hunting dog requires endurance, dedication and a strong desire to please his human companions. Therefore, as a working dog, he is very focused and committed. It can travel long distances over rugged terrain and is known for its keen sense of smell, which allows it to follow tracks over long distances. Despite its hard work disposition, the Serbian Hound is an extremely people-oriented dog that builds a strong bond with its family. He is known for his friendliness and his even-tempered nature. His temperament is rather calm and he is not a hyperactive dog, although of course he has his active moments, especially when he is doing his favorite activity, hunting. But even when he's not hunting, he enjoys long walks and activities that allow him to use his sense of smell. With its strong hunting instincts, it is not surprising that the Serbian Hound exhibits strong prey catching and hunting behavior. This can cause him to chase small animals and he must therefore always be guided in safe terrain or have a good recall command. Inside the house, he tends to be alert and aware of his surroundings, but is usually not an excessive barker. Since the Serbian Hound is a working hunting dog, it can certainly learn to stay alone as long as it receives enough mental and physical stimulation. However, as with any dog, being alone should be trained gradually and positively. The Serbian Hound's independent nature allows it to be content without constant human interaction as long as its basic needs are met. However, that doesn't mean he's a loner. On the contrary, he enjoys the company of his people and is always happy to be part of family experiences.

What to Expect

Care

Although the Serbian Hound is an active and energetic dog, it can adapt to a city apartment as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is not a sofa dog and needs daily exercise to be happy and balanced. Therefore, he is probably better suited to a home that gives him access to a garden or nearby park. Serbian Hounds tend to be good with children and display a gentle and patient nature. However, due to their hunting instincts, they may not get along well with cats and other small pets unless they are socialized with them from an early age.

Training & Education

The Serbian Hound is an intelligent animal with a strong desire to please. This makes him relatively easy to train, although he does require a consistent but gentle hand. He responds best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. Given his hard work disposition and strong hunting instincts, activities like mantrailing or search games could be a good way to challenge his mind while satisfying his natural instincts. However, you should be careful not to over-occupy the dog. As with any dog, a balance between activity and rest is important for the Serbian Hound. It's important to encourage frustration tolerance and impulse control in this dog, especially when it comes to counteracting his prey drive. Training alternative behavior, such as focus training, can be very helpful here.

Nutrition & Grooming

Serbian Hounds are not particularly picky about their food, and they usually do well on a balanced diet of high-quality commercial dog food. It may also be beneficial to supplement their diet with fresh foods such as meat, vegetables and fruits. Due to her propensity for hip dysplasia, a diet that targets maintenance weight and supports joint health could be beneficial. When it comes to care, the Serbian Hound is relatively easy to care for. Its short, dense coat has no undercoat and sheds moderately. A weekly brush should be enough to keep his coat clean and healthy. He copes well with the climate in Germany, although he may need a dog coat in extremely cold weather as he does not have an undercoat to provide additional warmth.