Serbian HoundClose relative
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AI-generated imageSerbian Tricolour Hound
Health grade B- Shoulder height44–55 cm
- Weight18–25 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Dreifarbiger Serbischer Laufhund is a robust, tireless scent-tracking specialist—bred to work out game trails for hours in rough terrain with a loud voice, where his nose overrides every other piece of information.
- Health grade B: The Serbian Tricolour Hound is considered a robust working breed, for which there are currently no specific mandatory breeding tests.
- You spend a lot of time in nature and can offer him real scent work like tracking or mantrailing as a substitute for hunting.
- You live in a rural area, ideally with an escape-proof garden, where his deep, far-reaching bark won't cause neighborhood drama.
- You expect him to react to your recall immediately upon seeing a hare or a fresh trail—he was selectively bred to become blind and deaf to you at exactly that moment.
Self-check
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Is the Serbian Tricolour Hound right for you?
At a glance
Serbian Tricolour Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
44–55 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Serbia
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Serbian Tricolour 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 →Colors & coat
What colors does the Serbian Tricolour Hound come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Serbian Tricolour Hound — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Short
Smooth
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You bring confident, patient leadership to the table and accept that this dog will always question the purpose of your commands.
- You enjoy living with a pack-oriented companion who is calm and affectionate indoors as long as he is allowed to burn off energy outside.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a noisy apartment building and are looking for a quiet, inconspicuous companion.
- You are looking for a pure family dog for relaxed weekend walks—without proper stimulation, this specialist quickly becomes frustrated and will find his own ways to keep busy.
The real vibes check
A Dreifarbiger Serbischer Laufhund is a gentle shadow indoors who loves to cuddle with you—but as soon as he catches a scent outside, he flips a switch and becomes an unstoppable machine. You aren't getting a classic follower of commands, but a highly specialized hunting partner who perceives your world only through his nose. If you celebrate this independence, you have a loyal companion; if you are looking for blind obedience, he will drive you crazy.
Breed Profile
The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is a versatile and robust hunting dog breed, especially valued for its endurance and keen sense of smell. It belongs to the group of hounds and was specifically bred in Serbia for tracking and pursuing game. The appearance of the Tri-colored Serbian Hound is characterized by its tri-colored coat in black, brown, and white, a slender but muscular build, as well as long, hanging ears typical of hounds. Its head is expressive with friendly, dark eyes that reflect its attentiveness and intelligence. Within the breed, there are no clearly separated lines, but individual dogs vary in their hunting performance and temperament. The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is an active and enduring companion that excels both in the field and as a family dog when given sufficient exercise and engagement.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 44 - 54 cm (Female), 45 - 55 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black, red, deer brown with a smaller or larger amount of white fur
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell and strong work motivation. It is characterized by its high stamina and agility, making it an excellent companion for tracking and trailing work. Despite its hunting zeal, it is very loyal and affectionate towards its owner. This dog is intelligent and eager to learn but requires consistent and patient training to channel its temperament and hunting passion into orderly behavior. It is very active and needs plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation to remain balanced. Without sufficient activity, it can become restless or stubborn. In dealing with the family, the Tri-colored Serbian Hound is friendly and social, especially seeking contact with its close persons. It is usually reserved towards strangers but not aggressive. Due to its alertness, it is well suited as a guard and protection dog without being overly dominant. Its prey drive is strongly pronounced, which is why early socialization and consistent recall training are essential. Overall, the Tri-colored Serbian Hound is a reliable, hardworking, and loyal companion for experienced dog owners who can provide it with sufficient activity and clear leadership.
| 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 tricolor Serbian hound is a true endurance specialist with a keen sense of smell, making it the perfect hunting companion – similar to the Labrador, which is a water expert with its webbed feet, or the German Shepherd, which became a versatile working dog due to its intelligence.
What Awaits You
The tricolor Serbian Hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog known for its excellent sense of smell. These dogs are friendly and eager to work but require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion in the field. Due to their social nature, they also integrate well into family life.
Housing & Care
The tricolor Serbian hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He is very friendly and shows a strong bond with his family, which makes him well suited as a family dog. He is usually patient and loving with children but, like all dogs, should be treated with respect. If socialized early, he also gets along well with other dogs and pets. Due to his high need for exercise, he is less suitable for apartment living and enjoys plenty of outdoor activity, ideally in a rural environment or with access to a garden. The tricolor Serbian hound is an active companion who greatly appreciates engagement and shared activities.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is an intelligent and eager-to-work hunting dog that requires consistent and patient training. Similar to the Labrador and German Shepherd, it is important to promote its natural instincts through meaningful activities. It loves to be mentally and physically challenged, which is why retrieving games, search tasks, or tracking work are ideal. Training should be positive and reward-based to build a trusting bond. Due to its strong hunting drive, it is important to promote impulse control and frustration tolerance early on to prevent unwanted behavior. Good socialization and clear rules are essential to maintain a balanced and well-adapted dog. The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is well-suited for various dog sports, especially those that challenge its nose and endurance. However, it also needs rest periods to avoid being overwhelmed. With patience, consistency, and varied training, it becomes a loyal and reliable companion.
Nutrition & Care
The Tri-colored Serbian Hound requires a balanced diet that supports its active urge to move. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to meet its energy needs and strengthen its muscles. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as overweight can impair mobility. Its short, dense coat is easy to care for but requires regular brushing, about once a week, to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. During the shedding periods in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, making more intensive brushing advisable. The Tri-colored Serbian Hound is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for this lively breed.
| Care Level Occasional brushing is all it takes. | Very low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Serbian Tricolour Hound is considered a robust working breed, for which there are currently no specific mandatory breeding tests. Buyers should therefore independently watch out for typical problems of larger scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as these can remain undetected due to a lack of controls. Eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) should also be actively queried with the breeder prior to purchase.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure joint-friendly exercise and keep his floppy ears clean and dry regularly to prevent infections and future veterinary costs.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and eyes of the parent animals checked and pay attention to healthy ears to reduce risks within the bloodline.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Serbian Tricolour Hound cost?
A Serbian Tricolour Hound costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €320, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,890 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€30,570.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,890
Across the dog's life
~€30,570
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
History
The full history
The history of the Tri-colored Serbian Hound dates back to the 19th century, when hunting dogs were specifically bred in Serbia that were suitable for tracking and pursuing game. These dogs were characterized by their endurance, keen sense of smell, and versatility. The Tri-colored Serbian Hound was created by crossing various local hound types with European hunting dogs to combine the best traits. It was especially valued for its ability to work in difficult terrain while always keeping the trail. Over time, the breed was standardized and received its name due to its characteristic tri-colored coat. Today, the Tri-colored Serbian Hound is considered a valuable hunting and companion dog in its homeland and beyond.
Original Use
The Tricolor Serbian Hound was bred to hunt wild boar and other large game in the forests of Serbia.
Origin
Serbia
Date
1946
Owner experiences
Many owners highlight the striking contrast between how this dog behaves indoors and how it acts outside.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners highlight the striking contrast between how this dog behaves indoors and how it acts outside. At home, the Serbian Tricolor Hound is regularly described as a surprisingly low-key, affectionate and gentle housemate that seeks close contact with its people and fits well into daily routines. It is very friendly with family members, while it often meets strangers with calm, watchful reserve.
At the same time, reports point out that this dog is not an easy companion for city life. The breed doesn't care for sensory overload and constant hustle and bustle; instead, these dogs thrive in the countryside with direct access to nature. If they aren't challenged mentally and physically, their calm at home quickly turns into nervousness, frustration or restless pacing.
In reports from everyday life and from rescue work, hunting drive comes first.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In reports from everyday life and from rescue work, hunting drive comes first. Owners agree that these dogs practically always have their nose to the ground. As soon as they pick up a fresh trail, many switch into a very focused working mode and give the loud trail voice typical of the breed, often tuning out everything around them, including their owners' calls.
For this reason, owners stress that reliable off-leash time in areas with lots of game often remains a pipe dream or takes years of intensive anti-hunting training. For many owners, a long line is basic, indispensable equipment. In practice, structured alternatives such as mantrailing or intensive tracking work have proven to be good outlets for this drive to work, letting the dog use its innate urge to search in a controlled way.
Sources:zooplus.dedogforum.de
In training, many owners run into a strong independent streak that is easily mistaken for stubbornness.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In training, many owners run into a strong independent streak that is easily mistaken for stubbornness. Because these dogs were selected to follow trails on their own, far from their handler, they don't come with a classic "will to please." According to owner reports, anyone who works with pressure or harshness quickly sees the dog stubbornly withdraw; instead, they need patience, completely fair consistency and high-value motivation.
Physically, owners find the breed very tough, weatherproof and uncomplicated in terms of health. The short coat needs little grooming. The main everyday challenge owners name is the sheer energy level: walks alone are rarely enough for these athletic hounds, so owners should not underestimate their own fitness or the daily time commitment before getting one.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Serbian Tricolour Hound the right dog for me?
The Serbian Tricolour Hound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Serbian Tricolour Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Serbian Tricolour Hound is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Serbian Tricolour Hound need?
Serbian Tricolour Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Serbian Tricolour Hound good for families with children?
The Serbian Tricolour Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Serbian Tricolour Hound come in?
The Serbian Tricolour Hound comes in these colors: Tricolor.
Are you a Serbian Tricolour Hound breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Serbian Tricolour Hound.