Serbian Hound
A rust-red Balkan hound with a black saddle, bred to track hare, fox and boar over rough hills with a ringing voice.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 46–56 cm · Females 44–54 cm
- Weight
- Males 20–25 kg · Females 18–23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, short
- Colours
- Red, Black
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- Serbia
- FCI
- Group 6, no. 150 · Scent hounds
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- hunt with hounds or want a tracking dog
- live in the countryside
- like a hardy, low-maintenance coat
Think twice if you …
- live in a flat or noisy neighbourhood
- have cats or small pets
- want a dog for off-lead park walks
Care
Temperament
Loyal and even-tempered at home, tireless and single-minded on a trail. Generally friendly, though it may be reserved with strangers.
Exercise
Needs long daily outings and ideally regular hunting, tracking or mantrailing; a quick walk round the block is not enough.
Grooming
Short, dense coat with a thick undercoat; brush weekly, more during seasonal shedding.
Training
Capable but independent; start recall and lead manners early and keep training rewarding.
Health
There is little published health data for this rare hunting breed; it is considered sturdy, and hip screening of breeding dogs is sensible. Ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Serbian Hound is an old Balkan scent hound, long kept by hunters in Serbia and neighbouring regions. Until the 1990s it was known internationally as the Balkan Hound, and its first standard dates from the early 20th century.
It is a medium-sized, tough dog, usually red or rust coloured with a black saddle. It hunts alone or in pairs, following scent over hills and woods and calling loudly as it goes. Outside its homeland it is rare. With its family it is usually calm and loyal, but it needs a job and plenty of outdoor time to be happy.
Did you know?
Until 1996 the breed was registered with the FCI as the Balkan Hound.