We already know some Bracken. They belong to the category of hunting dogs. The Serbian Hound is a dog of a special kind, because it is only 250 years old. You can see it in her face: Intelligence, energy and strength are combined in her. Let’s take a closer look at what else she has to offer.
Character of the Serbian Hound
Traditionally, the Serbian Hound belongs to the pack dogs, which is why it has a very good social behavior. This helps her to fit in well with her family. Even small children are no problem for her. She will lovingly and very gently accept theirs. If they can grow up together, this will be a bond for life for both of them. Because that’s exactly what the Serbian Hound Bitch wants from her owner – a home for life.
In relation to other people she behaves neutrally. She is happy to receive attention, but also gets along very well with those she receives from her own family.
If we look at her work and her will to perform it perfectly, we will find ourselves in front of a dog that seems to have defined perfection.
Since this is a hunting dog that knows about its potential, training, no matter in which direction it should go, should be started as early as possible. This dog is a pure workhorse that brings energy, strength, stamina and reliability. But it must first be channeled so that it can ultimately be put to use. A good dog school can be very helpful in this regard.
The historical background of the Serbian Hound
The Serbian Hound is known by another name: Serbian Hound, but also Serbian Running Dog. It was first mentioned in written records 250 to 300 years ago. It was first noted in Serbia, primarily on the border with Bulgaria.
However, it is assumed that it developed from the small Asian running dog breeds. Nevertheless, it took until 1905 before it was mentioned in dog literature.
In 1996, however, a name was finally agreed upon: since that time, this dog breed has been called “Serbian Hound”.
The colors of the Serbian Hound
The Serbian Hound is both bicolored and tricolored. The colors of this dog breed are yellowish red to chestnut as well as reddish. A black coat or saddle can be seen on many animals.
The coat of the dog always shines in the sun and is short. It grows quite luxuriantly, resulting in a dense pelt, and has sufficient undercoat to provide good insulation in both summer and winter.
What are the requirements of the Serbian Hound?
The Serbian Hound wants to be able to live up to its potential. This means for it to be able to fulfill its urge to move and its innate inclination to hunt. At the same time, she is always eager to please her human, to whom she bonds closely from the beginning. As much as she needs her work in the hunting ground, the retreat and the connection to the family is very important to her. Basically, she wants to be kept busy. Those who cannot keep her busy will find that with her intelligence she will always find a way to keep herself busy, both indoors and out.
Sporty people or people who like to go for long walks or who are hunters themselves have the best cards for this dog, because they will always find a way to keep him physically and mentally busy. The cuddling part is the easiest for all involved.
The Serbian Hound and its health
Basically, the Serbian Hound is a robust dog that wants to go outdoors in all weathers. Certainly, he is equipped with a good undercoat. However, one must not forget that the coat and thus the undercoat are quite short.
In hard winters he might therefore need some support. He is not so receptive to heat. In summer, he is very grateful to be able to get his long walk early in the morning.
Hereditary diseases or the tendency to diseases is not known in the Serbian Hound. Only her floppy ears need a little care. But this can be sold to her as a cuddling lesson, which makes cleaning her ears a pleasant incident.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Serbian Hound
If we assume that the Serbian Hound will actually be used in the field, it seems that it has only advantages. It is intelligent, inquisitive and perfectly implements what it learns. The dream of every dog owner. Due to the ease of leadership and learning ability of the animal, it is easy even for beginners to cope with the Serbian Hound, if an experienced trainer in the dog school is supportive. This dog can easily forgive its owner for small mistakes.
Disadvantages – well, as long as the dog is busy and its few demands for exercise and mental demands are met, there are none. However, if boredom or lack of exercise comes up, you will soon find out what an intelligent dog can do on its own.
The perfect human for a Serbian Hound
The perfect human for the Serbian Hound, as much as some readers may dislike hearing it now, is a passionate hunter who can regularly roam the territory with the dog. This dog is a workhorse, so it can and should be used species-appropriate best by a professional forester / hunter. Here he can follow his “calling” during the day and be pampered by the family after the work is done. It could not be better for a dog.
If not a hunter, the owner, preferably the whole family should be very sporty. This way the dog can be given the exercise, the tasks it needs to feel good. Jogging, cycling are a very good way for this dog to release the energy that lies dormant in him.
Buying the Serbian Hound puppies
If you want to buy a Serbian Hound, you will have to go directly to a breeder. The Serbian Hound is an excellent hunting dog. If it is kept in the tradition of its country of origin, it will belong to exactly one owner and will not have to leave him for the rest of its life. So it will be possible to get it only in extremely rare cases through animal protection.
The breeders of the Serbian Hound are not as common as one would like to think. Nevertheless, they can be found by intensive search on the Internet. However, due to the rather small number of puppies per year, it is important to look for a puppy or a breeder with litter planning in time. In addition, one must not forget: Most breeders of Bracken, generally speaking, prefer to give their dogs to hunters, knowing full well that they are in their element there!
First equipment for the Serbian Hound
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- dog leash, additionally possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Undercoat brush (for short-haired dogs with undercoat)
- comb / lice comb
- dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the Serbian Hound
Attention – the Serbian Hound is a glutton, even if you don’t see it. But of course this refers only to a good training condition. If you do not exercise this dog sufficiently, you will not see a slim dog at your side even with maintenance feeding.
So this dog is not a food lover. Nevertheless, if he is in use as a hunting dog or is otherwise in training in dog sports, he should be given a high-quality food. For this dog it is also worthwhile to learn about BARFING.
If there is no other way and he eats the hair off your head, it is also okay if he gets his dry food exclusively as a reward when training / walking / at work. Even if he throws starving looks around, always remember that no food is safe from him.
Is the Serbian Hound a family dog?
The Serbian Hound is a pack dog, which gives it a pronounced social behavior. She also has a very friendly nature. This makes it easy for it to integrate into the family and submit to the head of the family.
The dog loves children, treats them affectionately and very gently. Basically, the Serbian Hound attaches itself very closely to its owner, its family, its children. So it is no wonder that they do not like to be left alone. Unfortunately, when left alone, they tend to seek occupations if you do not offer them appropriate toys or things to keep them busy. Slippers or newspapers / magazines can accordingly already believe once, if one has not taken precautions.
Basically, the Serbian Hound is a family dog. However, one should be aware that this dog has a pronounced urge to move. This means that several long walks a day must be standard with this dog. Even if he is bored in this regard, or physically underutilized, his intelligence will show. Because he will find a way to keep himself busy and also put his physical energy into action. However, whether romping in the living room is a good idea, well – it may be doubted. However, due to his sense of smell, it is quite possible to take the appropriate dog sports disciplines with the dog and thus kill two birds with one stone – move with the owner and at the same time use the innate potential.
Is it possible to keep the Serbian Hound in a (city) apartment?
A big YES, with a strong tendency to NO. BECAUSE – the Balkan coat is a hunting dog. So it needs not only constant exercise, but also the direct connection to the owner. In the city this is difficult to impossible to implement. Maybe the Serbian Hound would adapt, out of loyalty to the owner. But it would certainly not go well with it physically and mentally.
The best is a cottage with a garden, gladly also in the suburban area. It is important that the Bracke can also go a few rounds a day in the garden alone, and then rejoin the owner. It is also important that the way to the exercise area, dog sports field or to the normal, extensive, daily walk is not too far. Surely it is also possible to go there by car. But one should think in this regard also about the time and the CO² footprint, which would leave thereby daily. ERGO: We prefer to leave the city behind and look forward to a life in the country – with Serbian Hound!
Conclusion
Serbian Hound is exactly a dog for hunters or foresters, a working animal, which is aware of its abilities and wants to use them. Evening caresses in the bosom of the family are the daily highlight, because the Serbian Hound loves her family above everything.
Only those who can provide it with sufficient exercise and appealing tasks (and do so on a daily basis) should consider acquiring a Balkan Bray, even though they have nothing to do with hunting and the hunting ground.
FAQ
Is the Serbian Hound a large dog?
It belongs to the medium-sized dogs with a height at the withers of 44 – 56cm.
What is the size and weight of the Serbian Hound?
This dog breed has a size of 44 to 56cm height at withers, with males being slightly larger than females. This is also reflected in their weight. Depending on their size, they weigh between 11 and 22 kilograms. This makes them one of the lightweights at this size.
Is the Serbian Hound also suitable for beginners?
Basically, it is easy to handle, so that even beginners can cope with it, if they receive support from a good dog trainer during training. BUT it must always be ensured that the dog’s urge to move can be met. And this is not insignificant.
Do I have to reckon with hereditary diseases in the Serbian Hound?
No, the dog is very robust and usually completely unproblematic in terms of health.
Are there any problems if there are small children in the family?
No, Serbian Hounds love children and will always treat them gently, even downright affectionately. Basically, she is extremely devoted to the people she lives with and always makes this known.
How much does a Serbian Bitch cost?
If we start from the regular price, which was before the increased demand for dogs due to one or another lockdown, the price for a Serbian Hound is between £1500 and £2000. Unfortunately, due to the extremely high demand for dogs in general, the price has increased extremely. Not all breeders participate in this. So if you have a legitimate interest in a dog of this breed, talk to the breeder.
Where does the Serbian Hound come from?
The Serbian Hound originally comes from Serbia. There it first appeared especially in the border area with Bulgaria, before spreading to the rest of the country and later in Europe.
How old does the Serbian Hound live?
The Serbian Hound can live up to 12 years.
How many puppies does the Serbian Hound have?
The average litter of the Balkan Roller produces 6 – 8 puppies.
Is the Serbian Hound a hunting dog?
The Serbian Hound is counted among the pack dogs and is therefore a hunting dog par excellence. They are known in this field for their sense of smell and almost inexhaustible endurance.
