Montenegrin Mountain Hound (Crnogorski Planinski Gonič)

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a rare Scent Hound bred specifically to work in challenging mountainous terrains of Montenegro republic. This talented dog is used in its homeland to hunt the wide range of quarry, including foxes, hares, deer and wild boars. It’s little known elsewhere in the world and fits poorly to the role of a family pet because of its sizeable exercise requirements.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound originated in the south-western Planina range of Yugoslavia countless centuries ago. At the ancient time Yugoslavian ports were situated on the intersection of important trade routes of the Phoenicians. These renowned merchants and travellers most probably imported various European Scent Hounds to this region. Gradually they were mixed with native canine population of the Slavic hounds and several breeds of Yugoslavian dogs were born. They all bore a remarkable resemblance but the Montenegrin Mountain Hound was distinguishable for its smoother coat.

For some time the Montenegrin Mountain Hound was known under the name of the Yugoslavia Mountain Hound. It was a fairly common hunting dog and was esteemed for its keen nose and ability to operate in thick vegetation and by any weather conditions. The dog could sense almost indiscernible old trail and followed it with due relentlessness and dedication. Upon arrival to the hideout of a prey it was supposed to notify the hunter about its location with a loud barking and hold it back until he was within a shooting range. Actually in its homeland the breed is always called Cronogorski Planinski Gonic. Gonici is used to describe the way of hunting when the sporting dog pinpoints the disposition of a prey with active barking.

A referendum in 2006 led to the recognition of Serbia and Montenegro as separate countries. As the result the hounds in Serbia were called the Serbia Mountain Hounds and the Yugoslavia Mountain Hound was renamed in the Montenegrin Mountain Hound. The initial standard of the breed was developed in 1924. The first registration of its member by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) occurred on May 8, 1969.

Presently the vast majority of Montenegrin Mountain Hounds are current or retired hunters although some of them combined their hunting duties with the role of much beloved family pets. The breed is exceedingly rare outside its native country.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound deserved praising reviews not only as a highly effective Scent Hound but also as a spirited and good-tempered companion animal. The breed is very affectionate and sociable with people it loves and prefers always staying at the master’s feet. At the same time it’s first and foremost a serious working dog so its master should apply serious attitude to the dogs’ training and socialisation. This breed is fine with familiar children and will make a cheerful participant of their games.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound demonstrates certain standoffishness when it comes across unfamiliar people. Some ill-mannered specimen can even develop aggressiveness towards strangers. The breed is predisposed to be a barker and this can become a really nasty habit without timely corrective training. That’s why it adapts fairly well to the role of a watchdog. The dog can be tasked to become a decent guard although there are breeds that are much more suitable for this job.

Being a passionate and determined hunter the Montenegrin Mountain Hound usually perceives all non-canine animals as potential preys. However, it can share the same roof with a home cat if it got used to its company since puppyhood. The dog is strongly inclined to take an alpha position among other canines and it’s quite ready to pick up a fight over it. So the master must be always present at the initial introduction of two strange dogs. On the other hand it will welcome an opportunity to have one or a few constant canine companion and the more, the merrier.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· ear infections;

· canine hip dysplasia.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a relatively easy-to-groom breed. Its sleek short coat should be diligently brushed on a weekly basis. At the same time hunting specimen will need thorough examination after each hunting expedition. Careful brushing is recommended in order to remove debris and superficial dirt.

The owner should also clean the dogs’ ears as well as inspect its paws for the signs of any thorns stuck in its soft tissue. The rest consists of such regular care routines as nail clipping and teeth brushing.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is an intelligent, disciplinable and attentive dog, which is fairly easy to train. Nevertheless it tends to be head-strong when it decided that it’s not in the mood for training or simply doesn’t like some commands. In order to maximise effectiveness of the learning process the handler should exercise even, firm and patient attitude towards the dog. It won’t oblige to a flabby or meek person so the owner should become an indisputable authority for this breed.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound works most eagerly when it’s motivated with verbal praise and tasty treats. It will completely refuse to follow your commands if you try to focus its attention on training with negative reinforcement.

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a strong and reliable hunting dog, which is able to tirelessly track the prey for hours on end. This breed isn’t advisable for apartment living because of its considerable exercise needs. It can be turned into a yard dog as long as a comfortable place for the dog is made in the yard or in the garden.

At the very minimum the owner should take the Montenegrin Mountain Hound for a long and vigorous walk on a daily basis. Without extensive physical exercise this dog will display several nasty behavioural patterns including destructiveness, uneasiness, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness.