Serbian Tricolour Hound (Srpski Trobojni Gonič)

The Serbian Tricolour Hound is an excellent yet rare hunting dog from the former Yugoslavia. Although the information about the breed’s age is inconsistent, its exceptional hunting abilities are unquestionable. Moreover it has very stable and loyal nature and loves playing a part of a family dog.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound was presumably bred in the southern parts of Yugoslavia in the beginning of the XX century. Initially it was attributed to the variety of the Serbian Hound. Nonetheless some followers of the breed contradict the latter statement. They think that it’s as old as other types of the Yugoslavian hounds and that this dog was also developed from the canines, which were introduced by Phoenician merchants to the Balkan region. But this assumption isn’t backed by any scientific proofs.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound was formally declared as a unique breed in 1946. In the same year it received its first standard. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognised this dog under the name «Yugoslavian Tricolor Hound» in 1961 but in its native land it became known as a «Srpski Trobojni Gonič». After disintegration of Yugoslavia the breeds’ name was changed to its current variant. The United Kennel Club followed the lead of the FCI only in 2006.

The Serbian Tricolour hound makes a very valuable asset for any passionate hunter. It proficiently hunts foxes and hares but fearlessness and great stamina allow it to cope with such dangerous animals as feral pigs and wild boars.

Recently the Serbian Tricolour Hound has also won reputation of a nice pet for active families since it gets along with kids and shows deep attachment to its human masters. Despite its large local popularity it can be rarely seen in other parts of the world where it’s considered to be an exotic breed.

For decades breeders of the Serbian Tricolour Hound concentrated on producing dogs with well-developed hunting drive but even and gentle temper. That’s why this breed does very well in the role of a companion animal. Its well-socialised specimen is very tolerable of rough games that like small children. Of course the patience of this dog isn’t limitless and it may bite if teased too much.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound is notable for innate friendliness towards all people and greets newcomers with invariable hospitability. This vigilant dog will always let its masters know about any unusual activity near the house so it makes a great watcher. But it’s too kind to be charged with guarding tasks and usually becomes a lousy property guardian.

In general, the Serbian Tricolour Hound assumes amiable attitude to its counterparts and suits well for keeping in multi-animal households. However its master should never release this dog off leash in public places since it still may enter into a conflict with a strange dog. In spite of its hunting background this breed can be taught to put up with the presence of a cat in the homestead especially if the animals get to know each other early enough.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· hip dysplasia;

· cancer;

· hypothyroidism;

· cryptorchidism;

· sensitivity to anaesthesia.

The grooming of the Serbian Tricolour Hound will consume minimal amount of your time. Short and self-cleaning coat of this breed needs very rare bathing and only weekly brushing. The best tool to keep it in a perfect shape is a soft bristled brush.

If you plan to hunt with your pet be prepared to thoroughly examine its coat for the traces of mites and other external parasites after every single hunting experience. Moreover the working specimen of the Serbian Tricolour Hound may require much more frequent bathing. The rest is a conventional care that consists of monthly nail trimming and regular teeth brushing.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a quick-witted dog, which stands out for an average trainability. It also desires to please its master and demonstrates unexampled zeal in learning even difficult tricks.

But as any hound this breed has certain obstinate streak so it’s important to be indulgent towards your pet’s occasional reluctance to learn a new command. This dog is irresponsive to any form of negative reinforcement and exercise excellent docility if motivated by its favourite food.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound definitely prefers active mode of life and should get lots of daily opportunities to expend its extra energy. It’s not the best option for keeping in a small city apartment as it craves for more vigorous exercises than simple strolls on a leash. An avid hunter will be pleased with unbelievable endurance and impeccable work ethic of this dog.

The Serbian Tricolour Hound also makes a great addition to families who like hiking and other types of active pastime. Without obligatory physical outlets the Serbian Tricolour Hound will quickly put on excessive weight and fall into the habits of incessant barking and chewing your shoes.