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Serbian Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Serbian Hound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank205
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Serbian Hound dog profile picture
OriginSerbia flagSerbia
Other Names
What other names does the Serbian Hound have?
Balkanski GonicBalkan Hound
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Serbian Hound Size and Weight

Size
Is a Serbian Hound small, medium or large dog?

How big do Serbian Hound get?

What is the average size of a Serbian Hound?

Large
Weight
How much does the Serbian Hound weigh? How much should a Serbian Hound weight? What is the normal weight of a Serbian Hound? How much does a full-grown Serbian Hound weight?
44 pounds (20 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Serbian Hound?
44 pounds (20 kg)
Height
How tall is the Serbian Hound? Serbian Hound height:
Male: 18–22 inches (46–56 cm), Female: 17.5–21.5 inches (44–54 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Serbian Hound?
Male: 18–22 inches (46–56 cm), Female: 17.5–21.5 inches (44–54 cm)

Serbian Hound Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Serbian Hound puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Serbian Hound in the United States? How much money is a Serbian Hound?

Where to buy a Serbian Hound with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Serbian Hound, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Serbian Hound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Serbian Hound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Serbian Hound? How many Serbian Hound are there in the world?
Average: The Serbian Hound is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Serbian Hound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Serbian Hound? Is the Serbian Hound breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Serbian Hound dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Serbian Hound is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Serbian Hound dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Serbian Hound?
Serbian Hound dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Serbian Hound good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Serbian Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Serbian Hound dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Serbian Hound dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Serbian Hound dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Serbian Hound Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Serbian Hound have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ObedientLivelyKindTenaciousGood-naturedDependable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Serbian Hound sensitivity:
Serbian Hound dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Serbian Hound a good family dog?
Average to High: Serbian Hound dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Balkanski Gonic need? Serbian Hound social needs:
Serbian Hound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Serbian Hound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Serbian Hound roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Serbian Hound is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Serbian Hound have high prey drive?
Serbian Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Serbian Hound dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Serbian Hound Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Serbian Hound is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Serbian Hound dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Balkanski Gonic bark?
A lot: Serbian Hound is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Serbian Hound good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Serbian Hound in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Serbian Hound indoors.

Serbian Hound Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Serbian Hound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Serbian Hound be left alone? How long can you leave a Serbian Hound alone?
Serbian Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Serbian Hound Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Serbian Hound has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Serbian Hound? How much bite force does a Serbian Hound have? How strong is a Serbian Hound bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Serbian Hound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Serbian Hound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Serbian Hound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Serbian Hound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Serbian Hound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Serbian Hound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Serbian Hound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Serbian Hound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Serbian Hound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Serbian Hound bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Balkanski Gonic? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Serbian Hound? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Serbian Hound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Serbian Hound do?
Serbian Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Serbian Hound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Serbian Hound Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Serbian Hound dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Serbian Hounds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Serbian Hound breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Serbian Hound breed? Most common health risks of Serbian Hound:
BloatJoint DysplasiaObesity
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Serbian Hound breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Serbian Hound see the vet?
Rare
The Serbian Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Serbian Hound dogs live? How old can a Serbian Hound be? What is the age limit of the Serbian Hound? How many years can the oldest Serbian Hound live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Serbian Hound?

How long is the lifespan of a Serbian Hound?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Serbian Hound: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Serbian Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Serbian Hound have? What is the activity level of the Serbian Hound?
Serbian Hound dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Serbian Hound need? How much exercise do Serbian Hound dogs require per day?

Do Serbian Hound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Serbian Hound dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Serbian Hound breed need?
Serbian Hound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Serbian Hound Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Serbian Hound need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Serbian Hound breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Serbian Hound? How much food should I feed my Serbian Hound?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Serbian Hound risk for obesity:
Average: The Serbian Hound has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Serbian Hound weight regularly.

Serbian Hound Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Serbian Hound have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickSmoothHarsh
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Serbian Hound coats?
BlackTan
Grooming
How to groom the Serbian Hound and how often? How often should I take my Serbian Hound to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Serbian Hound doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Serbian Hound is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Serbian Hound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Balkanski Gonic? Do Serbian Hound dogs shed a lot?
Serbian Hound dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Serbian Hound breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Serbian Hound need a bath? How often should you give a Serbian Hound a bath? Can I bathe my Serbian Hound every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Serbian Hound breed hypoallergenic?
No
Serbian Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Serbian Hound has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Serbian Hound drool?
The Serbian Hound is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Serbian Hound Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Serbian Hound dogs get along with other pets? Are Serbian Hound dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Serbian Hound dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Serbian Hound temperament with other people:
Serbian Hound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Serbian Hound dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Serbian Hound temperament with children:
Serbian Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Serbian Hound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Serbian Hound breed live with a cat?
Serbian Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Serbian Hound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Serbian Hound dogs get along with other dogs?
Serbian Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Serbian Hound can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Serbian Hound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Serbian Hound breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Serbian Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Serbian Hound dogs good office canines? Do Serbian Hound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Serbian Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Serbian Hound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Balkanski Gonic temperament with senior people? Are Serbian Hound dogs good for elderly owners?
Serbian Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Serbian Hound As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Serbian Hound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Serbian Hound be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Serbian Hound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Serbian Hound is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Serbian Hound is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a boat dog?

Not really

Serbian Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Serbian Hound be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Serbian Hound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Serbian Hound dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Serbian Hound Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Serbian Hound pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Serbian Hound breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Serbian Hound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Serbian Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can the Serbian Hound breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Serbian Hound have? How many puppies can a Serbian Hound give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Serbian Hound Recognition

AKC Group
Is Serbian Hound recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Serbian Hound recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Serbian Hound breed?
Federation Cynologique InternationaleUnited Kennel Club

Serbian Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Serbian Hound dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Serbian Hound dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Serbian Hounds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Serbian Hound doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Serbian Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Serbian Hound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Serbian Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Serbian Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Serbian Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Serbian Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Serbian Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Serbian Hound dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthiness: Serbian Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Serbian Hound is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Serbian Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Serbian Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Serbian Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Serbian Hound History

Just like many other European hound breeds, the Serbian Hound has a long, detailed history, with a very minimal amount of records and conformation or documentation about the breed’s exact origins. Unfortunately, there is also a lack of artworks that could display the breed; however, oral traditions and local stories suggest that the Serbian Hound has been present in the South-East part of Europe, in the Balkan area for approximately 1,000 years now. This is the reason why the breed was known as the Balkan Hound, until 1940. According to experts, the breed is most presumably a descendant of different types of dogs brought to the region by Phoenician traders from the Northern parts of Africa. These early hounds were crossbred with other groups from the nearby regions of Anatolia and Montenegro, in order to produce the Serbian Hound, we know today. However, there are no exact resources, nor records about the breed’s exact ancestry, nor about the breeding process.

The first written description allegedly referencing the Serbian Hound, is stemmed from the 11th century, and is credited to a man named Frank Laska. He was an Australian officer, based in the Balkan area, who wrote and published books about hunting traditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1905. Frank observed and measured over 1,000 dogs in the area and has categorized their breeds.

In spite of the Serbian Hound’s patchy history, based on oral traditions, it is presumable that the breed has been a popular one in the Balkans for many centuries now. Initially, the dogs were only kept as hunting companions, thus they quickly gained serious recognition and a good reputation as excellent scent-hounds. The dogs either operated as a single or a part of a pack during hunts. Over the centuries, this hunting heritage had developed a dedicated and hard-working hound with a high energy level. The Serbian Hound’s keen sense of smell enabled them to seek out their quarry, which varied from anything, including deer, wild boar, hare, and foxes.

Regarding the official recognition of the Serbian Hound, their breed standard was drawn up in 1924, however, it was finalized and accepted later, in 1939. It was not until 1940, that the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognized the breed officially. Throughout the breed’s entire history, until the point when the FCI registered the breed, it was known as the Balkan Hound (Balkanski Gonič in Serbian), but the FCI changed it to Serbian Hound. The breed also got recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) in 2006. Nowadays the breed remained rare outside of their geographical homeland, the Balkans.

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Serbian Hound Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka Videos

    Mar 7, 2023, 6:27:08 PM:

    Great