The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound originates from the Croatian peninsula of Istria. This breed has been used for hunting game, rabbits and hares over many terrains. He is a medium sized dog, a scent hound, who is thought to be a rare breed.
Physical characteristics of the Istrian Wire-haired Hound
Adult size
Female dog
Between 17 and 22 in
Male dog
Between 17 and 22 in
Weight
Female dog
Between 40 and 44 lb
Male dog
Between 40 and 44 lb
Coat colour
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound should have a “snow-white” coat, with orange-lemon markings on his body and ears. No other coat colour is recognised.
Type of coat
The coat of the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound should be dull and wiry, straight but with a dense undercoat.
Eye colour
Brown.
Description
This breed can be recognised by its rectangular body shape. His head is rounded with a dark, wide nose and his very muscular legs end in “cat like” feet. The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound has a fur moustache over the bridge of his nose and thin ears that hang close to his cheeks.
Temperament
Affectionate
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound will form strong attachments with the main person that looks after him, yet over time will show some affection and respect to other family members.
Playful
As this breed was never intended to be a family companion, he needs plenty of one to one attention with his master. Not really a playful dog.
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound has a well-developed sense of smell that permits him to track and hunt down game, including foxes, rabbits and hares.
Fearful / wary of strangers
This dog will certainly try to avoid a meeting with strangers if possible. He tends to be wary around them.
Independent
This dog can be stubborn and strong-willed.
Behaviour of the Istrian Wire-haired Hound
Tolerates solitude
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound does not like to be alone for long periods of time.
Easy to train / obedience
Obedience and good manners don’t come quite as easily to the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound. Certainly quite stubborn at times, he needs an experienced owner who is able to dedicate time to his training, exercise needs, and socialisation.
Barking
There will be some barking, but not consistent.
Tendency to run away
As a scent hound, when given the chance, he will give chase after an attractive scent. Recall training is crucial from an early age.
Destructive
This hound doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. If he gets bored, he can become hyperactive and destructive.
Greedy / Gluttony
This is a medium sized dog with great stamina. Provided he is fed sufficiently to meet his dietary requirements, he will not be a gluttonous dog.
Guard dog
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound will bark and alert you to someone trying to access your home, but he is not an aggressive guard dog.
First dog
Initially bred as a hunting dog, even today he is still mainly kept for this task. He can be quite wilful and stubborn, so may be a challenge for a first-time dog owner.
Lifestyle
Istrian Wire-haired Hound in a flat
It is ill-advised to confine this medium sized dog to a flat or small garden.
Need for exercise / Sporty
This dog breed needs a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. He also needs mentally stimulating tasks to prevent behaviour issues. Hiking and jogging exercises are recommended.
Travelling / easy to transport
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound can travel in a vehicle.
Compatibility
Istrian Wire-haired Hound and cats
If this dog is going to be kept in a home with other small pets, such as cats, early socialisation is needed, otherwise he will chase them.
Istrian Wire-haired Hound and dogs
Supervision is required when the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is around other dogs, unless they have been socialised together from a young age.
Istrian Wire-haired Hound and children
This breed makes a poor companion for and tends not to get along well with children.
Istrian Wire-haired Hound and the elderly
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is a very smart dog, who needs the opportunity to use his brain, with mentally challenging activities and exercises. Not advised for an elderly owner.
Price
The purchase price of the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is around £600. In addition, monthly costs for food, vet appointments and pet insurance will be in the region of £80 to £100.
Grooming
While weekly brushing is advised, this dog’s coat is not prone to becoming matted. The ears can be susceptible to infections, so care must be taken to keep them clean.
Shedding
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound does shed seasonally, and quite profusely.
Nutrition of the Istrian Wire-haired Hound
This very active scent hound should be given a high quality, dry feed especially formulated for medium-sized working dogs.
Health of the Istrian Wire-haired Hound
Life expectancy
On the whole, the Istrian Coarse-haired hound has good health. As a hunting dog, bred for skill rather than looks, in-breeding has been kept to a minimum, so genetic health problems are few. He is, however, predisposed to hip dysplasia and ear infections. The average life expectancy for this breed is 12-14 years.
Strong / robust
When hunting, this hound shows great power and endurance.
Withstand heat
The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound can tolerate all temperatures, including warm weather.
Withstand cold
As an energetic hunting dog, with great stamina, he is used to covering all terrains and in all weather conditions, without issues.
Tendency to put on weight
Care must be taken with feeding routines, to ensure that the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound doesn’t become obese.
As is true with many intelligent dog breeds, early training and socialisation is very important. If the dog is to be used for hunting purposes, training routines need to be commenced when the dog is at the puppy stage. Likewise early socialisation is necessary if he is to mix and work with other dogs, or in a home with children or other pets.
Origins and history
The French Griffon Vendeen scent hound and the Istrian Short-haired Hound were bred together around the middle of the 19th century. This resulting offspring, a longer haired hunting hound, is one of the oldest Balkan hounds. The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is not an internationally well-known breed and numbers have dwindled in recent years. It is now considered to be a rare breed with the UK Kennel Club.