Posavatz Hound
Other names: Posavac Hound, Posavaz Hound, Posavski Gonic, Kras Posavac Basin Hound, Posavina Hound
The Posavac Hound is little known, yet he is such a gem of a dog. He is obviously a hound-type dog, looking similar to a Beagle that has been stretched slightly. In character, he likes to be busy and has such an enthusiasm and zest for life. In addition, he is also a loyal, gentle and very loving canine. This breed hails from Croatia where he is a working dog, hunting for small game.
Key facts about the Posavatz Hound
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Origins and history
Images of similar hound dogs have been discovered on frescoes dating back to the 16th century. The Posavac Hound originates from the region formerly known as Yugoslavia. They are descendants from the extinct Molossian dogs. Initially, a dog known as the Boskini, a Posavac type hound, was discovered around the 1800s. As the breed became more popular, the name changed to “Posavac Houndare”, or the Posavac Hound, as we know him today. Even to this day, the breed isn’t recognised by either the US or UK Kennel Clubs and remains something of a rare breed.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Posavatz Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 21 in
Male : Between 20 and 22 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 55 lb
Male : Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Red, Wheaten, Fawn.
Type of coat
This dog’s coat is short and flat.
Eye colour
Brown.
Description
This medium-sized hunting dog is of the hound variety. With floppy, velvet-covered ears, a sensible face, a broad forehead and a longish muzzle. He is built for movement yet is quietly sturdy. You can just picture him running for many hours, with his nose to the ground as he follows an attractive scent.
Good to know
The average litter size when the Posavac Hound has puppies is around 6 to 8 pups. As the majority of these hounds are used for hunting purposes, it’s important to begin their socialisation and training from a very early age. As a medium-sized hound, Posavac pups are going to reach their adult size at just under 12 months old.
Temperament
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Affectionate
Affectionate with family members, naturally docile and sweet.
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Playful
The Posavac Hound is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a dog breed that does well around children. If he has grown up with the children, he is especially gentle even during play.
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Calm
A good-natured dog, with a zest for life and a lively temperament. Not the calmest of canines.
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Intelligent
The Posavac Hound was bred for hunting and because of this he is an active and intelligent dog.
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Hunter
Initially developed as a hunting dog in Croatia, this is his primary role.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
This breed will be wary of any strangers, unless they are socialised from an early age.
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Independent
A very obedient dog, but only if you maintain a consistent and firm hand, otherwise he can be quite wilful. He is often used to hunting independently.
Behaviour of the Posavatz Hound
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Tolerates solitude
The Posavac Hound is a very active and agile dog, who needs to be kept busy with various tasks. When he is bored, or left alone for long periods, he will certainly voice his opinion and displeasure.
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Easy to train / obedience
This breed has a natural desire to please his master and will respond well to positive training routines. A talented hunter and a family companion dog when trained from a young age.
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Barking
As most hounds, when bored or unhappy about something, he will certainly let you know by barking, howling or baying.
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Tendency to run away
As a hunting dog, given the chance to chase after any small game, he will very easily run off and not return to your call.
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Destructive
An obedient dog, the Posavac Hound is well-behaved until he is bored of course, when he can become quite destructive around the home.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Not a greedy dog.
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Guard dog
As a scent hound, the Posavac Hound will bark to alert you to anything he is suspicious of. He is very wary around strangers in his home vicinity, so makes a good watchdog.
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First dog
Not ideally recommended for first time owners. Consistent training and a firm hand are required when training the Posavac Hound, who needs to understand that his master is the leader.
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Is the Posavatz Hound right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Posavatz Hound in a flat
This alert and lively dog who also has a tendency to bark quite a lot, isn’t the best choice for apartment living.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
The Posavac Hound definitely needs a great amount of daily exercise. Excellent activities that you can do with your dog are jogging or running alongside you as you cycle. At least two daily walks of a decent duration are recommended and he will love playing outside in a secure, fenced-in area.
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Travelling / easy to transport
This canine is very happy to travel in a vehicle, as long as he is properly secured.
Compatibility
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Posavatz Hound and cats
The Posavac Hound may be unsuited to a home with a cat, or other small pets, because of his high prey drive.
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Posavatz Hound and dogs
Although they are not particularly sociable with other dogs, if they start living together at an early age, they can get along well together.
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Posavatz Hound and children
Although it’s important to supervise any playtimes between the Posavac Hound and children, these dogs are generally very gentle and easy-going with kids.
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Posavatz Hound and the elderly
This is an ideal choice of pet for a family who can provide plenty of exercise and activities, but is perhaps not for an elderly owner.
Price
Expect to spend between £300 to £600 for your initial purchase of a Posavac Hound puppy. In addition, budget around £100 monthly to cover other costs, such as food, vet bills and pet insurance.
Grooming
The Posavac Hound has a smooth, flat coat that needs little grooming. He certainly doesn’t need trips to the doggy salon, and his coat doesn’t need trimming. He may need an extra bath or shower when he returns from a day’s hunting.
Nutrition of the Posavatz Hound
As a medium-sized working breed, the Posavac Hound needs high-quality dry food especially formulated for working dogs.
Health of the Posavatz Hound
Life expectancy
As a fairly rare dog breed, there is not much detail documented about the Posavac Hound. Its average life expectancy is between 11 and 13 years.
Strong / robust
This is a robust breed whose powerful and compact body signifies agility and strength.
Withstand heat
The Posavac Hound will need adequate shade when outdoors in warmer weather, to prevent overheating.
Withstand cold
This breed can be prone to chills in cooler climates. He doesn’t like being in draughts, and will be susceptible to paw problems if his paws get wet too often.
Tendency to put on weight
As an active hound, the Posavac has a healthy appetite. However, providing he is given a balanced diet, he shouldn’t gain excess weight.
Common illnesses
- Ear infections
- Patellar Luxation
- Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat