Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Other names: Crnogorski planinski gonič

Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Previously known as the Yugoslavian Hound, this dog looks like a typical hound with his brown, black and white coat colours. He is a medium-sized scent hound used to track large game and feral pigs. The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a loyal and loving dog, very popular both for working and companionship.

Key facts about the Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound has the same origins as the other common dogs of the Balkans. The first standard of this breed, which has also been called the Black Hound in the past, dates back to 1924. The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1969.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Adult size

Female : Between 17 and 21 in

Male : Between 17 and 21 in

Weight

Female : Between 44 and 55 lb

Male : Between 44 and 55 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

Agile, lean and muscular, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound is an athletic dog. It has a rectangular-shaped body, a powerful neck, a broad back and deep chest. The head is somewhat narrow with well-developed muscles. The dog’s ears are moderately long, oval in shape and set high on his head. 

Good to know

When the Montenegrin Mountain Hound has puppies, the average litter size can be between just 3 to 6 pups. The offspring will require a standard puppy feed to support healthy development and growth. If you intend to use the pup for hunting purposes, early training and socialisation is necessary.

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    Although originally bred for hunting purposes, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound is also a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate, loyal and devoted, providing they are properly socialised

  • 66%

    Playful

    These hounds have boundless energy and a playful nature and make good playmates for children.

  • 66%

    Calm

    The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is prized for his energy, vivacity and even temper.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    A very smart and intelligent hound.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    Originally bred as hunting dogs but in more recent years they have become more of a family pet. Certainly tenacious when used for hunting, capable of chasing after hares and foxes, deer and wild boar. 

  • 66%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    These dogs are friendly around strangers in the home.

  • 66%

    Independent

    A very self-assured, friendly, independent dog.

    Behaviour of the Montenegrin Mountain Hound

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      Certainly a very loyal and loving dog who will form a devoted bond with the family. Because of this, he won’t be too happy being left alone for long periods.

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      This is an intelligent dog who responds well to training. Keep in mind however, that he can be quite headstrong too, so probably not ideal for an inexperienced dog owner. This breed does best when trained with persistence and patience.

    • 100%

      Barking

      As a scent hound, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound will tend to bark to alert his master to his prey. Likewise, in the home, unless trained otherwise, he can be quite noisy.

    • 66%

      Tendency to run away

      These hounds have a natural instinct to run off and hunt. A secure, fenced outside space should keep this dog contained safely. 

    • 66%

      Destructive

      The Montenegrin Mountain Hound needs lots of mental stimulation to keep him occupied, otherwise he can become bored and destructive in the home.

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      Not a greedy dog, although he won’t say no to an odd snack or two.

    • 66%

      Guard dog

      This dog is very alert and he will certainly let you know when any unwanted visitors are around. 

    • 66%

      First dog

      As an active and energetic breed, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound has a need for lots of exercise. He makes an ideal hiking or jogging companion. Consideration must also be given to his temperament, as he can be very wilful and headstrong. He may be a challenge for an inexperienced handler. 

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      Lifestyle

      • 33%

        Montenegrin Mountain Hound in a flat

        This dog probably won’t adapt too well to living in a small flat or house. He much prefers space to run around outside where he can happily burn off his unspent energy. 

      • 100%

        Need for exercise / Sporty

        This is a very energetic and active breed. These Hounds need a great deal of exercise each day, especially outdoor activities. This dog’s great stamina makes him a brilliant jogging or biking companion dog. 

      • 66%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        This hound will cope well travelling in a dog cage in the rear of a vehicle, however he is not recommended for journeys on public transport due to his size and high energy.

        Compatibility

        • 66%

          Montenegrin Mountain Hound and cats

          With his strong hunting instincts, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a danger to cats and other small pets.

        • 66%

          Montenegrin Mountain Hound and dogs

          This dog can be rather stubborn at times and may appear unfriendly towards other canines.

        • 66%

          Montenegrin Mountain Hound and children

          The Montenegrin Mountain Hound makes a brilliant family pet, and will get along just fine with children. Of course, early socialisation plays a large part in his integration.

        • 33%

          Montenegrin Mountain Hound and the elderly

          This hound is a very energetic, active, noisy dog, who will not be best suited to a lifestyle with an elderly owner. 

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          Price

          At present, there are no documented costs available in the UK to purchase a Montenegrin Mountain Hound. However, a monthly budget of around £120 will be required to provide food, medical care and insurance for a dog of this breed.

          Grooming

          Generally, the Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a low maintenance dog. Weekly brushing of his short coat should suffice to keep his coat free from grime and loose hairs.

          Shedding

          An average shedder.

          Nutrition of the Montenegrin Mountain Hound

          A high quality dog food is sufficient.

          Health of the Montenegrin Mountain Hound

          Life expectancy

          This breed's average life expectancy is between 11 and 13 years.

          Strong / robust

          A very strong, energetic dog, with lots of stamina.

          Withstand heat

          With his short haired coat, this dog will have no issues during periods of warm weather.

          Withstand cold

          As a hound who hunts through many difficult terrains in all climates, he won’t have any issues in colder weather.

          Tendency to put on weight

          As a working breed, provided the Montenegrin Mountain Hound receives plenty of exercise, he shouldn’t gain weight too easily. However, a more sedate lifestyle can see him becoming obese quite easily. 

          Common illnesses

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