Serbian Tricolour Hound

Other names: Srpski Trobojni Gonic, Yugoslavian Tricolour Hound, Jugoslavenski Trobojni Gonic

Serbian Tricolour Hound

The Serbian Tricolour Hound is considered to be one of the rarest breeds in existence. Previously known as the Yugoslavian Tricolour Hound, the Serbian Tricolour Hound was bred as a running hound, typically used to follow feral pigs and large game. This medium sized dog is a loyal and loving breed, popular both in the hunting field and in the home. This dog is very popular in its native country of Serbia, yet very rarely seen elsewhere. 

Key facts about the Serbian Tricolour Hound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

The Serbian Tricolour Hound has been in existence for many years, yet his exact origins are unclear. Many breeds of scent hound have lived in the Balkans for decades, and in fact, this breed was recognised as just another Serbian scent hound. However, as the breed has certain characteristics that differentiate it from other hounds, it was granted independent status in 1961 by the FCI. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Serbian Tricolour Hound

Adult size

Female : Between 17 and 21 in

Male : Between 18 and 22 in

Weight

Female : Between 44 and 55 lb

Male : Between 44 and 55 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

This medium sized canine has a slightly rounded skull. The dog’s ears are medium in length and set high, yet pendulous and hanging close to the dog’s cheeks. They have a rectangular body shape and a strong, well-muscled back. The hindquarters are straight and strong, with powerful thighs. The tail curves up slightly, but is never lifted above the line of the back.

Good to know

When the country of Yugoslavia was disbanded in 1991, the name of the Yugoslavian Tricolour Hound was changed to the Serbian Tricolour Hound, in a bid to avoid any confusion. Many dog lovers assume that the Serbian Tricolour Hound is just the same dog as a Serbian Hound, with different colouration, but this is not the case. They are in fact two totally separate breeds. 

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a devoted and loyal dog who loves his master without question. 

  • 66%

    Playful

    Certainly a playful hound, who loves to entertain the family with his little tricks.

  • 33%

    Calm

    This dog has a gentle temperament and a well-balanced character. 

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    This very smart dog usually responds well to training.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a tenacious hunter, who often prefers to go hunting alone. In most cases, this dog prefers to be off leash, hunting, tracking and in some cases, killing his prey too. 

  • 66%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    This dog has a friendly nature that he shows to strangers too.

  • 66%

    Independent

    When the Serbian Tricolour Hound is used for hunting purposes, he is definitely a very independent dog. 

    Behaviour of the Serbian Tricolour Hound

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      These canines are very devoted to their owners. They will love and obey their masters without question, but as such, when left alone for long periods, can become very unhappy. 

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      The Serbian Tricolour Hound does best with patient, persistent and positive reinforcement training regimes. This hound can become bored quite easily with repetitive tasks so it’s important to keep training sessions short and fun. If you plan to keep your hound among other animals or children, they need to be socialised from a very young age.

    • 100%

      Barking

      This dog will typically alert his master when he has tracked and discovered any game. His booming voice will certainly be heard for some distance.

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      Tendency to run away

      When this hound is working, he tracks off leash without problem. However, he can also continue following an interesting scent and may forget to come back for some time.

    • 66%

      Destructive

      These dogs are active and energetic and need lots of mental stimulation to prevent unwanted and undesirable behaviour problems.

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      Not a greedy dog providing that his dietary needs are met. 

    • 66%

      Guard dog

      The Serbian Tricolour Hound makes a fantastic watchdog. 

    • 66%

      First dog

      In general, hounds make poor companion pets as they can often be quite stubborn and wilful. However, the Serbian Tricolour Hound is an exception to this rule. He is very intelligent, loyal and has an eagerness to please. However, it’s important that any first time dog owner also has sufficient space for this hound to run around and plenty of time to devote to his training and exercise requirements.

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      Lifestyle

      • 33%

        Serbian Tricolour Hound in a flat

        These dogs need lots of space so that they can run around, both inside and outside.

      • 100%

        Need for exercise / Sporty

        The Serbian Tricolour Hound is certainly a very energetic and highly active dog. He needs an enormous amount of exercise each day. His stamina allows him to be a jogging or biking companion. 

      • 66%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        This hound will travel in a dog crate in the rear of a vehicle without issues.

        Compatibility

        • 33%

          Serbian Tricolour Hound and cats

          As this breed has very strong hunting instincts, it’s not advisable to keep them around cats and other small pets.

        • 100%

          Serbian Tricolour Hound and dogs

          This breed tolerates other dogs very well, as he is used to hunting in packs.

        • 100%

          Serbian Tricolour Hound and children

          This dog makes a wonderful family pet as he is both incredibly devoted and loyal to his family. He will get along fine with children in the home, especially if he is socialised from a very early age.

        • 33%

          Serbian Tricolour Hound and the elderly

          This is a hunting dog who needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent him from being bored in the home, so is probably not the best choice for an elderly person.

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          Price

          At this time, in the UK, there are no documented costs to purchase a Serbian Tricolour Hound, as they are very rarely seen outside of their native Serbia. An estimated monthly cost to take care of and maintain one of these dogs will be around £120. This would cover the budget for food, vet’s bills, and pet insurance.

          Grooming

          These dogs have a low maintenance coat. Their short coat needs very minimal care. 

          Shedding

          Average shedder.

          Nutrition of the Serbian Tricolour Hound

          As an energetic dog, a foodstuff specifically manufactured for a working dog would be best.

          Health of the Serbian Tricolour Hound

          Life expectancy

          The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a healthy breed, with no recognised medical conditions. Its average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

          Strong / robust

          As a hunting dog, this hound is very strong and robust.

          Withstand heat

          This dog has great endurance and stamina and will have no problems during periods of warmer weather.

          Withstand cold

          The Serbian Tricolour Hound will never be daunted by cold climates or difficult terrains.

          Tendency to put on weight

          Providing you offer this hound a balanced, high-quality diet, and sufficient exercise to meet his needs, he won’t gain any excess weight. 

          Common illnesses

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