Posavac Hound

Posavac Hound Basics

Although you probably haven’t ever seen a Posavac Hound before, you’ll immediately recognize him as a member of the hound family. With large, floppy ears, a short flat coat, and red-and-white coloration, this breed is the spitting image of the hound type. These dogs were developed as a hunting breed in Croatia and has yet to be recognized by the AKC, though it is recognized by the United Kennel Club. If you’re looking for a unique dog breed that does well with children and makes a good family pet, the Posavac Hound is one to consider.

With large, floppy ears, a short flat coat, and red-and-white coloration, the Posavac Hound is the spitting image of the hound type.

Origin

The exact origins of the Posavac Hound are unknown, though the type is very old. The modern Posavac Hound looks similar to hounds featured in frescoes dating back to the 1500s and there is some evidence to suggest that the breed may have been developed as early as the 1700s. In the 1800s, hounds from the Sava Valley were sold in Croatia as “boskini” but the first registration of the breed weren’t taken until 1929. In 1955, the breed was recognized by the FCI and the name Posavac Hound was finalized in 1969. Today, the Posavac Hound is part of the Scenthound Group for the United Kennel Club but has yet to be recognized by the AKC or other major registries.

Pedigree

The origins of the Posavac Hound are unknown but it is likely descended from ancient Molossian hunting dogs and the hounds of the Balkans.

Food/Diet

As a medium-sized dog, the Posavac Hound should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for dogs of his size. The Posavac Hound is also a working breed, so he may do well on an active or working breed formula as long as you are careful about overfeeding to prevent obesity.

The Posavac Hound was developed for hunting so you can bet that he is an intelligent and active breed.

Training

The Posavac Hound was developed for hunting so you can bet that he is an intelligent and active breed. These dogs respond very well to positive reinforcement training and they have a natural desire to please their owners. When training and socialization is started at an early age, they can be talented hunters and good family pets. This breed is very obedient but you should maintain a firm and consistent hand in leadership so he doesn’t become willful.

Weight

The Posavac Hound walks the line between being a small and a medium-sized breed. These dogs typically stand 17 to 23 inches tall and weigh 35 to 45 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

The Posavac Hound is a good-natured breed with a lively temperament and a zest for life. These dogs are not hyperactive but they do require a good bit of exercise and they are happiest when they have a job to do. This breed does very well with children and they are affectionate with family, making them a good choice as a family pet as long as their exercise needs are met. They can become a little high-strung if left alone too long. As a scenthound, these dogs do tend to bark a bit as well which makes them good as a watchdog.

Common Health Problems

The Posavac Hound is a fairly rare breed, so there is not a lot of information available about common health problems. Some things you might be on the lookout for with this breed include ear infections, field injuries, and gastric torsion. The breed’s large, floppy ears may predispose him to frequent ear infections and his work as a hunting dog puts him at risk for field injuries. Gastric torsion typically affects larger dogs but it can also affect deep-chested breeds like the Posavac Hound.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Posavac Hound is thought to be about 12 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

As a hunting breed, the Posavac Hound has fairly high energy levels and high needs for exercise. These dogs need at least one 30-minute walk each day and will appreciate having a fenced yard in which to run and play.

The Posavac Hound is a good-natured breed with a lively temperament and a zest for life.

Recognized Clubs

The Posavac Hound is not currently recognized by the AKC but he is recognized by the FCI and the UKC. The FCI classifies him in Group 6 as a Scenthound and by the UKC as a Scenthound.

Coat

The Posavac Hound has the typical hound coat. It is short, flat and dense, measuring about 2 to 3 cm long. The coat may be a little longer on the backs of the legs, the lower abdomen, and the tail. This breed comes in a range of colors including different shades of red as well as yellow, fawn, and white, often with white markings on the neck, head, chest, abdomen, legs, and tip of the tail. Two colors are not recognized – brown and chocolate. In terms of grooming, the Posavac Hound’s coat sheds an average amount and you can keep it under control with daily brushing.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Posavac Hound is 6 to 8 puppies. Because these dogs are typically used for hunting, it is important to start them with training and socialization as early as possible. This breed is small to medium in size, so puppies are likely to achieve their adult size in under 12 months.

Photo credit: Strojovodjazg/Wikimedia; Fraxinus Croat/Wikimedia