While the Republic of Serbia was part of Yugoslavia for most of the 20th century, today it is an independent state. And as such, it has three official Serbian dog breeds to call its very own. So here are the dog breeds from Serbia and what you’ll want to know about each of these special southeastern European canines.
Sarplaninac
At first glance, this medium to large-sized livestock guardian breed may appear a bit more substantial in size than it actually is. And that’s because the Sarplaninac is both is heavy-boned and also has a thick coat. The breed’s dense and weather-resistant double coat is long and slightly rough to the touch, however, it is shorter on the ears, front of the legs, and head.
It is this difference in length that creates a distinct ruff of hair around the Serbian Sarplaninac’s neck. While the coat can be any color from white to dark brown and almost black, it must be solid in color without any patches. The preferred coat colors are iron or dark gray. This is an ancient breed that gets its name from the Sarplanina mountain range where it’s commonly found.
And it is officially known as the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog Sharplanina, however, up until 1957 was called the Illyrian Shepherd Dog. While its exact origins are unknown it is believed to possibly be descended from the ancient Molossus war dogs along with Turkish livestock guardian dogs. This Serbian dog breed was originally used as a guard dog and to protect livestock such as cattle and sheep from predators.
It is still used for these purposes today. And with its large teeth, impressive strength, fearless nature, and readiness to react when needed, it makes it a formidable opponent to any potential threat whether man or beast. The Sarplaninac is a protective outdoor working canine that requires a strong pack leader with experience. It is not a breed for the first-time owner and does best with a job to do.
Serbian Hound
The ancestors of the Serbian Hound were believed to have been brought to Europe by Phoenician traders. These dogs were then selectively bred to fit the needs of hunters in what was then Yugoslavia. Originally known as the Balkan Scenthound, the breed has remained unchanged for several hundred years. With the breakup of Yugoslavia, its name was officially changed to the Serbian Hound.
This is an energetic and friendly canine and is one of the most commonly used hounds in Serbia. It has a short rust-brown or fox red coat with a broad black saddle or mantle on its back. The breed has an athletic build with a long and narrow head, powerful jaws, and high-set rounded ears.
The Serbian Hound is particularly well known for its ability to hunt fox, hare, boar, and deer as well as a range of other game in rough terrain and in all types of weather conditions. Typically hunted in a pack, this medium size Serbian hunting dog breed is tenacious when on the trail of game. It is a very vocal hound with a magnificent high-pitched voice.
Serbian Tricolour Hound
This solidly built and medium-sized scenthound is similar to the Serbian Hound in every way except for its coat. The two breeds have the same ancestry. And in the past, the Serbian Tricolour Hound was actually considered to be the same breed as the Serbian Hound just a different coat variety. It wasn’t until 1946 that a breed standard was written for the tricolour and it officially became a separate breed.
While it was originally named the Yugoslavian Tricolour Hound, it was renamed the Serbian Tricolour Hound when Yugoslavia was dissolved. The breed’s distinct coat has a base of deep fox red with a black saddle or mantle on its back. It also has white markings which set it apart from its cousin the Serbian Hound.
These white markings are on one-third of its body or less and typically include a star on the head, a blaze down the muzzle, and white markings around the neck, chest, inside of the legs, and the tip of the tail. Its coat is short and considered self-cleaning. Like the Serbian Hound, it has very strong tracking abilities and is hunted in packs.
And while it is relentless in its pursuit of game at home it is quiet and peaceful. Despite being popular in its native country this Serbian dog breed is considered very rare and is not well-known outside of its homeland.
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