Srpski Gonic

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Srpski Gonic is a pack hunting scenthound that can use its keen sense of scent to track and hunt small to medium size game like deer, foxes, rabbits and hares. Originated in Balkan Territory, this medium size tenacious hunter was previously known as Serbian Hound. Also known as Balkan Hound and Balkanski goni, origin of this breed dates back to 18th century although some fanciers also believe that this breed was present even in the 14th century. The Serbian Hound is one of a group of scent hounds that spread throughout the Balkans. It was speculated that the hounds from Asia Minor have prominently featured in the development of this breed. It was thought that ancestors of this breed of scent hound were the hounds from Egypt that were left by the Phoenicians traders in the Balkan regions around 1000 BC. The first record of the Balkan Hound comes from the 11th century where a man called Frank Laska described the breed in detail.

The Srpski Gonic is a medium size lively breed that is full of character. The dog stands between 17-21 inches and weighs about 44 lbs. It is a well balanced dog with robust constitution. It comes with a slightly rounded skull, wedge-shaped muzzle that progressively tapers to well developed, black nose. Eyes are medium in size and oval in shape. Medium length, pendulous ears are set high and hang close to the cheeks. Slightly elongated body has level topline, straight, strong and long back, well muscled loin and slightly tucked-up belly. The Srpski Gonic has a short and abundant coat that comes in different shades of red with a black saddle.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI.

Color

Coat color range from red, yellow-red and a rust tone. This breed has a black saddle that extends to the head, black markings on the side of the temple and some individuals may have a round white mark on the chest.

Coat

This dog comes with short, abundant and shiny coat with an undercoat. The hair are slightly longer on back of thighs and underside of tail.

Personality

The Srpski Gonic is not only a very hard working hunter and eye pleasing dog, it is also a very well mannered family pet. Lively and kind, the dog is docile to the family and displays a calm demeanor when it is kept as family companion. Vivacious and full of character, the dog is kind and very playful with children, entertaining them with its little tricks. It gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family. This active breed has high exercise needs and will do best in a house with a yard. It is not suitable apartment dog due to its high exercise demands. The owner should make sure to provide this dog with necessary exercise.

Care

The owners of Srpski Gonic will benefit from low maintenance coat of this breed that requires only weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Ears, eyes and nails should be checked and clipped as necessary.

Training

Though docile and amenable, the Srpski Gonic can sometimes pose difficulty during training due to its somewhat independent nature. An experienced owner with positive training methods should be able to get the best out of this dog.

Activity

The Srpski Gonic is a very energetic breed with high energy levels. It needs lots of physical and mental stimulation to use up its pent up energy. This breed will do best in a house with a large yard.