Posavac Hound

Descended from ancient Molossian hunting dogs crossed with imported Egyptian sighthounds, the Posavac is closely related to other hounds of the Balkans. Common in a variety of sizes in the 1400's, the Posavac Hound has been bred to a consistent type ever since the early 18th century, but was only recognized as one of the Yugoslavian Hounds by the F.C.I. in 1955 under the name of "Kras Posavac Basin Hound". A rough-coated variety existed in the past, but has been excluded from the breed Standard, even though it can still be encountered on occasion in some parts of the region.

A valued hunter in Yugoslavia, the breed remains fairly unknown outside its native borders. This magnificient rugged dog exists in modest numbers all over the Balkans and is presently classified as a Croatian breed. Named after the Posavina plains of northern Bosnia, the Posavski Gonic is a fast runner and tenacious worker, used to track a variety of game, from rabbits and birds to deer and wild boars.

The Posavac Hound is energetic, intelligent and gentle-natured, making an amenable family companion. However, it requires plenty of excercise and is better suited for the life of a working hunter than that of an urban pet. Broad-chested and muscular, this medium-sized breed is healthy, resilient and well-equipped for tackling even the roughest of terrains.

The coat is short, thick and flat, coming in shades of wheaten, fawn and red, usually with white markings on the head, chest, feet and tail. Average height is around 20 inches.