Voivodina Terrier

Initially a northern strain of the variety of the ancient Balkan Terrier, the Vojvodjanski Pacovan has traditionally been used as a small game hunting dog and a vermin killer, but through matings with the Pulin, it also acquired good guarding qualities and greater trainability. With the introduction of the Dachshund and the German Jagdterrier to the region, the Tekin's appearance and personality was affected, giving it shorter legs and a more tenacious nature, but also its name, believed to be a corruption of the German word "Teckel". The breed has existed in various regional types for many years, but has also suffered from a regular influx of common village mongrel blood and a lack of interest in its standardization and proper breeding in Serbia, being a working ratter without a set appearance throughout the 20th century. Some strains were valued more than others and were kept fairly pure, resulting in a somewhat uniformed body build, head shape and temperament, which served as the basis for the standardization efforts currently conducted in Serbia. Although rarely used as a hunting breed today, the Tekin retains its drive and stamina, but is primarily employed as an excellent ratter and destroyer of other vermin found in many villages, while being protective of other farm animals and an alert alarm dog, as well as an efficient property guardian, despite its small size.

This is a courageous and serious worker, prized for its tenacity and intelligence, but also for its playful personality and affectionate nature around familiar faces. The Serbian Tekin is a well-muscled dog, with a straight back, deep chest and relatively short legs, although longer than associated with the Dachshund breed, giving it greater agility and speed.

A range of coat textures, ear types and sizes can be seen, but the typical Pacolovac has drop-ears, a short dense flat coat and comes in black-n-tan, yellow and reddish-brown colourings, with the average size being around 13 inches.