Yugoslavian Mountain Hound - Serbian Mountain Hound

The Serbian Mountain Hound is descended from the Balkan Hound, the Hellenic Hound and a number of other ancient Molossian hunting and pariah dogs of Serbia and Greece, including the hunting variety of the Sylvan. It is considered to be an ancestor of many modern breeds, including the Transylvanian Hound, Black Forest Hound and the Austrian Alpine Shorthaired Hound, with which it has often been confused in the past. Breeders established its present type in the early 17th century, but the first official working and conformation requirements were set in the 1920's, with the first breed Standard composed in 1924.

After the 2nd World war, the breed was named Yugoslavian Mountain Hound and became quite popular among the country's new hunting enthusiasts. The new Standard was written in 1960, followed by well-deserved International recognition in 1969. As is the case with many other breeds of former Yugoslavia, this wonderful dog became quite rare during the civil wars in the last decade of the 20th century. The breed once again received a new name in 1996 and is now officially referred to as the Serbian Mountain Hound or the Montenegro Hound, even though many fanciers still use the Yugoslavian Mountain Hound name for it, as well as a number of other local and historical names, such as the Black And Tan Mountain Hound, Black Hound, Alpine Brak and so on.

Employed in packs as a tracker of a variety of game, the Planinski Gonic is the first choice of hunters in the mountainous areas of Yugoslavia. Resilient, tenacious and completely dedicated to the job, the breed is famous for its unwillingness to quit, great physical stamina and bravery. This smart, playful and even-tempered hound also makes a good watchdog and family pet, but can be too noisy for city life. While it can be stubborn at times, as well as unfriendly to strange dogs and a danger to other small animals, the Serbian Mountain Hound responds to socialization and training very well and is an amenable companion when raised properly.

Muscular, lean and agile, it is quite a beautiful and athletic breed. The body is rectangular, with a powerful neck, pronounced shoulders and withers, a deep chest and a broad back. The head is narrow, but substantial, with a strong muzzle, a soft stop and well-developed cheek muscles, without any exaggerations affecting the dogs elegance. The pendant ears are high set, oval in shape and moderately long.

The short coat is smooth, thick and weatherproof, always black-n-tan in colour, with or without a small white spot on the chest.

Average height is around 19 inches.