At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense, glossy with undercoat
A robust, medium-sized hound, a little longer than tall, with high-set hanging ears and a tail carried low. The short coat is thick and shiny with an undercoat beneath.3
Personality what they are like
Friendly and lively, with a dependable nature and real staying power. It is energetic and disciplined when working and full of character.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A pack hound used for long hunts over difficult ground, so it needs generous daily exercise.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low. A weekly brush keeps the short, dense coat tidy; check the hanging ears regularly.3
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active, rural home with secure outdoor space.2
Company who they like around
Traditionally kept and hunted in packs, so it is used to other dogs.2
The story where it all began
This old Balkan scent hound comes from hounds that spread across the region, probably with some Asia Minor influence. Long known as the Balkan Hound, it was renamed the Serbian Hound in 1996 because it is found mainly in Serbia.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 150 (Srpski Gonic), Group 6, Section 1.2 (medium-sized scent hounds); accepted 30 Mar 1955; current standard 25 Mar 2003; working trial. Renamed from Balkan Hound in 19961
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Serbian Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Serbian Hound, and at what times?
Feed your Serbian Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. This matches general guidance for adult dogs and helps keep their energy steady.4
What should a Serbian Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Choose a high-quality dog food suited to their active lifestyle. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are especially harmful to dogs.5
How often should I bathe a Serbian Hound?
A bath every eight weeks or so keeps their short coat fresh, following Furry Diary's plan. You can bathe more often if they get very dirty, but at least once every three months is fine.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Serbian Hound need brushing?
A weekly brush is perfect for their short, dense coat to keep it tidy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary suggests brushing every seven days, and it's a nice bonding moment.36 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Serbian Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, to keep them comfortable.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Serbian Hound need?
This energetic hound needs generous daily exercise, like long walks or play sessions. Furry Diary recommends daily walks and play to match their high activity needs.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Serbian Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal; just dry gently.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Serbian Hound live?
Lifespan varies for each dog, so ask your vet for breed-specific information. They can give you the best guidance based on your hound's health.
Is a Serbian Hound good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are friendly, lively, and dependable, and they get along well with other dogs since they are used to pack life. With proper socialization, they can be wonderful family members.32
Can a Serbian Hound be left alone?
This pack-oriented hound enjoys company, so being left alone for long periods may not suit them. It's best to ask a good breeder about their individual tolerance.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Serbian Tricolour Hound
Montenegrin Mountain HoundLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI - Serbian Hound (150) fci.beused for recognition
- Serbian Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, weight, use, temperament, facts
- FCI Standard 150 (English) fci.beused for history, temperament, size, coat, colours
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.