Serbian Hound

Also called Srpski Gonič, Balkan Hound, Balkanski Gonič

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Serbia (Balkans)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male46 to 56 cm3 2

Height, female44 to 54 cm3 2

Sizemedium

tireless stamina

lively and dependable

copes with rough terrain

3 2

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

Coloursfox red from yellowish red to rust with a black saddle or mantleblack markings on the templessmall white chest spot allowed3 2

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.3 2

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.3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The FCI standard says the breed is mentioned in writing as early as the year 1005.3
2
Until 1996 it was officially called the Balkan Hound.2
3
It is known for a high-pitched voice while on the trail.2
4
It has traditionally been used in packs on boar, deer, fox and hare.2

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

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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

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.