Montenegrin Mountain HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Montenegrin Mountain Hound. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a medium-sized, solid and agile Balkan scenthound, black with tan markings, from the mountainous regions of Montenegro. In the past it was called the “black hound”. The standard describes it as even-tempered, attached to its master, docile and reliable.
Quick facts
| Common name | Montenegrin Mountain Hound (Crnogorski planinski gonič) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Montenegro |
| Official recognition | FCI, since 1969 (group 6, medium-sized scent hounds, with working trial; standard no. 279) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 44–54 cm at the withers (ideally 49–50 cm); 20–25 kg according to Wikipedia |
| Size (females) | 44–54 cm at the withers (ideally 48–49 cm); 20–25 kg according to Wikipedia |
| Coat type | Short, dense, harsh, glossy, with a well-developed undercoat |
| Common colours | Black with tan markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Even-tempered, attached to its master, docile, reliable |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Poor with small animals; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed certainly has the same origin as the other Balkan hounds. In the past it was sometimes called the “black hound”. The first standard dates from 1924.
The FCI officially recognised the breed on 8 May 1969, at its meeting in Warsaw. Wikipedia says it was formerly called the “Yugoslavian Mountain Hound” and is used to hunt foxes, hares and small game, sometimes even roe deer or wild boar.
How the breed developed
- Ancient times – Balkan hounds hunt in the mountains of Montenegro.
- 1924 – The first standard is written.
- 8 May 1969 – The FCI recognises the breed in Warsaw.
- 19 December 2014 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a medium-sized, solid and agile dog. The length of the body and the girth of the chest exceed the height at the withers by about 10%, and the head is 45% of the height.
General appearance
The head is elongated, with the skull longer than the muzzle. The coat is short, dense, harsh, glossy, flat and smooth, with a fairly well-developed undercoat.
| Feature | Montenegrin Mountain Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 44–54 cm |
| Weight | 20–25 kg (Wikipedia) |
| Coat | Short, glossy |
| Colour | Black and tan |
| Head | Elongated |
The base colour is black, with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle and on the lower legs. The spots above the eyes are about the size of a hazelnut. The shade of the markings ranges from light red to brown.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as even-tempered, attached to its master, docile and reliable.
Like any scenthound, it follows game by scent and gives voice on the trail. It needs a patient owner and recall training.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a trail, its nose leads it.
- Use rewards. It is docile and attached to its master.
- Give it a job. It enjoys search games.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a mountain hound, it needs plenty of hard exercise and outings in nature every day.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in nature | daily | Stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- The fence must be solid.
- Think of the neighbours: it gives voice on the trail.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short, dense coat is brushed once a week with a rubber grooming mitt.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any hunting dog, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears | Head shaking, bad smell, red ears |
| Hunting injuries | Cuts and scratches in the forest | Limping, blood on the paws |
Other care
- Check the ears after hunting.
- Check for ticks after outings in nature.
- Check the paws.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food suited to its level of effort.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The “black hound”. That is what it was once called.
- A Yugoslavian hound. Wikipedia says it used to be called the Yugoslavian Mountain Hound.
- Recognised in Warsaw. The FCI recognised it in 1969, in Warsaw.
- Spots the size of a hazelnut. The spots above the eyes are the size of a hazelnut.
- A rare breed. Wikipedia describes it as rare.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
Foxes, hares and small game, sometimes also roe deer or wild boar.
How big does it get?
It measures 44–54 cm; Wikipedia gives 20–25 kg.
What colour is it?
Black with tan markings.
Is it suited to an apartment?
No. It needs plenty of exercise and space.
