Posavac HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Posavac Hound. · Bonko76 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Posavac Hound (Posavski gonič) is a medium-sized, solid Croatian hound, reddish wheaten with white markings, from the valley of the River Sava. It is very hardy and best suited to hunting hare, fox and wild boar. The standard describes it as easy to train, docile, neither nervous nor aggressive, and very devoted to its owner.
Quick facts
| Common name | Posavac Hound (Posavski gonič) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Croatia |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 8 April 1955 (group 6, medium-sized scent hounds, with working trial; standard no. 154) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 50–56 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 47–53 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Harsh, dense, glossy, 2–3 cm long |
| Common colours | Reddish wheaten, in all shades, with white markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Easy to train, docile, devoted |
| Tendency to aggression | Low; neither nervous nor aggressive |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Poor with small animals; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says it is an old breed of scent hound, a descendant of the red Illyrian hound with markings. Its first depiction is in a 1474 fresco, “The Adoration of the Magi”, in the cemetery chapel near the village of Beram, in Istria: a dark wheaten dog with drop ears.
The next appears in a 16th-century fresco in the church at Veli Lošinj. A 1719 manuscript by Bishop Petar Bakić says these hounds were already well known in the 14th century, and Franjo Bertić described them in 1854. The FCI published the first standard on 8 April 1955.
How the breed developed
- 14th century – Hound breeding is already known.
- 1474 – The first depiction, in the Beram fresco.
- 1719 – Bishop Petar Bakić writes about the breed.
- 1854 – Franjo Bertić describes the Posavac Hound.
- 8 April 1955 – The FCI publishes the first standard.
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 dog with a strong hound body and balanced movement. Its characteristic colour is reddish wheaten, in all shades.
General appearance
The hair is harsh, dense, glossy and close-lying, 2–3 cm long. On the back of the legs, on the belly and under the tail it is a little longer, up to 4 cm, where it forms a small “brush”.
| Feature | Posavac Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 50–56 cm; females: 47–53 cm |
| Coat | Harsh, 2–3 cm |
| Colour | Reddish wheaten with white |
| Bark | Clear and melodious |
| Type | Hound |
The base colour is reddish wheaten, in all shades, with white markings on the head, neck, chest, belly and legs.
Training and socialisation
The standard says the breed is easy to train. It is an all-round hound, with a clear, melodious voice, good for hunting on any terrain.
It is docile, neither nervous nor aggressive, with a fairly lively temperament and very devoted to its owner. It can also be used as a blood tracking hound, on a lead.
Tips for effective training
- Use rewards. It is easy to train.
- Practise the recall. Its nose can take it a long way.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Think of the neighbours. It barks on a scent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a very hardy hound, it needs plenty of exercise every day and activities that use its nose.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | 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.
- It copes well with bad weather.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short, harsh coat should be brushed once a week. The ears should be checked regularly.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any hound with drop ears, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears | Head shaking, bad smell, red ears |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
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, adapted 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 kg | 900 kcal | 1,010 kcal | 220–290 g |
| 19 kg | 1,020 kcal | 1,150 kcal | 260–330 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 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
- Painted in 1474. It appears in a fresco of “The Adoration of the Magi”.
- An Illyrian hound. It descends from the red Illyrian hound with markings.
- A melodious voice. The standard praises its clear voice.
- The Sava valley. The name means “the hound from the Sava valley”.
- A blood tracker too. It can follow wounded game, on a lead.
In popular culture
The Beram fresco
The FCI standard says the first depiction of the breed is in the fresco “The Adoration of the Magi” (1474) in the cemetery chapel near the village of Beram, in Istria, which shows a dark wheaten dog with drop ears.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Posavski gonič” mean?
“The hound from the Sava valley”.
How big does it get?
Males measure 50–56 cm and females 47–53 cm.
What does it hunt?
Hare, fox and wild boar; it also tracks wounded game.
Is it easy to train?
Yes, the standard says it is easy to train.
