Sabueso Fino ColombianoCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed developed in Colombia from packs of scent hounds and a few pointing dogs brought from continental Europe, Great Britain and North America, starting in the colonial period. Wikipedia notes that between 1550 and 1800 Spanish hounds, sighthounds and retrievers were brought over, and during the War of Independence British soldiers brought Foxhounds and Pointers.

For its hunting qualities, the Fino was loved by every social class: from presidents and wealthy families who hunted for pleasure to the peasant farmers who relied on it to bring food home to their families. The historical recovery of the breed began in 2007, through Elver “Chejo” Marín, and continued with the researcher Jonathan Álvarez, of the National University of Colombia.

How the breed developed

• 1550–1800 – Scent hounds, sighthounds and retrievers are brought to Colombia.
• War of Independence – British soldiers bring Foxhounds and Pointers.
• 2007 – Documentation and recovery of the breed begin.
• 2015 – The Colombian Kennel Club recognises the breed; about 10,000 dogs live in the country.
• 11 February 2026 – The FCI provisionally recognises the breed and publishes the standard.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“stubborn when hunting, affectionate at home”) and on the Wikipedia description.

The standard describes it as a typical scent hound, with long ears and a long tail, a rectangular body and great stamina. There are two sizes (standard and large) and two coat types (short and wire).

General appearance

The oval eyes have a gentle expression. The long, hanging ears reach at least to the tip of the nose. The long tail extends beyond the hock and is carried high, sabre-shaped, but never curled. Wire-haired dogs have a small beard and thick eyebrows.

The colours are very varied: red, black, brown and grey, with or without white, in various shades and combinations. Merle colouring and albinism are disqualifying.

The standard describes it as stubborn when hunting, affectionate at home and an excellent companion. It is friendly with strangers and used to living in a group with other dogs.

Like any scent hound, it follows a scent stubbornly. Sport hunting has been banned in Colombia since 2019, and Wikipedia says specialists see it as suited to searching for missing people.

Tips for effective training

• Practise the recall from puppyhood. On a good trail it may forget about you.
• Use rewards. Food and praise motivate it.
• Work with its nose. Tracking and search games make it happy.
• Keep it in company. It is used to living in a group.

It is a hardy hunter, adapted to jungles and mountains and to temperatures of up to 30 °C. It needs a lot of exercise every day.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a securely fenced yard.
• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
• It suits an active family.

Coat and skin care

The short-haired variety should be brushed once a week. The wire-haired one needs more frequent brushing and, from time to time, removal of dead hair.

Common health problems

No health studies have been published for the breed. The standard disqualifies dogs with entropion or ectropion. As with any long-eared scent hound, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Look for ticks after walks in the countryside.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

An active scent hound needs plenty of energy. Adjust the portion to the dog's size and how much it moves.

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.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• 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.

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.

• The only Colombian breed. It is the only dog breed native to Colombia.
• The peasant farmers' dog. In poor villages, it brought meat home for the family.
• Found in more than 18 countries. The breed is now also bred in Spain, the United States, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.
• Two sizes, two coats. There is a standard size and a large size, each with a short or wire coat.
• One of the newest FCI breeds. It received provisional recognition on 11 February 2026.

Part of rural culture

Wikipedia says the Fino is considered part of Colombia's rural peasant culture, especially in the north of the country, where a good hunting dog could put food on the family table.

Where does the Sabueso Fino Colombiano come from?

From Colombia; it is the only dog breed native to that country.

How big does it get?

The standard size measures 45–50 cm and weighs 15–25 kg, and the large size measures 51–58 cm and weighs 25–35 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes, it is affectionate at home and friendly with strangers, but it needs a lot of exercise.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

Yes, provisionally, since 11 February 2026.