Pet Wiki

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Also called Istrian Short-haired Hound, Istarski kratkodlaki gonič · Croatia

Easy-going, gentle and willing at home, neither nervous nor sharp, but switches to keen, energetic mode when hunting.

Comes inWhite with orange markings

2 sources

Height47–53cm

19–21 inmales 49 to 53 cm, females 47 to 51 cm12

At a glance

Key facts
SizeMedium
Height47 to 53 cm (19 to 21 in)males 49 to 53 cm, females 47 to 51 cm12
CoatShort, hard, dense coat
OriginCroatia (Istria, with the Croatian Littoral and Dalmatia)12
GroupFCI group 6
lively yet gentle and obedient
great hunting stamina
strong, melodious voice on the trail
1

what they are likeIstrian Shorthaired Hound temperament

Easy-going, gentle and willing at home, neither nervous nor sharp, but switches to keen, energetic mode when hunting.12

how to spot oneIstrian Shorthaired Hound coat and colours

short, hard, dense coat

A tight, glossy coat only 1-2 cm long covers a slim, elegant, slightly rectangular body with no heaviness. It moves in a smooth, balanced way.12

Colourswhite with orange markings12

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for an Istrian Shorthaired Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

per year, in your countryWhat a Istrian Shorthaired Hound costs

Running costs for a Istrian Shorthaired Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

how busy a day looksIstrian Shorthaired Hound exercise needs

An active hunting hound bred to work hare, fox and boar over long distances; it needs generous daily exercise and outlets for its nose.12

the hands-on bitsIstrian Shorthaired Hound grooming and care

The short, hard coat is very easy care; an occasional brush and wipe-down keeps it neat.1

where they are happiestIstrian Shorthaired Hound at home

Suits a rural or active home with room to move and secure fencing, as scent can lead it astray.1

who they like aroundIstrian Shorthaired Hound with people and other pets

Gentle and obedient with its people; as a traditional pack hound it generally gets on with other dogs.1

where it all beganIstrian Shorthaired Hound history

One of the oldest Balkan hound types, it descends from the ancient East Adriatic white hound with markings. A 14th-century carved column in a Dubrovnik monastery and 15th-century paintings show its forerunners, and a bishop described the type in 1719. A stud book followed in 1924 and FCI recognition in 1949.12

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. 1

    Hounds of this type appear on a capital column carved around 1327-1348 in a Dubrovnik monastery.1

  2. 2

    It is often called the oldest hound breed of the Balkans.2

  3. 3

    Its coat is only about 1-2 cm long.1

  4. 4

    It is still used in its homeland for hunting fox and hare.2

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed name comes from the Istria region in Croatia, and 'gonič' means 'hound' in Croatian, referring to its role as a scenthound.2

for your new friendName ideas

ZoraMarinBakRonaViktorLavSovaKikiOštarNeraDujeMaki

told by an Istrian Shorthaired HoundA day in the life

Morning starts with a good stretch and a yawn. I follow my human to the kitchen, then out the door. The grass is wet, and the world is full of smells. I sniff every bush and stone, my tail a happy flag. We walk through the woods, and I find a fox trail, my nose works hard, my legs carry me fast. Later, I rest under the table, watching crumbs fall. Evening brings a snuggle on the couch. Life is simple and good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

the official bitsRecognised by

FCI
Standard No. 151, Group 6 (Scenthounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized scenthounds), with working trial; FCI recognised 1949, first standard 2 Apr 1955, current standard published 3 Nov 20141
UKC
Recognised by the United Kennel Club2

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Istrian Shorthaired Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Istrian Shorthaired Hound at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help digestion. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.3

What should an Istrian Shorthaired Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Your vet can help you choose the best diet.4

How often should I bathe an Istrian Shorthaired Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound need brushing?

The short, hard coat needs only weekly brushing to stay neat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and an occasional wipe-down keeps it looking great.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Istrian Shorthaired Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim your hound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting guide. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound need?

This active hunting hound needs generous daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to use its nose. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily walks and play. A secure, rural home is ideal.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Istrian Shorthaired Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your hound's teeth at least two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, especially since they are floppy, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound live?

Lifespan varies depending on individual health and care. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.

Is an Istrian Shorthaired Hound good with children and other pets?

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is gentle and easy-going at home, making it good with children when properly socialized. It generally gets along with other dogs due to its pack hound heritage. Always supervise interactions with young children.12

Can an Istrian Shorthaired Hound be left alone?

This breed can be left alone for reasonable periods if given enough exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, but it thrives with company. Secure fencing is essential as its nose can lead it astray.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Sources (2)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 151 Istrian Short-haired Hound fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Istrian Shorthaired Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, UKC recognition, history dates, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Text is written in our own words from these sources.