A calm, cooperative hound with a moderately lively nature. It is neither nervous nor sharp, learns easily and is strongly attached to its owner.1
how to spot onePosavac Hound coat and colours
short, harsh coat
A dense, harsh, glossy coat about 2-3 cm long that lies close to the body, a little longer on the belly and the backs of the legs.12
Coloursreddish wheaten in all shades, with white markings12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Posavac 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 Posavac Hound costs
Running costs for a Posavac 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.
by countryIs the Posavac Hound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Posavac Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksPosavac Hound exercise needs
A hunting hound with good stamina, used on hare, fox and boar and as a tracking dog on a lead, so it needs long daily walks and time to follow scents.1
the hands-on bitsPosavac Hound grooming and care
The short, harsh coat is easy to keep; a weekly brush is plenty.1
where they are happiestPosavac Hound at home
Suits a rural or active home with room to exercise.12
who they like aroundPosavac Hound with people and other pets
Devoted to its family and easygoing in temperament.1
where it all beganPosavac Hound history
This Croatian scenthound descends from old red-and-white Illyrian hounds. Dogs of its type appear in a late 15th-century fresco at the Beram chapel in Istria and in an account by Bishop Petar Bakić in 1719. Stud book registration began in 1929 and the FCI published its first standard in 1955.12
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
A hound of this type is painted in a 15th-century fresco in the chapel at Beram; the FCI dates it to 1474, Wikipedia to 1497.1
2
In the 1800s these dogs were sold in Croatia under the name boskini.2
3
The FCI published its first standard for the breed on 8 April 1955.1
4
Its name was officially settled as Posavac Hound in 1969.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name Posavac Hound (or Posavatz Hound) translates to 'Scenthound from the Sava Valley,' referring to the Posavina region in Croatia, a broad and densely wooded valley south-east of Zagreb where the breed originated.3
The morning starts with a long sniff along the riverbank. I'm a hound, so my nose leads the way, every leaf, every pebble has a story. My human follows patiently, trusting me to find the hidden scents. After a good trek, we rest under a tree, and I lean against their leg, content. Back home, I curl up on my rug, dreaming of the chase. I'm calm and loyal, always ready for the next walk, but happiest when my human is near.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 154, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; first FCI standard published 8 April 1955, current standard 03.11.2014.1
UKC
Recognised in the Scenthound Group (per Wikipedia).2
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 Posavac Hound, and at what times?
Adult Posavac Hounds do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portions.4
What should a Posavac Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; avoid these entirely.5
How often should I bathe a Posavac Hound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.6Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Posavac Hound need brushing?
A weekly brush is plenty for the short, harsh coat, as noted in the breed facts. This keeps shedding under control and the coat glossy.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Posavac Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and use a proper dog nail trimmer.6Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Posavac Hound need?
This hunting hound has good stamina and needs long daily walks plus time to follow scents. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and fit.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Posavac Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth ideally daily, but at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal.6Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Posavac Hound live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for typical expectations. Senior years usually start around age 8, and regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life. Pet Wiki plan
Is a Posavac Hound good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is devoted to its family and easygoing in temperament, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Always supervise interactions with young children.1
Can a Posavac Hound be left alone?
This breed is strongly attached to its owner and may not do well left alone for long periods. It suits a rural or active home where someone is often around, so consider your schedule carefully.12
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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