Istrian Hound

The Posavac Hound is an ancient breed of indigenous Croatian scent hounds, whose exact origin is unknown. Dogs with morphological types close to it are present in Croatia from the 15th century onwards, as evidenced by the frescoes of the chapel dedicated to Santa Maria in Beram. Chronicles such as those by Bishop Bakic of Djakovo in 1719 or veterinarian Franjo Bertic of Djakovo in 1859 and books by Joze Kristen describe Croatian scent hounds very early. Purchased under the name "boskini" in Croatia, the Posavac Hounds are highly appreciated in neighboring regions. In 1924, the breed is presented for the first time at a dog show. In 1929, the first registrations in the Croatian stud book are recorded. The breed is accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955 under the name Kras Basin Hound. The first standard bearing the correct name of the breed dates from 1969.

The FCI standard describes the Posavac Hound as docile, very attached to its master and good-natured. The temperament is moderately lively and marked by its passion for hunting. It is a stubborn worker, but easy to train. At home, it is a dynamic, playful and patient dog with children.

The Posavac Hound is a medium-sized dog, with robust constitution and balanced proportions. Of medium length, the tail reaches at most the hock. It is carried saber-like and covered with tufted hair. A brush tail is acceptable. The head is long and narrow. The eyelids perfectly outline the large dark-colored eyes. Hanging, the flat and fine ears are well applied against the cheeks; they round at their tips. With a length of two to three centimeters, the hair is stiff, dense and lying flat. It is slightly longer on the lower parts of the belly, the rear edges of the limbs, and the underside of the tail. The color is reddish-tan in all its shades, never brown or chocolate. On the head, white markings appear as a star, stripe or more extensive mark. At the neck level, the markings form either a collar or a spot on the lower edge of the neck. White also extends to the chest, under the belly, on the lower parts of the limbs, and at the tip of the tail. The proportion of white should in no case exceed one-third of the total body surface.