Serbian Tricolour Hound

It is a medium-sized Balkan scenthound, closely related to the Serbian Hound and distinguished mainly by its striking black, tan and white tricolour coat. Sturdy and athletic with drop ears and a dense weatherproof coat, it was built for tireless work hunting boar and hare. It is recognised by the FCI but is very rare in the UK and not separately recognised by the UK Kennel Club.

It is a medium-sized dog, standing around 44 to 56 cm and weighing roughly 20 to 25 kg. The build is sturdy and athletic, geared towards tireless work over rough country rather than power or size.

They typically live around 12 to 13 years. It is a robust, naturally built breed with a reputation for hardiness. As with any dog, a healthy weight, good ear and dental hygiene, thorough parasite control and regular veterinary attention give it the best foundation for a long, sound life.

With its family it is loyal and affectionate, and its pack-hound background usually makes it sociable and tolerant with other dogs. It is a steady, hard-working character that bonds firmly with its people. That said, it is a true working hound with high prey drive, unreliable recall once a scent takes over, and an independent, decision-making mind.

A lot. This is a high-energy, high-stamina hound bred to work tirelessly across rough country, needing long daily walks, hikes, secure running and nose-based activities. It will not be satisfied by short strolls, and an under-exercised dog is likely to become frustrated, restless and noisy. Only a genuinely active household with access to space should consider the breed.

Yes, grooming requirements are low. The short, dense, weatherproof coat needs only regular brushing to remove dead hair, with occasional bathing. The main routine care is checking and cleaning the drop ears to prevent infection, along with regular nail trimming, dental care and inspecting the dog after work for ticks, cuts and grass seeds.

Yes. It is notably vocal, with a loud bay used freely on the trail and in excitement. Combined with its high prey drive and need for plenty of exercise, this means it is unsuited to homes where noise would strain relations with close neighbours. Plenty of activity and mental stimulation help reduce excess noise.

It is affectionate with its own people but is not a beginner's dog. Its high prey drive makes it unsuited to homes with small pets or to areas where it cannot be reliably contained, and it is independent, vocal and demanding to exercise. It suits an experienced, active home with secure fencing rather than a first-time owner.

Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Serbian Tricolour Hounds tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Serbian Tricolour Hound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

Better with some experience. Serbian Tricolour Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Serbian Tricolour Hound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.