Serbian Hound vs Sarplaninac - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Once known as the Balkan Hound, the Serbian Hound is a scenthound, an ancient dog breed that dates back to the 11th century. He has always been a hunting dog, hunting in packs, but today he is essentially a pet and a companion.

Although the breed is very popular in Serbia, they have not spread much outside of the Balkan region. The first description of the Serbian Hound dates from 1905. The first standard for the dog was published in 1924.

This dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but he has been recognized by the FCI in 1940 and in 2006 by the United Kennel Club.

Hailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

The Serbian Hound isn’t a particularly large dog. He is medium sized, standing at between 44 to 56cm in height and weighing in the region of 11 to 23kg. The coat of the dog is a red or tan color with a black saddle.

The hair is short, thick and shiny with the hair being slightly longer over the thigh area. The ears are high set, are of medium length and are floppy. The average litter size for these dogs is 3 to 6 puppies.

Temperament:

The good-natured Serbian Hound makes a loving and devoted pet. He’ll get on well with children too. They’re friendly dogs with a relaxed disposition, but to maintain that easy going characteristic, they will need to be well exercised.

They’re intelligent dogs with an independent side to them, and some training and socialization will be recommended.

The Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

The Serbian Hound is a working dog that just loves being busy, and he can keep busy for a long time as he has plenty of stamina.

He is an easy going dog, laid back, social and lively as well as being loving and loyal. They’re independent and strong-willed as well as being intelligent. You shouldn't have any difficulty training and socializing him, and it will round your pet off nicely, making him an even better companion and pets.

These dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

Your Serbia Hound can live to be 12 to 15 years of age, but just like with other dogs, he will need to be watched for some of the common dog diseases there are. Cancer, bloat, skin infections and kennel cough are all diseases to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common in dogs with floppy ears. You need to check inside your dog’s ears as an ear infection can be a painful condition. You’ll see your dog scratching at his ears and shaking his head.

Most ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast or even ear mites. You can’t play around with an ear infection and the veterinarian will take a sample from the affected ear. Most people don’t like to fiddle around with the inner ear and prefer to leave this grooming part to the vet or a professional groomer.

The Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

Grooming:

Serbian Hounds with their short coats are low maintenance. Yes, they do shed throughout the year, and have some seasonal shedding. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this dog.

Check your Serbian Hound’s ears and eyes for infection. Also, as you brush him, take note of any new or unusual lumps you come across.

As a medium-sized dog, if you choose to feed your dog kibble, it will need to be according to size, his age and activity levels. Read the labels carefully to make sure you know how to feed your Serbian Hound the best way.

Choose kibble that has a good selection of vitamins and minerals in it. Try and provide your pet with some home made food too and add it twice a week to the dry kibble to give him some variety and a tasty treat.

Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple foods – good for a dogs digestion. By also adding a bit of raw meat to his food you help him maintain a healthy coat and skin.

Fresh, cool water should always be available to him around the clock.

Exercise:

As a hunting breed, this dog has a lot of stamina and energy. He is going to require a good deal of exercise every day. Walks are always a good thing but he’ll want more energetic action – runs, ball games and some swimming.

Toys and equipment that can provide him with mental stimulation will be good for him too as he is a mentally sharp dog.

Every dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.