Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. Originating in the Istria region of Croatia, this dog has been bred for centuries to track and hunt small game.

One of the breed's most distinctive features is its thick, coarse coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The coat can be a variety of colors, including white, black, and tan.

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 55-70 pounds and standing between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

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The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound has a rich history that dates back to the region of Istria. They were as equally well suited to fox and hare hunting as their smooth coated cousins.

The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006, but their history in Croatia parallels that of the Smooth-Haired Hound. Unfortunately, pictorial representations and written descriptions of the Coarse-Haired breed are rare.

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In 1896 and 1905, B. Laska described the breed in detail, referring to them as "barbini" hard-eared hound dogs. They were put up for sale in the Pazin and Buzet area in Istria.

The breed was almost extinct during World War I, but they were registered in the Croatian Stallion Book from 1924.

The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound has a sturdy build with strong and robust bones. Its weight ranges from 16 to 24 kg (35.27 to 52.91 pounds) for both males and females.

Its fur is a distinctive feature, with a white base and orange spots on the body and often at the beginning of the tail. The ears are typically orange, adding to the breed's unique appearance.

The coat is straight, hard, and pointed, measuring between 5 and 10 cm long. The outer coat is harsh and fairly long, while the undercoat is short and thick, depending on climate and season.

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The body of the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is quite impressive. The body is approximately 10 percent longer than tall, which gives it a unique proportion.

The chest is broad and well let down, at least to the elbows, which is a characteristic feature of this breed. The forechest is rounded, with no prominence of the point of the sternum.

The ribs are well sprung, which means they are curved outward, providing a good lung capacity for this energetic breed. The withers are only slightly pronounced, and the topline slopes gently from the withers to the tail.

The back is level and broad, and the loin is short and arched, giving the dog a sturdy and athletic build. The croup is broad, rounded and slightly sloping, providing balance and stability.

The tail is an important physical characteristic that can reveal a lot about a breed's overall structure and balance. It should be set not too high on the body.

A strong root is essential for a well-balanced tail, providing stability and support. This is especially true for breeds that are meant to be active and agile.

In terms of shape, a tapering tail is ideal, gradually narrowing from the base to the tip. This shape helps to prevent the tail from getting in the way of the dog's movement.

The tail should reach to the hock or just below, providing a good length without being too long or too short. This helps to create a balanced and harmonious appearance.

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The Istrian Rough-coated Hound has several names in different languages.

In English, it's also known as the Istrian Wire-haired Hound.

The French call it the Chien courant d’Istrie à poil dur.

In German, it's referred to as the Rauhhaarige Istrische Bracke.

In Croatian, it's known as the istarski ostrodlaki gonic.

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The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a wonderful companion, known for being gentle and docile. It's very attached to its owner, which makes it a great family pet.

This breed is also a very enthusiastic hunter, which might be a surprise given its calm nature at home. Its immense diligence and persistence make it a valuable asset in the hunting field.

With its moderate to deep bark, the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a loud warning system, alerting you to any potential threats. Its calm and balanced nature makes it a joy to be around, even in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a gentle dog, obedient and calm at home. They are very attached to their owners and make great companions.

Their temperament is moderately lively, with a calm and balanced nature. They are resistant and persistent, capable of excellent performance in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Their bark is loud and moderate to deep, but they are not overly barky. They are alert and make great watchdogs, standing their ground when protecting their home or family members.

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This breed is extremely intelligent, capable of learning complex tasks required for hunting and trapping prey. They can also learn several tricks with ease.

Their strong desire to hunt makes them spend most of their time play hunting and preparing for the real thing. With the right owner, they are calm and well-mannered, rarely getting aggressive towards humans.

The breed in question has a clear classification within the FCI, which is a crucial aspect of understanding its characteristics. The breed is classified as 152.

Its classification places it within Group 6, which encompasses scent hounds and related breeds. This group is further divided into sections that highlight the breed's specific characteristics.

The breed falls under Section 1.2, which specifically recognizes scent hounds, trace dogs, and similar breeds that have demonstrated their ability to work.

Here's a breakdown of the breed's classification:

The Istrian Coarse-haired Hound is a robust and resistant dog that doesn't suffer from genetic diseases or breed-specific pathologies. This is great news for owners, as it means they can enjoy their pet's company without worrying about costly vet bills.

Regular brushing is a must to maintain the coat and ensure good health. This breed's rough coat requires some TLC, but it's worth it in the long run.

You'll need to brush your Istrian Coarse-haired Hound once or twice a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding season in the spring and fall. This will help keep fur off your furniture and prevent hairballs.

Cleaning the ears is also crucial, especially since this breed is prone to ear infections due to its floppy ears. Dirt and moisture can get trapped, so make sure to clean the ears frequently.

The nails might need clipping if you hear them clicking on the floor, but this shouldn't be a frequent occurrence since the breed is so active.