Facts & Origin
Origin and history of the Short-haired Istrian Hound
The Short-haired Istrian Hound is a traditional hunting dog breed from Croatia, originating in the eastern Adriatic region. It was recorded in historical accounts as early as the 14th century, indicating a long and proven hunting tradition. Its first official breed standard was recognized by the FCI in 1955.
Cultural significance
Over the centuries, the Istrian Hound has been valued not only as a working dog, but also as a part of Croatian cultural heritage. In the hunting community, it has made a name for itself as a reliable and persistent hunting companion.
Suitability
Today, the short-haired Istrian Bracke is favored for its distinctive nose work and vocalization during the hunt. This medium-sized Bracke is mainly used for hunting hares, foxes and wild boar, but can also be used as a sighthound for tracking down injured game. Their friendly nature also makes them a lovable family member.
| Alternate Name | Istarski kratkodlaki gonič |
| Origin | Croatia |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 13 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average to high |
| FCI group | Scent hounds |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character and behavior
The Short-haired Istrian Bracke is a hunting dog that is eager to work and willing to learn and is prized for its excellent nose and clear, melodious voice. It is lively, good-natured and obedient, but shows a certain reserve towards strangers. It is very loyal to its owner and develops a close bond. Despite its gentle and friendly nature, it remains first and foremost an enduring hunting dog that needs plenty of exercise and a meaningful task.
Hunting instinct and intelligence
The hunting instinct is very pronounced in this breed, which makes it an excellent scent hound. Their intelligence and stamina make training a pleasure, however due to their hunting instinct, training should be started early to ensure they remain well controllable.
- Training required: Early and consistent
- Ideal for: Active families, hunters
Social behavior and family life
A friendly and social dog, the short-haired Istrian Bracke bonds closely with its family. It usually gets along well with children, but its interaction with small children should always be supervised, as with all dogs.
Character
Health and breeding information
Care of the Short-haired Istrian Hound
The short-haired Istrian Bracke, known for its shiny, white coat with orange or lemon-yellow markings, is easy to care for. Their short hair only requires a weekly brushing to remove dead hair and maintain their natural shine. As they are a working breed, their ears should be checked and cleaned for dirt and parasites, especially after outdoor activities, to prevent infection.
Health and well-being
The Istrian Bracke is considered a robust breed that is not prone to many genetic health problems. However, some specimens can be prone to typical canine diseases such as hip dysplasia. A balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups will help to keep your dog healthy. Sufficient exercise is essential to prevent obesity and satisfy the instinctive hunting instinct.
Breeding and responsibility
When breeding, particular emphasis should be placed on healthy breeding lines and the welfare of the animals. Potential breeders should carry out health tests to ensure that no hereditary diseases are passed on. It is also important to socialize puppies early and provide them with a positive learning experience.
Conclusion
Caring for the short-haired Istrian Bracke is straightforward, but their need for exercise and mental stimulation should not be underestimated. Responsible breeding and conscious health management are key aspects to ensure the well-being of this lively and loyal breed.
Appearance and conformation
The build of this breed is elegant, slender and yet strong, giving it a harmonious combination of agility and endurance. The body length exceeds the height at the withers, creating a rectangular silhouette. Its snow-white coat color with orange markings gives it a noble appearance. The difference between males and females is easily recognizable, indicating a pronounced sexual dimorphism.
Their head is elongated and harmoniously shaped, with a slightly arched forehead and a gentle stop. The dark brown, oval eyes give it an intelligent and friendly expression. The drooping ears are of medium length, thin and set at the level of the skull.
Movement and limbs
This Bracke has a powerful yet supple gait, which enables it to move efficiently in the field. The forequarters are strong and well proportioned, with muscular shoulders and straight, stable forelegs. The hindquarters are well angulated, with strong thighs and a stable hock that provides a powerful drive. The paws are oval, with firm pads and strong, dark nails that provide grip on uneven ground.
Coat and coloring
The short, dense coat lies close to the body and is hard in texture, giving the Bracke some protection from harsh weather conditions. The base color is snow white, with sharply defined orange markings that can appear in various shades. Markings on the ears, head, chest and base of the tail are particularly common. The head may not be completely orange and a symmetrical distribution of markings is preferred.
Size and posture
With a height at the withers of 49 to 53 cm in males and 47 to 51 cm in females, this breed belongs to the medium-sized running dogs. Deviations of up to 3 cm are tolerated in particularly well-built specimens.
This Bracke is primarily suitable for hunters and active dog owners who can provide it with sufficient exercise. However, its friendly and even-tempered nature also makes it suitable for families as long as it is kept sufficiently occupied. It needs regular long walks, tracking work or hunting training to keep it physically and mentally busy.
The Shorthaired Istrian Bracke is an efficient, obedient and versatile hunting dog breed that is valued for both its hunting qualities and its social nature.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | rugged |
| Size ♀ | 46 - 52 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 18 - 20 kg |
| Size ♂ | 47 - 54 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 18 - 20 kg |
| Suitable For | Children |
FAQ
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The Istrian Shorthaired Hound originates from Croatia, more precisely from the Istria region. It is one of the oldest running dogs in the Balkans and was depicted in historical paintings as early as the 14th century.
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This Bracke is an enduring hunting dog that is mainly used to hunt hares, foxes and wild boar. Thanks to its fine nose, it can also be used as a sniffer dog to track down injured game.
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In an active family that offers her sufficient exercise and activity, she can be a balanced companion.
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As a classic running dog, it is generally compatible with other dogs, especially if it has been socialized at an early age. However, it can show a strong hunting instinct towards smaller animals.
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She is intelligent and capable of learning, but also independent, as she was bred for independent hunting. Consistent upbringing and regular training are necessary in order to lead them reliably.
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Due to her strong hunting instinct, free running is not always recommended. She can be trained in securely fenced areas or with a tow lead, but she can be difficult to retrieve if she sees game.
