Istrian Coarse-haired Hound

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is the wire-coated hound of the Istrian peninsula, and the ancestor of several other Balkan and Austrian breeds.

History

It was developed in Istria by crossing the smooth Istrian hound with rough-coated French griffon stock, for work in the thorn and scrub of the karst where a smooth coat offered no protection. It stands behind the Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound among others, and remains almost entirely a Croatian and Slovenian hunting dog.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm and gentle at home, courageous in cover and thoroughly determined on a scent, with a good voice.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The harsh coat with its beard needs brushing; the drop ears want routine checking.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.