Serbian Tricolour Hound
SER-bee-an TRY-kul-er hound
Serbia· Serbia, Balkan region
The Serbian Tricolour Hound is a Balkan scenthound closely related to the Serbian Hound but distinguished by its black, tan and white coat.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Serbian Tricolour Hound
Alongside the plain reddish Balkan hound type, a distinctly tricoloured strain developed in the same hilly Serbian hunting country, valued for the same stamina and nose but distinguished visually, eventually leading to its recognition as a separate breed.
- Region
- Serbia, Balkan region
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm summers, cold winters, hilly terrain
- Original job
- Trailing hare and fox over Balkan hill terrain, distinguished from the plain-coloured Serbian Hound by tricolour markings
The long read
About the breed
Its working history mirrors that of its plain-coloured relative, developed by rural Serbian hunters for stamina-based trailing of hare and fox over rough hill terrain, with selection focused on working ability rather than appearance.
It is a steady, loyal companion with a strong hunting instinct, needing substantial daily exercise and secure containment given its determination to follow a scent trail.
The breed remains a working hunting dog concentrated in Serbia, recognised separately from the Serbian Hound since the late 20th century, with little presence beyond the Balkans.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Serbian Tricolour Hound greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Serbian Tricolour Hound is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Serbian Tricolour Hound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Balkan tricolour hound stock
A tricoloured hound type existed alongside the plainer reddish Balkan hounds in rural Serbia.
1961
Distinct recognition sought
Serbian cynologists began treating the tricolour type as distinct from the Balkan Hound.
1998
FCI recognition
The Serbian Tricolour Hound was formally recognised as a separate breed by the FCI.
2000s
Continued working use
The breed continues to be used for hare and fox hunting across rural Serbia.
2010s
Slow international awareness
Limited numbers began appearing in neighbouring countries through hunting circles.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slender but strong, deep chest, straight back.
- coat
- Short, dense and close-lying.
- ears
- Medium length, set moderately high, hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Dark brown, calm expression.
- head
- Moderately long, flat skull, slight stop.
- size
- Dogs 46-56cm, bitches 44-53cm
- colour
- Black, tan and white in a tricolour pattern.
- temperament
- Loyal, steady and determined, with strong stamina and hunting drive.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, tricoloured hound of sturdy, functional build, closely resembling the Serbian Hound aside from colour.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Serbian Tricolour Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Serbian Tricolour Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Serbian Tricolour Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Serbian Tricolour Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Serbian Tricolour Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Serbian Tricolour Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Serbian Tricolour Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Serbian Tricolour Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Serbian Tricolour Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Adjustable Harness (S/M/L)
Fully adjustable chest and girth straps — no fixed sizing.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Serbian Tricolour Hound video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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