Istrian Short Haired Hound

The Istrian Short Haired Hound is probably one of the least well known dogs, but also one of the best suited for hunting. Known for its innate abilities of hunting foxes and hares, this dog has a dignified appearance, and is very enthusiastic by nature. Lineage-wise, the Istrian Short Haired Hound is a descendant of the scent hound family. Interestingly, unlike other dogs that use their eyes to hunt prey, this dog uses its nose and strong sense of smell. It is not a very agile dog, but this is compensated by its heightened sense of smell through which it finds out prey. It can follow a smell even through thick forestry or undergrowth.

The Istrian Short Haired Hound has a bright white coat of fur which is marked with lemon-like and orange colored spots. When found on the ears, these marks usually then extend up to the ears as well. This gives the dog an appearance of having worn a mask. Such dogs are almost always pure breeds. These markings can also be present all over the body and at the tip of the tail. But there might also be exceptions in the form of fully white dogs. A medium sized Hound looks remotely like a long legged slim foxhound, and has a strong back. Its tail is strong at the top and sloping towards the bottom.

By nature, an Istrian Short Haired Hound is a hunting dog, and a keen and brisk one at that. But it also adapts well to family life. With a family, it is gentle, loving, and caring. It also makes for a great kids’ playmate, as it adjusts well to their vivaciousness and energy. But one must keep in mind that by ‘family dog’, it is meant that the dog can live well with a family in the country side. City life is not suited for it, as it needs open spaces to run about and flex its lithe body. Being denied of that in an apartment in a city, it will be prone to turning to destructive activities to release its energy. The Istrian Short Haired Hound is an all round dog, well suited for hunting and to be around kids; therefore it can sniff out injured prey, and also frolic with little children, who have been known to find the dog quite adorable. It does bark quite a lot, but calms down when showed a little affection by a family member.

One of the best advantages of having an Istrian Short Haired Hound is its short hair. Short hair does not shed as much as long hair, and this dog is therefore relatively easier to maintain. Brushing the coat once will take of it for the next few days. It is advised that the coat be combed with a comb that has a rubber base, so as to enhance blood circulation, and remove dead hair. This activity will also keep parasite influx in control. One should also keep checking its paws, ears and eyes frequently for any signs of pain or discomfort.