Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Considered one of the oldest hound breeds from the Balkan Region, the Istrian Shorthaired Hound is a medium-sized scent hound that originated in Croatia sometime during the 1300s, if not earlier. An exceptional hunter with a gentle disposition towards its people, the Istrian Shorthaired Hound was primarily employed to hunt game such as foxes and hares. In fact, these brave, agile dogs were the hunting companion of choice to be used in the treacherous mountain terrain of their homeland. Their short, well-muscled bodies and stocky frame allowed them to navigate rocky slopes and low, dense brush to access burrows and chase down small prey. Depictions of dogs highly resembling these ancient and noble hounds can be seen in paintings in churches, chapels, and capitol buildings that date back to the early 15th Century.