The Posavatz Hound, which attributes its origin to the Eastern European country of Croatia, is more commonly known as the Posavac Hound. The dog breed was bred as a hunting dog of the scenthound family. The hound's name, translated to English, is “Scenthound from the Sava Valley.” The Posavatz Hound's place of origin has never been in doubt. In fact, its name suggests it comes from Posavina, an area of the Sava Valley south-east of Croatia’s capital and largest city (Zagreb). However, the dog breed’s ancestry is a lot less certain. Books and chapel frescos from the 15th to the 19th century hint at the breed's antiquity, and some experts suggest that they were sold as “boskini” in Croatia in the 1800s. The first concrete documentation on the Posavatz Hound was made as registrations in a stud book in 1929.
The Posavatz Hound is generally described as a short and robust dog. The coat—which is stiff, dense, and flat—is about 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) long. The hairs are longer on the back of the legs, lower part of the tail, and lower abdomen. Coat colors include red, fawn, and yellow, with white markings on the head, neck, abdomen, chest, tip of the tail, and lower legs. Height is about 17 to 23 inches (43 to 59 centimeters), and the weight range is 35 to 45 pounds (16 to 20 kilograms). Other notable characteristics include long head and muzzle, broad chest and back, and flat and thin ears.
Personality
Self-assured with a keen sense of smell, the Posavatz Hound is just as good for hunting small game as it is being a watchdog. Daily exercise or activities are necessary. As a very energetic dog, the Rosa would become high strung if it has little or nothing to do.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Posavski Gonic, Kras Posavac Basin Hound, Posavina Hound |
Posavatz Hound Build Information
The Posavatz Hound is generally described as a short and robust dog. The coat—which is stiff, dense, and flat—is about 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) long. The hairs are longer on the back of the legs, lower part of the tail, and lower abdomen. Coat colors include red, fawn, and yellow, with white markings on the head, neck, abdomen, chest, tip of the tail, and lower legs. Height is about 17 to 23 inches (43 to 59 centimeters), and the weight range is 35 to 45 pounds (16 to 20 kilograms). Other notable characteristics include long head and muzzle, broad chest and back, and flat and thin ears.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Self-assured with a keen sense of smell, the Posavatz Hound is just as good for hunting small game as it is being a watchdog. Daily exercise or activities are necessary. As a very energetic dog, the Rosa would become high strung if it has little or nothing to do.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
As an average shedder with a smooth coat, the Posavatz Hound is generally easy to groom. Basic grooming requires brushing regularly with a firm bristle brush, with a bath only necessary when the dog is clearly filthy. Owners can rub the dog's coat with a towel or chamois to give it a nice gleam. If the dog is out hunting, it should be dried thoroughly to prevent it from chilling. Owners should also check the feet after an exercise and examine the ears regularly.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Moderate maintenance |
Posavatz Hound Common Health Conditions
The Posavatz Hound is a fairly health breed, with no known abnormalities or common diseases.
Posavatz Hound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Other names for the Posavatz Hound include Posavski Gonic, Kras Posavac Basin Hound, and Posavina Hound. The Posavatz Hound has been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) since 1955. Although its accurate name is “Posavatz Hound,” the dog has been known as “Posavac Hound” since the late 1960s. The average life expectancy for the dog is 12 years.
| Training: | Hard |