Pet Wiki

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Also called Istrian Short-haired Hound, Istarski kratkodlaki gonič

Easy-going, gentle and willing at home, neither nervous nor sharp, but switches to keen, energetic mode when hunting.

SizeMedium
Height47 to 53 cm (19 to 21 in)males 49 to 53 cm, females 47 to 51 cm12
CoatShort, hard, dense coat
OriginCroatia (Istria, with the Croatian Littoral and Dalmatia)12
GroupFCI group 6
Recognised breedShort profile
lively yet gentle and obedient
great hunting stamina
strong, melodious voice on the trail
1

Personality what they are like

Easy-going, gentle and willing at home, neither nervous nor sharp, but switches to keen, energetic mode when hunting.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, hard, dense coat

A tight, glossy coat only 1-2 cm long covers a slim, elegant, slightly rectangular body with no heaviness. It moves in a smooth, balanced way.12

Colourswhite with orange markings12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Istrian Shorthaired Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active hunting hound bred to work hare, fox and boar over long distances; it needs generous daily exercise and outlets for its nose.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, hard coat is very easy care; an occasional brush and wipe-down keeps it neat.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits a rural or active home with room to move and secure fencing, as scent can lead it astray.1

Company who they like around

Gentle and obedient with its people; as a traditional pack hound it generally gets on with other dogs.1

The story where it all began

One of the oldest Balkan hound types, it descends from the ancient East Adriatic white hound with markings. A 14th-century carved column in a Dubrovnik monastery and 15th-century paintings show its forerunners, and a bishop described the type in 1719. A stud book followed in 1924 and FCI recognition in 1949.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Hounds of this type appear on a capital column carved around 1327-1348 in a Dubrovnik monastery.1

  2. 2

    It is often called the oldest hound breed of the Balkans.2

  3. 3

    Its coat is only about 1-2 cm long.1

  4. 4

    It is still used in its homeland for hunting fox and hare.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Istria region in Croatia, and 'gonič' means 'hound' in Croatian, referring to its role as a scenthound.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ZoraMarinBakRonaViktorLavSovaKikiOštarNeraDujeMaki

A day in the life told by an Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Morning starts with a good stretch and a yawn. I follow my human to the kitchen, then out the door. The grass is wet, and the world is full of smells. I sniff every bush and stone, my tail a happy flag. We walk through the woods, and I find a fox trail, my nose works hard, my legs carry me fast. Later, I rest under the table, watching crumbs fall. Evening brings a snuggle on the couch. Life is simple and good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 151, Group 6 (Scenthounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized scenthounds), with working trial; FCI recognised 1949, first standard 2 Apr 1955, current standard published 3 Nov 20141
UKC
Recognised by the United Kennel Club2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Istrian Shorthaired Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Istrian Shorthaired Hound at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help digestion. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.3

What should an Istrian Shorthaired Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Your vet can help you choose the best diet.4

How often should I bathe an Istrian Shorthaired Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound need brushing?

The short, hard coat needs only weekly brushing to stay neat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and an occasional wipe-down keeps it looking great.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Istrian Shorthaired Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim your hound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting guide. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound need?

This active hunting hound needs generous daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to use its nose. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily walks and play. A secure, rural home is ideal.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Istrian Shorthaired Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your hound's teeth at least two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, especially since they are floppy, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Istrian Shorthaired Hound live?

Lifespan varies depending on individual health and care. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.

Is an Istrian Shorthaired Hound good with children and other pets?

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is gentle and easy-going at home, making it good with children when properly socialized. It generally gets along with other dogs due to its pack hound heritage. Always supervise interactions with young children.12

Can an Istrian Shorthaired Hound be left alone?

This breed can be left alone for reasonable periods if given enough exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, but it thrives with company. Secure fencing is essential as its nose can lead it astray.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 151 Istrian Short-haired Hound fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Istrian Shorthaired Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, UKC recognition, history dates, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.