Live Life Team
This is a rare breed of scenthound and is native to Yuogoslavia although it was once common across the entire Baltic region.
The dog, as with most Balkan breeds, is of ancient origin. The breed’s earliest origins are with dogs brought to Yugoslavian ports by Phoenician traders who had strong trading links with the Baltic. These early Slavic hounds later bred with various European hounds, introduced to Yugoslavia by travellers, to produce a variety of closely related breeds.
The Montenegrin was originally called the Yugoslavian Mountain Hound. It was once called the Black Hound, owing to its black-and-tan coat. It evolved in the Montenegro mountain district of Yugoslavia and was bred to hunt the prolific game that lived there. This included hare, fox, deer and wild boar. The dog was bred to hunt a variety of game in all terrains and in all weathers. This led to a muscular, hardy, and intelligent breed of scenthound.
The dog is medium-size and compact, standing 46-56cm (18-22 inches) at the withers and weighing 20-25kg (44 to 55 pounds). It is slightly longer than it is tall with powerful quarters, well-muscled and sturdy legs, and tucked up loins. It has a smooth, dense double coat, which is generally black-and-tan in colour. The tail is well covered in hair and carried sabre fashion. The dog has a loud, incessant bark and a lengthy, easy stride. It hunts well over all terrain.
The breed was renamed following the Balkan War.
