Old Croatian Sighthound
Also known as: Old Bosnian Sighthound
Originating from Bosnia–Herzegovina and Croatia, the Old Croatian Sighthound is a rare breed. The Old Croatian Sighthound comes from Bosnia–Herzegovina & Croatia, and has a short coat. Individual Old Croatian Sighthounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Bosnia–Herzegovina & Croatia
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Short
- Colour
- White with black, brown, red or yellow patches
- Other names
- Old Bosnian Sighthound
About the Old Croatian Sighthound
Originating from Bosnia–Herzegovina and Croatia, the Old Croatian Sighthound is a rare breed. It typically reaches a height of 25-30 inches in males.
Overview
The Old Croatian Sighthound ( Croatian : hrt , ''greyhound''), also known as the Old Bosnian Sighthound , is an extinct breed of sighthound from the countries of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina . It is claimed the Old Croatian Sighthound was descended from sighthounds kept by the Celts ; it closely resembled images of dogs on Celtic coins from the 5th century BC, as such it is believed to be closely related to the greyhound , which was introduced to Britain by the Celts. Descriptions of the breed in the region have been found in the writings of friars from the 13th and 14th centuries AD. The Old Croatian Sighthound was almost identical to the Greyhound although slightly smaller, with dogs standing between 60 and 70 centimetres (24 and 28 in) bitches being 5 to 10 centimetres (2.0 to 3.9 in) shorter. The breed had a short coat and was predominantly white with black, brown, red or yellow patches. Traditionally the breed was kept for coursing , predominantly hunting hare ; it would catch the game and return it to the hunter. The breed never received recognition by any kennel club and suffered greatly under the former Yugoslavia . The government of Yugoslavia banned coursing with sighthounds and further prohibited hunters from owning dogs without kennel club registration. In the early 1980s, some remaining specimens were found in Orašje and the surrounding villages; a pair were brought to the Zagreb School of Veterinary Medicine with the hope of starting a breeding program, but ultimately the program failed; it is believed the breed was extinct by 1995.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Old Croatian Sighthound?
The Old Croatian Sighthound is a large, athletic dog breed with a slender build, long legs, and a short, smooth coat. It is believed to have been a sight hound, bred for speed and agility. Its exact characteristics are unknown due to its extinction, but it is thought to have resembled the greyhound in appearance.
Is the Old Croatian Sighthound a good family dog?
Unfortunately, the Old Croatian Sighthound is an extinct breed, so it is not possible to determine its suitability as a family dog. However, sighthounds in general are often independent and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They may not be the best fit for families with very young children.
What health problems do Old Croatian Sighthounds have?
As the Old Croatian Sighthound is an extinct breed, there is limited information available on its health. However, sighthounds are generally prone to bloat, heart problems, and injuries due to their athletic build. Regular veterinary care and a balanced lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.
How much does a Old Croatian Sighthound puppy cost?
Since the Old Croatian Sighthound is an extinct breed, it is not possible to purchase a puppy. However, if you are interested in a similar breed, the cost of a greyhound puppy can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on factors such as bloodlines and breeder reputation.
Where do Old Croatian Sighthounds come from?
The Old Croatian Sighthound comes from Bosnia–Herzegovina & Croatia. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Old Croatian Sighthound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.