The Istrian Short-haired Hound has a short, smooth, glossy, hard coat, primarily white with sparse patches of orange. The breed has a typical well-muscled hound body, with long legs and a long tail. The head is fairly broad and flat with short triangular drop ears that hang close to the head, a type typically called East European. The ideal height for an adultdog is 50 cm at the withers and weight is about 18 kg ; females are slightly smaller. The cry or baying while hunting is described as persistent and sharp.
History
No actual proof of great antiquity is known for today's breed, although much fanciful conjecture exists. The type is very old, and the modern breed resembles images seen in frescoes as early as 1497. Writers cited as having mentioned the type include Bishop of Đakovo Petar Bakić in 1719 and the veterinarian Franjo Bertić, also of Đakovo, in 1859. The old type is seen in the Posavaz Hound and the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound, as well. The smooth- and coarse-haired hounds were used for hunting in Istria while the Posavaz Hound is from the Sava Valley. The Istrian hounds are thought to be the oldest of the hound breeds in the Balkan region. A stud book was established in 1924 to document which hounds were considered of this breed. The FCI accepted the breed in 1949, but the first breed standard was not published until 1973 It is recognised in the scenthound group 6. It is also recognised in the scenthound group in North America by the United Kennel Club. It also is recognised under its original name, the standardEnglish translations, other translations or combinations of the translation and Croatian name by minor kennel clubs and other organisations. It also may be promoted as a rare breed for those seeking an unusual pet. The Istrian Short-haired Hound is still kept in its homeland and in nearby areas for hunting, not as a pet, and is especially valued for hunting fox and rabbit.
Health and temperament
No specific health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The ideal temperament according to the standard is docile and calm, and lively and enthusiastic when hunting.
