Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Posavac Hound is originated from Croatia. Estonian Hound may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Posavac Hound. Both Estonian Hound and Posavac Hound are of same weight. Both Estonian Hound and Posavac Hound has almost same life span. Both Estonian Hound and Posavac Hound has same litter size. Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance. But Posavac Hound requires Low Maintenance
In 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.
The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.
The Posavac Hound originates from Croatia and is believed to have descended from the Molossian.
The name Posavac Houndare or Posavac Hound was a name bandied about and the name was officially recognized in 1969 by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
The dog was categorized as a Scent hound. The breed is unrecognised by any of the UK or US Kennel Clubs.
The Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.
The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.
Although the Posavac Hound is a rare dog breed, people who have owned the dog say it should be far better known as it is a gem of a dog.
The Possie as he is fondly referred to as, is a solidly built dog resembling the Beagle. He stands at between 43 - 59 cm and weighs 16 - 20 kg.
He has long, floppy ears and a kind, gentle expression on his face. The coat is short and smooth, being slightly longer on the stomach and around the back of the legs. The coat color is a wheaten, cream shade. He has bright brown eyes and a long tail, often with a white tip.
The Posavac may look gentle, but in character he is happy and enthusiastic. He makes the most wonderfully faithful, loving dog. He likes to be busy too, game for all kinds of activities but he is intelligent as well. He responds well to training and socialization.
People who have owned this dog say he has a truly amazing temperament, being eager to please his human owner. You’ll find him getting along well with children and other pets in the home.
The Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.
He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.
He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.
He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.
People who have kept the Posavac as a pet say he has wonderful features which make him a sought after canine friend.
He has always been a working dog and he is confident and assured, independent, social and friendly. He makes a great friend of children and gets on well with other pets in the house.
He thrives on activities and doesn't want to be left to just lie around ignored. He becomes frustrated and destructive. It wont be the dogs fault but the owners. If you're looking for a lively, friendly, loving dog, you’ll find the Posavac a great addition to your home.
With such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.
It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:
Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.
You won’t find many health disorders linked to this lovely dog. He can reach 11 – 14 years of age fairly easily if well taken care of. Of course, his floppy ears pose a bit of a problem.
It is quite difficult to keep the inside of the ears dry and clean, and this means dirt, wax and moisture can cause bacteria and ear infections.
Because he is also a deep chested dog, he can be prone to bloat. Bloat is when gas collects in the stomach and it twists. You will notice your pet’s abdomen swollen and hard. He will require immediate veterinary attention.
Feed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.
Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.
Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.
As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.
Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.
Check their ears and clean them periodically.
The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.
Your Posavac Hound is going to need lots of exercise. He’s used to being a working dog and being kept busy. A good walk will delight him, but it won’t be enough. If you go cycling or riding on a horse, you can count him in to run alongside you. He will also plunge into the swimming pool with you.
While he can adapt to life in the city, he is essentially a country living dog, loving to get outside and be active.
Because of the short, smooth coat, and being an average shedder, the Posavac will only require a brush twice a week, so he is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming.
Check for signs of an ear infection – redness inside the ear and your pet scratching at his ear can be signs,
Trim his nails.
Check inside his mouth for teeth problems. Bad teeth can create a host of problems.
Provide your dog with an excellent diet. It needs to be nutritious food if you’re going with a commercially manufactured dog food. High quality dry kibble can be excellet for your pet, but break the monotony by mixing in some home made food occasionally. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, swee pototatoes, carrots and spinach, al chopped up and mixed in twice week with the drykibble can be awaited twice a week with yur pet. Raw meat added in sometimes can also contibute to your pets health. Feeding a dog doesnt have to be complicated. Dos thrive on consistency and simplicity and this diet will have him healthy ad hapy Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.