Toy Fox Terrier vs Serbian Hound - Breed Comparison

Once known as the Balkan Hound, the Serbian Hound is a scenthound, an ancient dog breed that dates back to the 11th century. He has always been a hunting dog, hunting in packs, but today he is essentially a pet and a companion.

Although the breed is very popular in Serbia, they have not spread much outside of the Balkan region. The first description of the Serbian Hound dates from 1905. The first standard for the dog was published in 1924.

This dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but he has been recognized by the FCI in 1940 and in 2006 by the United Kennel Club.

The small Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States of America and is a smaller look-alike of the larger Smooth Fox Terrier.

Several toy breeds as well as the Smooth Fox Terrier were used to bring about the small Terrier dog.

Small though they are, they have had a role to play, particularly on farms where they've been used as ratters. They’ve also been used in circuses to perform tricks. These days they excel as being devoted companions of their human masters. These dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).

The Serbian Hound isn’t a particularly large dog. He is medium sized, standing at between 44 to 56cm in height and weighing in the region of 11 to 23kg. The coat of the dog is a red or tan color with a black saddle.

The hair is short, thick and shiny with the hair being slightly longer over the thigh area. The ears are high set, are of medium length and are floppy. The average litter size for these dogs is 3 to 6 puppies.

Temperament:

The good-natured Serbian Hound makes a loving and devoted pet. He’ll get on well with children too. They’re friendly dogs with a relaxed disposition, but to maintain that easy going characteristic, they will need to be well exercised.

They’re intelligent dogs with an independent side to them, and some training and socialization will be recommended.

The Toy Fox Terrier stands at between 22 – 29cm in height and weighs between 1.5 and 4kg. He is squarely built, with alert, dark eyes, and large, erect ears.

The high set tail is nearly always docked. The coat of this dog is short and smooth and it sheds moderately. Color is mostly white with tan or black markings. The face is nearly always black and tan.

His body is lean, lithe and muscular and gives the impression of being well-groomed. The females give birth to between 2 and 6 puppies with the gestation period being 60-64 days. Have your dog spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.

Temperament:

Toy Fox Terriers are loyal, protective dogs and they make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking a lot when needed.

He is such a sport and wants to be part of all the activities that his human family are busy with. They make great playmates for older children, but care should be taken with toy breeds and small, undisciplined children who could hurt them.

These dogs also get on well with other pets in the home and they can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside. He isn’t the brightest dog, but intelligent enough to learn some basic commands.

His deep loyalty to his human family makes him a little bit aloof with strangers. While he is eager to please, he also has a mind of his own and this is when training and socialization turn him into an obedient little dog.

He has loads of energy too and will rely on his human owners to take him on walks and play ball games with him.

The Serbian Hound is a working dog that just loves being busy, and he can keep busy for a long time as he has plenty of stamina.

He is an easy going dog, laid back, social and lively as well as being loving and loyal. They’re independent and strong-willed as well as being intelligent. You shouldn't have any difficulty training and socializing him, and it will round your pet off nicely, making him an even better companion and pets.

Small and spunky, the Toy Fox Terrier is such an entertaining little pet, full of beans and curiosity.

He has sharp eyes and his hearing is good and this makes him a good watchdog. He is independent and intelligent, playful and jaunty.

When you allow one of these little dogs into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one, as he promises to be loving and loyal throughout your friendship with him.

Your Serbia Hound can live to be 12 to 15 years of age, but just like with other dogs, he will need to be watched for some of the common dog diseases there are. Cancer, bloat, skin infections and kennel cough are all diseases to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common in dogs with floppy ears. You need to check inside your dog’s ears as an ear infection can be a painful condition. You’ll see your dog scratching at his ears and shaking his head.

Most ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast or even ear mites. You can’t play around with an ear infection and the veterinarian will take a sample from the affected ear. Most people don’t like to fiddle around with the inner ear and prefer to leave this grooming part to the vet or a professional groomer.

Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

It is highly unlikely he’ll get any of the common dog illnesses there are if he is looked after well, but he could.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: 

This is a common dog disease of small breeds, and it is very similar to hip dysplasia. Problems with the femur causes wear and tear with arthritis coming about as well.

Grooming:

Serbian Hounds with their short coats are low maintenance. Yes, they do shed throughout the year, and have some seasonal shedding. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this dog.

Check your Serbian Hound’s ears and eyes for infection. Also, as you brush him, take note of any new or unusual lumps you come across.

As a medium-sized dog, if you choose to feed your dog kibble, it will need to be according to size, his age and activity levels. Read the labels carefully to make sure you know how to feed your Serbian Hound the best way.

Choose kibble that has a good selection of vitamins and minerals in it. Try and provide your pet with some home made food too and add it twice a week to the dry kibble to give him some variety and a tasty treat.

Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple foods – good for a dogs digestion. By also adding a bit of raw meat to his food you help him maintain a healthy coat and skin.

Fresh, cool water should always be available to him around the clock.

Exercise:

As a hunting breed, this dog has a lot of stamina and energy. He is going to require a good deal of exercise every day. Walks are always a good thing but he’ll want more energetic action – runs, ball games and some swimming.

Toys and equipment that can provide him with mental stimulation will be good for him too as he is a mentally sharp dog.

This little dog is essentially a companion. Just like people get these little dogs to be a companion, the dog also needs to receive proper care too.

Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food and also the right type of food. He’ll need food rich in vitamins and minerals. He’ll also benefit from wholesome home-made food – boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, spinach and carrots – simple, harmless foods like that.

Don’t be tempted to pop peanuts, chocolates, grapes, onions and other human foods into his mouth as it can give your pet a stomach ache and diarrhea.

Get your pet to the vet if he’s sick. He’ll need vaccines too to prevent some of the deadly canine diseases there are.

Provide your pet with adequate games and other forms of exercise. Exercise is essential for good health.

Spay or neuter your dog to avoid an unwanted litter of puppies. There are health benefits to having this done too.

Groom your small dog regularly and get rid of those loose hairs. With his short hair, the Toy Fox Terrier is considered to be a low maintenance dog.