Serbian Hound vs Goldador - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Introduced as a designer dog, the Goldador is beautiful – a mix between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, two of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

The dog was specifically bred to be an excellent working dog, and in fact today he makes the most wonderful guide-, rescue- and therapy dog.

Known also as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a dog that has many capabilities, one of which is to make a wonderful family pet. As a designer breed, the dog isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

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 Goldador is a large muscular dog standing at between 56 – 61cm in height at the withers and weighing between 27 – 36kg in weight.

His double coat is short and smooth but in can also be longer. It comes in shades of gold or yellow with hints of red, but it can be liver or black too. Goldadors are well-balanced dogs, and just the look in their kind brown eyes makes you realize that this beautiful dog can make a wonderful pet.

He has a well proportioned head with medium length floppy ears, a black nose and a long tail.

Temperament:

Loving, intelligent, loyal and playful, the Goldador is the kind of dog that gets on well with everyone. It’s why he isn’t a particularly good watchdog as he is just too friendly with strangers. You have to be careful though – his rambunctious nature, his energy and playfulness can see him being a bit rough around small children or the elderly. It is why socialization and training are so important for him as then he becomes obedient and more relaxed around everyone.

He loves his human family and never wants to be left on his own for too long. Intelligent and alert, he is an easy dog to train as he makes it easier by being a dog that wants to please.

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.

Goldadors are intelligent dogs and they’ve been used extensively for guide- and therapy dogs, loving to be useful and busy. Its the kind of dog that thrives in a loving, active family – one that counts him in as a family member.

He makes an exceptional family pet and companion and you can rely on him to be a loyal, loving pet.It’s why the Goldador is becoming such a sought after pet – he simply ticks all the right boxes.

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.

Goldadors luckily don’t have many health issues, and as a hybrid, he has fewer health issues than pure breds.

You can say with confidence that a nutritious diet, regular exercise, good grooming, lots of love and attention and visits to the vet if your pet is ill are key aspects for maintaining good health.

There are always going to be some common health problems that your Goldie could get -

Ear Infections:

You’ll need to be checking your Labrador Retriever's floppy ears. They don’t get as much air in them as a dog with erect ears. A dog like the Goldador with floppy ears will need to have his ears cleaned for bacteria. Be very careful how you clean your pet’s ears as you can damage them if you probe too deeply.

Spaying and neutering:

Did you know that by spaying or neutering your Goldador can save them from getting some serious illnesses later on? Speak to your vet about it when your pet reaches 9 months to a year of age.

Obesity:

Goldadors can easily put on weight if they aren’t given enough daily exercise to burn off the calories. Some put on weight after being spayed or neutered and it's important to watch their weight after these procedures. Being overweight puts a lot of extra strain on a dog’s internal organs.

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.

Grooming:

Goom your Goldador regularly. He can either have short- or long hair, but he is a fairly low maintenance dog so a good brush twice a week to remove loose hairs will be good for him.

Diet:

Diet is everything, and by giving your Goldador nutritional food, you can actually lengthen his life. If you’re going to be giving him commercially manufactured food, follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Remember there are foods that cater specifically for a dogs age and his energy levels.

Try and give him some home-made food from time to time such as cooked rice, vegetables and chicken as well as some raw meat occasionally as this can ensure his skin and coat remain healthy.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water, especially seeing that he will be thirsty after a long walk or other exercise. Dehydration in a dog can be fatal.

Shelter:

Provide your Goldador with a warm, dry place to sleep. Make sure that it offers shelter from the sun and rain and also provides shade.

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.