Bulgarian Scenthound

The Bulgarian Scenthound, called the Bulgarsko gonche in Bulgaria, is a native smooth-coated hunting hound used for tracking game by scent. It is usually described as a medium-sized black-and-tan dog with a rectangular body, long tail, hanging ears, and enough leg to cover rough Balkan terrain. Hunters value it for persistence, a clear voice on trail, and the ability to work hare, fox, and sometimes wild boar depending on line and local practice. Outside Bulgaria it remains uncommon and may be recognized mainly through national or specialist breed circles.

Care is shaped by the breed's working purpose. A Bulgarian Scenthound needs regular running, tracking, or hunting-style training, plus secure containment when scents are active. It can be warm at home, but a young hound left idle is likely to bark, dig, or follow its nose. The short coat is easy to brush, while ears, pads, and skin should be checked after days in cover. Preservation-minded breeders tend to emphasize field ability and stable temperament.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow