Istrian hound was for the first time mentioned in year 1894 in a book by H. V. Bylandt. Two years later, the Istrian hounds were described by F. B. Laska, who said that breed is known for its immense perseverance and great passion for hunting. But nevertheless, they are very obedient and devoted.

In his work “Lexikon der Hundefreunde” (En: Lexikon of dog friends) from year 1933, H. Zimmermann names Istrian hound with the name Krainer Bracke (Eng: Kranj hound). But in Slovenia still continues to be Istrian. Standards of this breed were set in year 1939, but excepted only in 1948 at FCI meeting in Bled, due to the war prior that.  Today’s valid standards for this breed FCI adopted in year 1973. Under the number FCI-151B is listed Short-haired Istrian hound and under the number FCI-152B Sharply-haired Istrian hound, also named fringed. Both are snow-white colored, with few orange-yellow patches.

Istrians were ror the first time presented to European public at exhibition, which was organized in year 1866 in Vienna. They were presented by Karl Galle, lord of the castle in Bistra, at that time distinguished Slovenian dog-breeder and hunter. Later, they were exhibited on several occasions, and also got many awards.

We can see from Yugoslavian pedigree book, dated in 1938, that 118 Istirans were enrolled, and only five from outside of Slovenia. But in years after world war, their number started to decline. In year 1955, at international exhibition in Ljubljana, they presented 59 short-haired and 23 sharply-haired Istrians. In year 1959 there were only 15 short-haired and 3 sharply-haired, in year 1993 9 short-haired and only 2 sharply-haried. But the number of last litters shows that the breed is finally stabilizing.

A particular concern comes with the fact, that there are also other specimens, which have patches in chocolate color instead of orange, by which this breed is characterized.