{"id":28155,"date":"2014-10-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-22T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=28155"},"modified":"2026-08-06T11:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T08:13:13","slug":"austrian-black-and-tan-hound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-austrian-black-and-tan-hound","title":{"rendered":"Austrian Black and Tan Hound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound<\/strong>, also known as the Brandlbracke<\/strong>, is an elegant, athletic, and exceptionally loyal hunting dog with a history stretching back centuries. This breed, a source of national pride in Austria, combines stamina, a keen sense of smell, and a balanced temperament. Originally bred to work in demanding alpine conditions, this hound makes an ideal companion for active individuals and, naturally, for hunters. While at home it transforms into a calm and affectionate family member, its hunting instincts always remain sharp. You can find out more about all aspects of this unique breed here on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a powerful instinct for pursuit, the Brandlbracke needs an owner who can provide ample physical and mental stimulation. Its obedience and intelligence make the training process relatively straightforward, yet its upbringing demands consistency and an understanding of its hunting nature. This dog is not suited for apartment living or for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Its natural habitat is wide open spaces, the woods, and the fields, where it can truly fulfil its potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Characteristics of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Austrian<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Breed Name<\/strong><\/td>Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke)<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Austria<\/td><\/tr>
Date of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Middle Ages, standard approved in 1884<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 6 (Scent Hounds and Related Breeds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized Hounds). Standard Number 63.<\/td><\/tr>
Height (at shoulder)<\/strong><\/td>Males: 50\u201356 cm; Females: 48\u201354 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>15\u201322 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td>12\u201314 years<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Intelligent, loyal, energetic, balanced, strong hunting instinct<\/td><\/tr>
Use<\/strong><\/td>Bloodhound, mountain work, companion dog<\/td><\/tr>
Care<\/strong><\/td>Minimal, requires regular physical exercise<\/td><\/tr>
Coat Colour<\/strong><\/td>Black with clearly defined fawn or reddish-brown markings<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History and Origin of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is deeply intertwined with hunting in Europe’s alpine regions. It is believed that its direct ancestors were the so-called “Celtic Hounds,” which were widespread in these territories as far back as the Roman Empire. These dogs were valued for their stamina, their ability to work in challenging mountainous terrain, and their excellent sense of smell. For centuries, they were bred purely for their working qualities, which allowed for the development of a stable dog type perfectly adapted to local conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first written mentions describing dogs very similar to modern Brandlbrackes date back to the Middle Ages. Notably, Emperor Maximilian I (1450-1519) of the Holy Roman Empire, a great hunting enthusiast, referred in his records to “black hounds with tan markings” that he used for hunting hares and foxes in the alpine forests. These dogs were already renowned for their ability to relentlessly pursue game trails for extended periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Targeted breeding efforts and the official recognition of the breed came much later. In 1884, the first official standard of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound was approved<\/strong>, solidifying its unique characteristics and distinguishing it from other European hounds. Since then, the breed has been selectively bred “in purity,” without the introduction of blood from other dogs. Despite its long history and excellent working qualities, the Brandlbracke has never gained widespread popularity outside its homeland. In Austria, however, it remains one of the most beloved hunting dog breeds and is considered a national treasure. Another robust and hardworking Austrian breed, bred for similar alpine hunting, is the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breed Standard and Appearance of the Brandlbracke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized dog with a robust yet elegant build. Its appearance clearly marks it as a classic European hound, designed for speed and endurance. Every element of its body is functional and geared towards effective work in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head, Eyes, and Ears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Brandlbracke’s head features a clearly defined, elongated skull with a slightly marked stop. The muzzle is strong, with a straight nasal bridge. Lips are dry and tight-fitting. The eyes are dark brown, with a clear, intelligent, and confident gaze. The ears are medium-long (reaching the tip of the nose), set high, with rounded tips. They hang smoothly along the cheeks, a typical characteristic of hounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body and Limbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The dog’s body is athletic, with well-developed musculature. The neck is medium-long, muscular, without loose skin. The back is straight and long. The chest is deep and broad, providing ample space for the lungs and heart, which is crucial for an enduring hound. The limbs are lean, bony, with strong muscles. The paws are compact, with sturdy pads, allowing the dog to move confidently over any terrain. The tail is long, set high, and tapers towards the end. When moving, the dog carries it slightly curved upwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat and Colour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The coat is one of the breed’s key features. It is short (around 2 cm), smooth, lying close to the body, with a dense undercoat. This structure reliably protects the dog from inclement weather. The classic colour is black with small, clearly defined light or dark reddish-brown markings<\/strong>. These markings are located on the muzzle (“Vier\u00e4ugl” \u2013 two spots above the eyes), chest, limbs, and on the underside of the tail. Small white patches on the chest are permissible according to the standard but are not desirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parameter<\/th>Description according to FCI Standard No. 63<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
General Appearance<\/strong><\/td>Medium-sized, strong hound, elegant, with a lean build.<\/td><\/tr>
Proportions<\/strong><\/td>Body length slightly exceeds height at the shoulder.<\/td><\/tr>
Skull<\/strong><\/td>Broad, occipital protuberance barely visible.<\/td><\/tr>
Muzzle<\/strong><\/td>Strong, straight. Lips dry, pigmented.<\/td><\/tr>
Bite<\/strong><\/td>Scissor bite, complete set of 42 teeth.<\/td><\/tr>
Eyes<\/strong><\/td>Clear, dark brown, without visible third eyelid.<\/td><\/tr>
Ears<\/strong><\/td>Medium length, set slightly above eye level, hanging smoothly, tips rounded.<\/td><\/tr>
Back<\/strong><\/td>Long, straight, strong.<\/td><\/tr>
Chest<\/strong><\/td>Deep and broad, but not barrel-shaped.<\/td><\/tr>
Tail<\/strong><\/td>Long, gradually tapering, slightly curved, densely feathered.<\/td><\/tr>
Movement<\/strong><\/td>Free, ground-covering, far-reaching.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Character and Temperament of the Austrian Hound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The character of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a harmonious blend of hunting passion and domestic tranquillity. This is a dog with a dual nature<\/strong>: when hunting, it is tireless, persistent, and even tenacious towards its quarry, but at home, it is an affectionate, calm, and devoted companion. The Brandlbracke is very much focused on its owner and eager to please. It is intelligent, learns quickly, and readily understands what is expected of it. This trait makes it more obedient compared to many other hound breeds, which tend to be more independent. For instance, the German Hound<\/a>, similar in purpose, might display more stubbornness during training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is friendly towards people, including strangers, so it does not make a good guard dog. With children, it is generally patient, but due to its strong hunting instincts, it is not recommended to leave it unsupervised with very young children. Any small household pets (cats, rodents, rabbits) will be perceived as potential prey. Early and correct socialisation can somewhat mitigate this instinct, but eliminating it entirely is impossible. It usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, but can show dominance towards same-sex representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n