Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The history of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is deeply intertwined with the history of hunting in Europe’s alpine regions. It’s believed that its direct ancestors were the so-called “Celtic Hounds,” which were common in these territories as far back as the Roman Empire. These dogs were prized for their endurance, ability to work in challenging mountain terrain, and superb sense of smell. For centuries, they were bred exclusively for their working qualities, which helped establish a stable dog type perfectly adapted to local conditions.

The first written records describing dogs very similar to modern Brandlbrackes date back to the Middle Ages. Notably, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519), a passionate hunter, mentioned in his writings “black hounds with tan markings” that he used for hunting hares and foxes in the alpine forests. Even then, these dogs were renowned for their ability to relentlessly pursue game trails for extended periods.

Purposeful selective breeding and official recognition of the breed came much later. In 1884, the first official standard for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound was approved, solidifying its unique traits and distinguishing it from other European hounds. Since then, the breed has been bred “in purity,” without crossbreeding. Despite its ancient history and excellent working abilities, the Brandlbracke never gained widespread popularity beyond its homeland. In Austria, however, it remains one of the most beloved hunting dog breeds and is considered a national treasure. Another notable hound breed known for its hunting prowess is the Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound, which shares some historical context in alpine hunting.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy yet elegant build. Its appearance clearly marks it as a classic European hound, designed for speed and endurance. Every aspect of its physique is functional and geared toward effective fieldwork.

Head, Eyes, and Ears

The Brandlbracke’s head has a clearly defined, elongated skull with a barely noticeable 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 in length (reaching the tip of the nose), set high, with rounded tips. They hang smoothly along the cheeks, which is a typical characteristic of hounds.

Body and Limbs

The dog’s body is athletic, with well-developed musculature. The neck is medium in length, muscular, without excess skin. The back is straight and long. The chest is deep and broad, providing ample space for the lungs and heart, which is critically important for an enduring hound. The limbs are lean, well-boned, 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 upward.

Coat and Coloration

The coat is one of the breed’s key features. It’s short (about 0.8 inches), smooth, lying close to the body, and has a dense undercoat. This structure reliably protects the dog from harsh weather. The classic coloration is black with small, clearly defined light or dark reddish-brown markings. These markings are located on the muzzle (“Vieräugl” – two spots above the eyes), chest, limbs, and on the inner side of the tail. Small white patches on the chest are permissible by the standard but are not preferred.

The character of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a harmonious blend of hunting drive and domestic calm. This is a dog with a dual nature: in the field, it’s relentless, persistent, and even tough on game, while at home, it’s a gentle, calm, and devoted companion. The Brandlbracke is very much focused on its owner and eager to please. It’s intelligent, learns quickly, and readily understands what’s expected of it. This trait makes it more obedient compared to many other hound breeds that tend to be more independent. For example, the German Hound, similar in purpose, might exhibit more stubbornness during training.

It’s friendly towards people, including strangers, so it doesn’t make a good guard dog. With children, it generally behaves patiently, but due to its strong hunting instincts, it’s not recommended to leave it unsupervised with very young children. Any small household pets (cats, rodents, rabbits) will be seen as potential prey. Early and proper socialization can somewhat temper this instinct, but eliminating it completely isn’t possible. It usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, though it may show dominance towards same-sex dogs.

✅ Pros

• Excellent Working Qualities: One of the best hounds for blood tracking, especially in mountainous regions.
• High Intelligence and Trainability: Easily trained, eager to please its owner.
• Robust Health: The breed isn’t prone to many genetic diseases and has a strong immune system.
• Dual Nature: An energetic hunter outdoors and a calm companion indoors.
• Minimal Coat Care: Short coat requires no complex grooming.
• Family Devotion: Forms a very strong bond with its owner and family members.

❌ Cons

• Very Strong Hunting Instinct: Not suitable for living with small animals. Prone to escaping if it catches an interesting scent.
• Requires High Physical Activity: Not suitable for apartment living or for inactive people.
• Needs Space: Requires a large, securely fenced yard.
• Not a Guard Dog: Too friendly towards strangers.
• Rarity: Difficult to find a puppy outside Austria and neighboring countries.
• Sensitivity: Reacts poorly to shouting and harsh training methods.

Caring for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is straightforward but requires adherence to several important rules related to its origin and purpose.

Living Conditions and Physical Activity

The primary requirement is space and activity. This dog is absolutely not suitable for city apartment living. The ideal environment for it would be a private home with a large, securely fenced yard. The fence must be high and sturdy, as a Brandlbracke, if captivated by a scent, can easily jump over or dig under it.

The Brandlbracke needs daily, long, and intense physical exercise. A simple leash walk isn’t enough for it. It requires the opportunity to run freely, explore territory, and utilize its keen sense of smell. Ideal activities include:

• Long walks (1.5-2 hours per day) in the woods or fields.
• Runs alongside a bicycle.
• Participation in hunting or canine sports (e.g., coursing, tracking).
• Scent work games that stimulate its mental activity.

Grooming and Hygiene

Caring for the Brandlbracke’s short and smooth coat is minimal. It’s sufficient to brush it once a week with a rubber brush or grooming mitt to remove dead hairs. Shedding is seasonal and not overly intense. The dog should only be bathed when absolutely necessary, as frequent washing can damage the natural oily layer that protects its skin. Special attention should be paid to its pendulous ears. They need regular inspection and cleaning to prevent the development of infections and inflammations. Also, don’t forget regular nail trims and dental care.

Training the Austrian Hound is an engaging yet responsible process. Thanks to its intelligence and eagerness to please its owner, it learns quite easily. However, the key aspects are consistency and patience. Training should be based on positive reinforcement—praise, treats, and play. Harsh methods and punishments are unacceptable, as this dog has a sensitive nature and can become withdrawn.

The main focus in training should be on perfecting the “Come!” command and off-leash control. This is vital due to its strong hunting instinct. Early socialization is mandatory. A puppy needs to be introduced to various people, places, sounds, and other animals (with caution). This helps foster a balanced and confident dog. When compared to other hunting breeds like the Anglo-French Small Venery Hound, the Black and Tan variety is considered somewhat more compliant and easier to train outside of a hunting context.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound isn’t a fussy eater. The foundation of its diet should be high-quality animal protein. You can feed it either a natural diet or high-quality dry kibble formulated for active, medium-sized breeds. When choosing dry food, pay attention to the ingredients: the first ingredient should be meat (chicken, beef, turkey), and the protein content should be at least 25-30%.

For a natural diet, the daily ration should consist of:

• 60-70% meat and organ meats (beef, lean lamb, poultry, tripe, heart).
• 20-30% grains (rice, buckwheat).
• 10-15% vegetables and fruits (carrots, pumpkin, apples).

It’s essential to add vitamin and mineral supplements, especially during periods of intense activity. It’s crucial not to overfeed your dog, as excess weight puts extra strain on its joints. Portion size is adjusted individually, depending on age, weight, and activity level. An adult dog should be fed 1-2 times a day. Generally, the approach to feeding is similar to that for other active hunting breeds, focusing on a balance of energy and nutrients.

The Brandlbracke is a breed with robust health, a result of centuries of natural and functional selection. They have strong immune systems and rarely suffer from serious genetic diseases. However, like any breed, they do have a predisposition to certain issues.

1. The “Four-Eyed” Hound: The characteristic reddish-brown spots above the eyes, an obligatory breed trait, are popularly called “a second pair of eyes” or “vieräugl.” It was once believed that these markings helped the dog ward off evil spirits.
2. Voice on the Trail: The Brandlbracke belongs to the “lautjagend” (loud hunting) hounds, meaning they vocalize on the trail. While pursuing game, it emits a distinctive, melodious bark, informing the hunter of its progress.
3. National Treasure: In Austria, this breed is considered a part of the cultural heritage. Specialized clubs rigorously monitor the breed’s purity and the preservation of its unique working qualities.
4. Virtually Unknown Worldwide: Despite all its advantages, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound remains an extremely rare breed outside its homeland and nearby countries like Germany and Switzerland.

Can the Austrian Black and Tan Hound live in an apartment?

No, this is strongly discouraged. This breed needs ample living space and daily, intense exercise that simply cannot be provided in an apartment. A lack of activity will lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and health problems.

Does the Brandlbracke get along with cats and other animals?

Extremely poorly. Its hunting instinct is extraordinarily strong, and any small animal, including cats, rodents, or birds, will be seen as prey. Even with shared socialization from a young age, the risk remains very high.

How much does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppy cost?

Due to the breed’s rarity, finding a puppy, especially outside Austria, is very challenging. The price can vary significantly, but it’s usually on the higher side, as reputable breeders invest heavily in maintaining their working qualities and health. You should be prepared for the possibility of traveling to Europe and a lengthy waiting period. While specific prices fluctuate, expect to pay a premium for such a unique and specialized working dog.

Does this dog bark a lot?

When hunting – yes, it uses its voice to signal. At home, provided it gets enough exercise, it’s quite quiet. However, if it’s bored or left alone for long periods, it may bark out of loneliness or to get attention.

Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound suitable for an inexperienced owner?

More likely no than yes. While intelligent, its specific exercise needs and strong hunting instinct demand experience, an understanding of hound psychology, and a willingness to dedicate significant time and effort to the dog.