What makes the Austrian Black & Tan Hound Unique?
An excellent game dog, the Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are often used for tracking foxes and rabbits in high altitude settings. This rare breed is primarily kept by avid hunters who value the dogs’ extraordinary skills.
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Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound Right For You?
Most Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are not kept as pets but as hunting companions. When properly trained, these dogs excel at quietly tracking cold scents in mountainous regions. As they were trained to work in packs, this breed is typically not aggressive towards other dogs.
Members of this breed do not do well when confined to small areas with no human contact. However, a fenced in backyard makes a good area for Austrian Black and Tan Hounds to play in when their owners are at home. These dogs should be brought indoors at night to sleep. Owners should further be aware that this breed will have to be carefully watched if allowed to roam freely. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds have been known to end up far distances from their homes because they happened upon an interesting scent. They also are heavy shedders and will drool when they become overheated.
In 5 Words
- Elegant
- Good-Natured
- Keen
- Agreeable
- Outgoing
Characteristics
Learn About the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Description
General Description
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are defined by United Kennel Club (UKC) standards as medium-sized hounds that have a smooth black and tan coats as well as “a long cast” and a “supple body”. These dogs have broad heads, well-built muzzles, and straight black noses. Their teeth should meet in a scissor bite. Black and Tan Hounds have clear, dark brown eyes with an agreeable expression in them. They also have medium length, high set ears with rounded tips. A medium-length dewlap neck is another feature of this breed. These dogs have straight, strong forelegs and long, slender back legs. These dogs are broad chested with an arched loin and long backside. Their long tails should taper to a point and be slightly bent.
Size
Generally speaking, male Black and Tan Hounds are between 20 and 22 inches (51 and 56 centimeters) tall. Females of this breed are somewhat smaller. They usually measure between 19 and 21 inches (48 and 53 centimeters) in height. Both genders tend to weigh somewhere between 33 and 49 pounds (15 and 22 kilograms).
Coat
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds have smooth but dense coats that measure about 2 inches in length. These dogs are overall black in color but have fawn markings in various places. These markings can range from light to dark in hue. However, if the dogs do not have tan spots over their eyes or any they will be considered unfit for the show ring. Other patterns and colors of this breed will likewise be disqualified from participating in United Kennel Club breed competitions.
Short History of the Australian Black and Tan Hound
Although their origins are somewhat hazy at best, it is thought by some sources that Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are the modern descendants of various types of ancient Celtic hounds. However, this may or may not be the case. These dogs may instead owe their origins to the breeding programs that were started by Belgian monks at St. Hubert’s monastery. They could also be the result of multiple unspecified breed crosses during the years when these practices weren’t regulated. In any case, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are likely centuries older than the written records would attest, but these dogs were certainly in existence by 1884. At that point in history, these dogs became their own breed. The fire-red markings on the dogs’ coats earned them the name Brandlebracke, which means “fire hound”. These dogs were developed to be followed on foot by their human hunting companions over the mountainous terrain in Austria. These hounds have received Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC) recognition but remain relatively unknown outside their home country.
Temperament
High energy levels are one of the main characteristics of this breed and, as a result, they require plentiful exercise and are best for active families. It is also recommended that owners make sure members of this breed have a job to perform. Most Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are not kept as pets but as hunting companions. When properly trained, these dogs excel at quietly tracking cold scents in mountainous regions. As they were trained to work in packs, this breed is typically not aggressive towards other dogs.
Members of this breed do not do well when confined to small areas with no human contact. However, a fenced in backyard makes a good area for Austrian Black and Tan Hounds to play in when their owners are at home. These dogs should be brought indoors at night to sleep. Owners should further be aware that this breed will have to be carefully watched if allowed to roam freely. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds have been known to end up far distances from their homes because they happened upon an interesting scent. They also are heavy shedders and will drool when they become overheated.
Caring for Your Austrian Black and Tan Hound
General Health
On average, this fairly healthy breed lives about 13 years. The main health concerns for Austrian Black and Ta Hounds include arthritis and hip dysplasia in their old age. Owners can somewhat avoid the onset of both problems by taking care to feed their dogs a balanced, low-calorie diet. It is further recommended that members of this breed avoid both sugary and spicy edibles. The former can contribute to obesity and the latter can easily destroy their sense of smell.
Care
Daily
One hour of exercise per day is the absolute minimum for Austrian Black and Tan Hounds. However, owners will find that these dogs will happily play outdoors for as long as they are allowed to do so.
Weekly
These dogs will need to be brushed at least once a week. They can be groomed more often to prevent households from becoming inundated with fur. It is also a good idea to brush a dog’s teeth on a regular basis to keep it from having bad breath or later developing periodontal disease.
Monthly
All dogs should be regularly treated with flea, heartworm, and tick prevention medication. This is typically done at least once per month.
Grooming & Bathing
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds have short fur and, therefore, do not require much in the way of grooming. These dogs will nonetheless need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections. It is also a good idea to trim their nails and bathe them on an as needed basis.
Exercise & Training
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are considered to be highly trainable. These dogs are eager to please their human owners but they like nothing better than to hunt, which can cause problems if they do end up wandering off. Members of this breed additionally need plenty of exercise, especially if they are kept in enclosed environments. This dog breed is not recommended for city dwellers due to their elevated energy levels and the fact they can be loud at times.
Austrian Black and Tan Hound Picture Gallery
