Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound, known in its native land as the Brandlbracke, is an old and esteemed scent hound breed originating from Austria. Its lineage is believed to trace back to ancient Celtic Hounds that were common in the Alpine regions. For centuries, these hardy and keen-nosed hounds were meticulously bred by Austrian hunters for their exceptional ability to track wounded game, such as wild boar and deer, often over challenging high-altitude terrain. They were also adept at hunting smaller game like hare and fox by scent.

The “Brandlbracke” name refers to the “brand” or fire-like tan markings on its black coat. The distinctive tan spots above their eyes also earned them the nickname “Vieräugl,” meaning “four-eyed,” a feature believed to ward off evil spirits. These hounds were prized for their stamina, determination on the trail, and strong voice, which alerted hunters to the location of the game. While their primary role was always that of a working hunter, their generally good nature also made them suitable companions for hunting families. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1954, though its history is much older. It remains a popular hunting hound in Austria and surrounding regions but is less common internationally.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound possesses a temperament well-suited to its historical role as a dedicated scent hound. They are intelligent, keen, and remarkably determined when on a scent trail, showcasing incredible focus and endurance. This strong hunting drive means they are always alert to their surroundings and can be easily captivated by interesting smells. Away from the hunt, they are generally good-natured, calm, and can be affectionate with their families, enjoying human companionship.

While friendly with their own people, they can be somewhat reserved or indifferent towards strangers initially. They are not typically aggressive but will use their strong voice to announce anything unusual. Their intelligence is often paired with an independent streak, especially when their nose is engaged. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted. They are pack-oriented and usually get along well with other dogs, but their prey drive might make them unsuitable for homes with very small non-canine pets unless raised together with careful supervision.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a short, smooth, dense coat with a noticeable sheen. It is close-fitting to the body and provides good protection from the elements. This type of coat is very low-maintenance in terms of grooming.

A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt, hound glove, or a soft bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, stimulate skin oils, and keep their coat looking sleek and healthy. They are considered average shedders. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay relatively clean. One of the most important aspects of their grooming is regular ear care. Their long, floppy hound ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are energetic dogs with considerable stamina, bred for long days of trailing game over varied, often mountainous, terrain. They require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or confined apartment living without a very strong commitment to extensive outdoor activity.

Aim for at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise per day. Excellent exercise options include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or hiking in natural environments where they can use their nose.
• Off-leash running and exploring in a very large, securely fenced area. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment as they will follow a scent with unwavering determination.
• Participating in scent work trials, tracking activities, or other canine sports that engage their natural scenting abilities.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying or destructiveness. They thrive in active homes, ideally with access to ample safe space for running and exploring scents.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is generally considered a hardy and healthy breed, having been developed for working ability and resilience in demanding conditions. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions, though specific genetic predisposition data may be less extensive due to their primary role as a working hound rather than a widely popular show breed. Potential health concerns common to scent hounds include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Very common due to their long, floppy ears trapping moisture and debris. Diligent ear care is crucial.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A risk for deep-chested breeds.
• Eye Conditions: While not widespread, occasional eye issues could occur.
• Hunting-Related Injuries: If used for hunting, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, and other injuries sustained in the field.

Choosing a puppy from a responsible breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed’s health and provides good foundational care is important. Regular veterinary check-ups, diligent ear care, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise contribute to an Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s long-term health.

Training an Austrian Black and Tan Hound requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of their powerful scenting instincts and independent hound nature. They are intelligent and can learn, but their primary motivation is often following a scent, which can make them easily distracted and appear stubborn during formal training sessions that don’t align with their innate drives. They were bred to work somewhat independently while trailing game.

Key aspects of training an Austrian Black and Tan Hound include:

• Early Socialization: Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals from a young age to build a confident and well-adjusted adult.
• Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training using high-value treats (especially scent-based ones), praise, and play. Harsh methods will be counterproductive.
• Keep it Engaging: Their attention can wander easily if a scent catches their nose. Keep training sessions relatively short and try to incorporate activities that appeal to their senses.
• Recall (“Come” command): This is extremely challenging to train reliably due to their powerful nose and desire to follow a trail. It requires extensive, consistent practice in safe, enclosed areas, and even then, they should rarely be trusted off-leash in unsecured environments.
• Leash Training: Essential for managing them on walks when their nose is constantly engaged.
• Channeling Scent Drive: If not used for hunting, provide outlets like scent work games or tracking.

Their independent spirit means they may not be stars in formal obedience, but with understanding and patience, they can learn basic manners and be delightful companions for the right owner.