This medium-sized hound possesses a sleek, short coat with a distinctive black and tan pattern, exuding an air of athleticism and elegance.

Medium-sized, typically 18.5-20.5 inches (47-52 cm) tall at the shoulder.

Generally 35-55 pounds (16-25 kg).

Short, smooth, and dense.

Predominantly black with clearly defined tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and feet. The tan markings are often referred to as 'Brand' in German, giving the breed its name.

Moderately long with a slightly domed skull.

Dark brown, clear, and alert.

Medium-length, set high, and hanging close to the head with rounded tips.

Long, tapering, and carried slightly curved.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is known for its friendly, intelligent, and determined personality, displaying a strong work ethic alongside a gentle disposition.

Possesses a strong drive to work and track, requiring ample mental and physical stimulation.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.

Generally friendly and good with people, including children, when properly socialized.

Known for their gentle and calm demeanor, especially indoors.

Makes a good watchdog, as they are naturally alert and aware of their surroundings.

Exhibits a strong prey drive, requiring secure fencing and careful supervision around smaller animals.

This breed is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, ideally with experience in handling scent hounds.

Generally healthy and robust.

Not readily available outside of Austria.

The ideal owner for an Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an active individual or family who understands and appreciates the breed's hunting instincts, can commit to its exercise and training needs, and enjoys spending time outdoors. A rural or suburban setting with a securely fenced yard is highly recommended.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, but requires a balanced diet and a suitable living environment that accommodates its activity level.

Minimal grooming is needed. Brush their short coat weekly to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe only when necessary.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

While adaptable, they thrive in homes with ample space to move around, ideally with a securely fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are consistently met.

Trim nails regularly, typically every few weeks, or as needed.

Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.

Brush their teeth several times a week to maintain good dental health.

This breed thrives on consistent, positive training and requires significant daily exercise to satisfy its hunting instincts and high energy levels.

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement methods like praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to ensure a well-behaved companion. Consistency and patience are key, as their independent nature can sometimes lead to stubbornness. Focus on building a strong bond and making training sessions engaging.

This breed needs a considerable amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Long daily walks, jogging, hiking, and opportunities to run and explore in a securely fenced area are essential. Engaging them in scent-based games and activities, like tracking or nose work, will also provide valuable mental stimulation and cater to their natural instincts.

Expose your hound to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Utilize rewards-based training to motivate and build a positive relationship.

Maintain a consistent training routine and rules.

Provide puzzle toys and scent games to keep their minds engaged.

Ensure your yard is securely fenced due to their strong prey drive.

Essential for safety, given their tendency to follow scents.

Generally a healthy breed, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is known for its robustness, but, like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

Due to their floppy ears, they can be prone to ear infections if moisture and debris accumulate.

A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound's precise origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to be a descendant of ancient Celtic hounds. For centuries, it was used by Austrian hunters to track game, particularly hare and fox, in challenging alpine environments. The breed's development was largely driven by its practical hunting abilities rather than aesthetics. Formal recognition by the Austrian Kennel Club (ÖKV) came in 1884, under the name 'Brandlbracke'. The United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognized the breed in 1996. While still primarily found in Austria, the breed's reputation for its tracking prowess is slowly gaining international attention.

Yes, when properly socialized, they are generally good with children and can be gentle and playful companions.

They require a significant amount of daily exercise, including long walks, jogging, or hiking, and opportunities to run and explore in a safe, enclosed area.

They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, but early socialization and consistent training are crucial due to their independent nature.

They have a short, smooth coat and are moderate shedders. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient.

They are generally healthy, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat.

They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are consistently met, but a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

They are rare outside of Austria. Contacting breed-specific clubs or rescue organizations in Austria is the best starting point.

Their average lifespan is 10-14 years.

Yes, they are alert and aware of their surroundings, making them good watchdogs.

They generally get along well with other dogs, especially when socialized from a young age. However, their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets.