Austrian Black and Tan Hound Breed: Facts, Traits, Character and Look

A scent hound with a sensitive nose, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a hunter that loves to work. It is a stylish runner, excelling in all types of game hunting. However, it is a rare breed, and not many people know about it. As the name indicates, this hound has its roots in Austria. They are known as Österreichische Glatthaarige Bracke, which translates to Austrian Smooth-haired Hunting Dogs. Other names include Bracke (hunting dog), Austrian Smooth-haired Hound, and Brandlbracke (Hot Hunter), the German name for this breed.

Like most scent hounds, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a powerful work ethic and an intense drive to follow exciting scents it detects, regardless of where it will lead. The female Bracke delivers three to five pups after a 60-day pregnancy once per year. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Many people use the abbreviated name Bracke when referring to this hunting dog that stands 19 to 22 inches at the withers and weighs between 33 and 49 pounds.

Choosing a name for your Austrian Black and Tan Hound involves essential building blocks, including the significance of the sound. The Bracke’s name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

It is always a good idea not to rush into choosing a name. Spend a week or so with your new Bracke pup, and its character traits might be all the inspiration you need. Call out any name-ideas, using different tones and sounds for the two syllables, and watch your puppy’s reaction to the sound. Remember, you must compose a sound that your Bracke will recognize from a distance, among many other sounds. 

Choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction and yelling or calling your Austrian Black and Tan Hound. Below is a list of suggestions of names inspired by your Bracke’s country of origin. 

What is the History of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized breed developed in Austria. Though the breed’s exact origins remain unknown, it is commonly thought to be the descendant of Celtic hounds, developed during the 19th century. Used primarily for tracking wounded game in high altitudes, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a skilled hunter and tracker. Because the breed was developed exclusively for this purpose, they are generally not recommended as family pets. However, they require regular human contact and can get along with other dogs.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Austrian Black and Tan Hounds?

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a rare breed, and they are unknown outside Austria. Even though this breed is not very popular, they are super loving, intelligent, and playful. This is a great breed to select if you have children and want an active companion.

On the other end of the spectrum, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are not ideal for apartment dwellers or inactive owners. Other than that, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a breed of dog that most people will love.

What are the Physical Traits of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

The broad skull of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, coupled with their clear and brooding eyes, lends them a pensive and noble expression. Their black nose should have wide nostrils that allow for superior scenting abilities. Their wide ears hang flat to their face and are rounded at the ends. Their long limbs end in strong feet and support an athletic body with a deep chest and lengthy back, which gives them a ‘rectangular’ shape. 

Their tail is also long and should taper towards the end. Male dogs stand between 20 inches and 22 inches, while females typically measure 19 inches to 21 inches. Breed members can weigh anything between 33 pounds and 49 pounds. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is more muscular than a typical hound dog and must move with elegance and grace.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound coat is its unique feature and should be short and shiny. It is black and tan, and those dogs who do not possess tan marking above their eyes are not accepted in the show ring.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Austrian Black and Tan Hounds?

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are rare, even in their home country. The prices of Austrian Black and Tan Hounds range between $1200 to $2,500. The cost of a puppy from a registered breeder could vary, depending on the breeder you select, the location, the sex of the puppy, and, of course, the demand for the breed at the time. The bloodline of the puppy and its parents could also affect the price. You will be hard-pressed to find this breed in a shelter, but if you do, the price will typically be based on the cost of care provided while keeping the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.

It is always best to consider annual expenses related to maintaining your Austrian Black and Tan Hound and its wellbeing before making the purchase. The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, spaying or neutering, etc. You can expect to spend about $3,000 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $1,700 a year. 

The typical annual costs of having a medium-sized canine such as an Austrian Black and Tan Hound, food and medical only, excluding toys, food, and water bowls, cages, doggy blankets, beds, etc., could cost an average of $650. The most regular annual expenses for dogs similar to the Austrian Black and Tan Hound are listed below.

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc. Grooming would not affect the maintenance costs because Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are low maintenance, and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair, as Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are moderate shedders.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound does not tend to drool excessively; in fact, the breed hardly ever drools. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound have a moderate risk of obesity, especially if working dogs become house pets with insufficient exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with premium quality dry dog food and live an active life together.

What is the best diet for Austrian Black and Tan Hounds?

Your dog’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s diet on a medium breed’s unique nutritional and digestive needs throughout its different life stages. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds fall in the medium breed class, and most dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and giant breeds. 

It is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to ensure you are prepared to deal with age-related issues as your Bracke grows. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Bracke from the table; all it does is add weight; instead, follow the advice below to ensure your furry friend’s optimal health.

The Bracke is an active, athletic breed type. It will thus need food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. A dog of this size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppy’s portion depends on age, but 2 to 3 cups are appropriate. In contrast, an active, healthy adult Brackeshould have 3 to 4 cups, depending on the brand and formula of the food. Feeding Austrian Black and Tan Hounds several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 

Feed your Austrian Black and Tan Hound a food formulated for small to large working dog breeds, recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors, or look for a brand developed for all life stages. An example of premium food for Bracke and its benefits are listed below:

Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces is ideal for active Breed puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Instinct offers a variety of natural dry dog food recipes with added vitamins and minerals to suit your furry family member’s needs. And with freeze-dried raw coating on every piece of kibble, adding the nutrition and taste of raw to your pet’s diet is effortless.

Below is a list of the benefits offered by the 14 Instinct. Raw Boost Recipes

• Protein-Packed: With responsibly sourced real meat as the first ingredient, these recipes are packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles.
• Omegas 3 and 6: Naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits help support immune health.
• Probiotics: Guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics are included to support your dog’s digestive health.
• Raw Coating: Instinct crushes and tumbles their freeze-dried raw with their kibble, ensuring raw is on every piece.

Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces are made without fillers. These recipes are made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, or artificial colors or preservatives.

When Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why Instinct Raw Boost is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should an Austrian Black and Tan Hound Puppy Eat? 

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized breed whose pups under 12 weeks should get four bowls of food per day. When Bracke puppies become three months old, owners can feed them three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for medium-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Austrian Black and Tan Hound should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Austrian Black and Tan Hounds with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the common health problems of Austrian Black and Tan Hounds?

 Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are widely recognized as a healthy and hardy breed, a trait likely due to the fact that they were never intensively inbred. However, even healthy Bracke should have regular veterinarian checkups. The following list of health conditions should be monitored:

• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Bracke grows and becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making annual medical examinations crucial.
• Elbow Dysplasia When the growth of the elbow is disturbed, a condition called elbow dysplasia may ensue. While this condition is generally inherited, other factors, such as nutrition and exercise, also play a role in its development. Most dogs will display symptoms before the age of one – though some may not show any signs until they are several years old.
• Demodectic mange (also known as red mange, follicular mange, or puppy mange) is a skin disease, generally of young dogs caused, by the mite, Demodex canis.
• Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening disorder that happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.
• Muscle strains and injuries happen to any dog that works for a living. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound will have a higher chance of developing injuries over their lifetime than will companion animals or show dogs. Most commonly, they will be seen at a veterinary clinic for lacerations, claw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and fractures.

What are the nutritional needs of Austrian Black and Tan Hounds?

The nutritional needs of an Austrian Black and Tan Hound include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Bracke are listed below.

• Protein: Austrian Black and Tan Hounds need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain essential for Bracke’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Austrian Black and Tan Hounds need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Austrian Black and Tan Hound sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging Brackes by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Brackes.

Where to Buy or Adopt an Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

Though Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are mostly similar, different breeders specialize in various working abilities. For instance, you might want a dog with different qualities depending on if you want an Austrian Black and Tan Hound to work on a large farm, one that is well-suited to help out on a small hobby farm, or a companion dog for your family. Finding a reputable breeder or rescue facility is crucial. 

A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. They are more interested in placing pups in suitable homes than making big bucks. Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed or who promote the dogs as being “good with kids.”

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppy from a breeder or a rescue organization is to reach out to the registered organizations for the specific breed, if available. Although this breed is very rare, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is recognized by the UKC and FIC, listed below along with other registered kennel clubs and rescue facilities that might put potential Bracke owners in touch with reputable breeders or rescue centers.

• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (International)
• United Kennel Club (International)
• Europetnet
• The Kennel Club (United Kingdom)
• Canadian Kennel Club
• Continental Kennel Club
• United All Breed Registry
• International Canine Association

If you manage to track down Austrian Black and Tan Hound breeders, make sure you go to the facility and insist on meeting both the puppies’ parents so that you can get a feel for their temperament. Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppies are often peppy and playful—all should have cheery expressions and kind eyes.

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have proof of successful, healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

Although you might find an Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppy or a rescued adult to adopt or buy from abroad, not all countries allow importing adopted dogs. Those whose countries allow the importation of Austrian Black and Tan Hounds may find the logistics challenging. 

Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel. Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound, or simply Bracke, is an Austrian Black and Tan Hound capable of hunting with little or no guidance. It is a medium-sized dog and, as the name indicates, comes in black and tan. The Bracke is not widely known, in fact, they are very scarce.  However, similar breeds are available, as listed below.

• American Black and Tan Coonhound: An American hunting breed similar to the Austrian Black and Tan in coloring. Both breeds are excellent small animal hunters and also good family companion dogs. They are low shedding dogs and require minimum grooming. more about American Black and Tan Coonhound.
• Bluetick Coonhound: Like the Black and Tan Coonhound, this breed is a leggy dog with black and tan coloring, with the addition of blue ticking on its coat. The Bluetick can be as good a family dog as the Bracke with proper socialization.
• Treeing Walker Coonhound: This coonhound, is another American breed. It is sensible, brave, and smart and has a coat with black and tan coloring over a white base. Like the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, this American origin coonhound was also bred to hunt small animals like raccoons. They are also good family dogs.