Tyrolean Hound
Other names : Brachet Tyrolien, Austrian Brachet, Running Dog from Tyrol, Tiroler Bracke, Tyroler Bracke
The high spirited Tyrolean Hound is always full of life, even when he’s not hunting. Even as a working dog, he is also an all-round family dog too. This breed is often used as a watchdog in their native country, Austria, yet his lack of any aggressive qualities means he’s certainly not an effective guard dog. An added advantage to his hunting skills is his ability to follow the scent of his prey, even through heavily wooded or mountainous regions.
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Life expectancy |
The Tyrolean Hound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Medium
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Adult size |
Female
Between 17 and 19 in
Male
Between 17 and 20 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 40 and 44 lb
Male
Between 40 and 44 lb
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Coat colour
Red, red-deer to red-yellow, black, fire (blck with fire-like marks on head, belly, chest and limbs), or tri-colour. |
Black
Red
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Type of coat
The Tyrolean Hound sports a short, thick, dense and double-coated hair, coarse and not fine. |
Short
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Eye colour
Dark brown |
Brown
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Purchase price |
The Tyrolean Hound costs between £400 and £500 |
A Tyrolean Hound generally gives birth to 6 to 8 puppies in each litter. This is quite a high number for a working hound dog of this type.
More details about the Tyrolean Hound
Tyrolean Hound: Origins and history
This breed is thought to be a descendant from the ancient Celtic canine family, with ancestors dating back to the 16th Century. Documentation reports that the Emperor Maximilian I owned one of these hunting dogs. Around 1860, one of the very first Tyrolean Hounds was noted in its home country, Austria. These canines were recognised as a breed in 1908, then in 2006 they were accepted by the UK Kennel Club in the scent hound registry. Although still very popular in his home country, Austria, the Tyrolean Hound is sometimes found in other countries within Europe, mainly as a working dog.
Physical characteristics of the Tyrolean Hound
A medium-sized dog with a robust constitution. His body is a rectangular shape with a slightly domed, broad skull. With flat ears, dark brown eyes and a straight, long tail. Females of the Tyrolean Hound are usually smaller in size, however both sexes are fairly muscular.
FCI classification of the Tyrolean Hound
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Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
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Section 1 : Scent hounds
Tyrolean Hound: Characteristics
Just like many other hunting hounds, the Tyrolean Hound is a free-spirited canine, very active and affectionate.
This breed does need lots of exercise, but assuming this need is met, the dog will be happy to live as a family pet, and likewise, take part in play times and activities.
At times, this hound will be quite calm, until he gets into the hunting field, when his high energy kicks in.
With a pleasing character, very smart and also intelligent, the Tyrolean Hound has an agile mind. He can sometimes be rather stubborn when it comes to training routines.
Certainly a working and hunting dog, excellent over all terrains. The breed is generally used to hunt fox and hare and will alert his owner to the prey by giving voice and barking loudly.
On the whole, the Tyrolean Hound is lively and alert but he will possibly be wary around strangers.
An independent canine, capable of hunting alone, using his fantastic scenting skills.
Tyrolean Hound: Behaviour
This dog certainly needs plenty of mental stimulation, playtimes, activities and exercise, to keep him engaged. Likewise, he doesn’t like to be confined or left alone.
On the whole, the Tyrolean Hound is relatively easy to train. He needs a consistent and firm hand from his master. As with most hounds, he might be somewhat stubborn at times.
As a scenting and hunting dog, he is taught to track game and then to bark to alert his master. He has a loud, strong bark.
As with the majority of hunting dogs, if he catches sight of quarry in the distance, there is a chance he will give chase, even without instruction to do so.
As a very intelligent canine, it’s important to keep him occupied with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Failure to do so can result in nuisance behaviour.
The Tyrolean Hound needs to be fed a diet high in protein and nutrients, to satisfy his energy and stamina requirements. He won’t be averse to taking extra food when it’s available.
Although the Tyrolean Hound certainly isn’t an aggressive dog, which limits his success as a guard dog, his loud bark will alert you to any strangers in the vicinity.
Training a Tyrolean Hound
On the whole, the Tyrolean Hound is relatively easy to train. He needs a consistent and firm hand from his master. As with most hounds, he might be somewhat stubborn at times.
Tyrolean Hound: Lifestyle
The Tyrolean Hound is a high-energy dog who needs lots of outside space to run around. Providing he is walked several times a day, he will settle into home-life very well, although perhaps not in a small apartment.
The Tyrolean Hound definitely needs lots of exercise. These robust dogs need an active lifestyle with daily walks.
Not really suitable for travelling on public transport, but this hound will accept travelling in the rear of a car, or in a dog crate, on route to the hunting field.
Breed compatibility Tyrolean Hound
This breed is generally used for hunting small game, and as such isn’t the best type of dog to have around cats.
This hound dog is fine around other dogs in the home or pack, especially if they have been raised and socialised together from a young age.
If you have plenty of time and sufficient space to devote to the Tyrolean Hound, he will be an excellent family dog. He will relish spending time with the family and will often form a strong bond with a child.
As this hound needs lots of exercise and to be kept active, he’s not the best choice for an elderly person.
This breed almost has a dual personality. He is capable of hunting all day long, then when he returns home he is equally happy to be a family pet. Providing he is given plenty of exercise and engagement in play and activities, he will make a good choice for a first time dog owner. Be aware that he can often be quite stubborn.
Tyrolean Hound: Purchase price
After your initial purchase of the hound, on average between £400 to £500, expect a monthly budget of £50 to £80 for his food, insurance and veterinary costs.
Tyrolean Hound: Shedding
Average
Moderate shedder.
Tyrolean Hound: Grooming
As the Tyrolean Hound has a short, smooth coat, his grooming routine is relatively easy. Brushing once or twice a week, together with ear and dental cleaning should suffice. It is only necessary to bathe the hound if he gets really dirty when out hunting.
Tyrolean Hound: Health
Although generally a healthy breed, as a hunting dog you can expect some common injuries sustained while working. Their average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.
A very strong, energetic dog with the stamina to keep hunting all day long, over many rough terrains.
The Tyrolean Hound is able to hunt during all weathers, during the heat of the summer too, without any problems.
Likewise, this hound dog is well used to hunting in the mountainous regions during the winter and cold weather, especially in his home country, Austria.
As a dog that needs lots of exercise, if he spends too much time lying around in the home, he may gain excess weight quite easily.
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Hunting injuries
- Ear infections
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