Tyrolean Hound

Other names: Brachet Tyrolien, Austrian Brachet, Running Dog from Tyrol, Tiroler Bracke, Tyroler Bracke

Tyrolean Hound

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. 

Key facts about the Tyrolean Hound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Tyrolean Hound

Adult size

Female : Between 17 and 19 in

Male : Between 17 and 20 in

Weight

Female : Between 40 and 44 lb

Male : Between 40 and 44 lb

Coat colour

Black
Red

Type of coat

Short

Eye colour

Brown

Description

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. 

Good to know

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.

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    Just like many other hunting hounds, the Tyrolean Hound is a free-spirited canine, very active and affectionate.

  • 66%

    Playful

    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. 

  • 66%

    Calm

    At times, this hound will be quite calm, until he gets into the hunting field, when his high energy kicks in. 

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    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.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    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.

  • 66%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    On the whole, the Tyrolean Hound is lively and alert but he will possibly be wary around strangers.

  • 100%

    Independent

    An independent canine, capable of hunting alone, using his fantastic scenting skills. 

    Behaviour of the Tyrolean Hound

    • 100%

      Tolerates solitude

      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.

    • 33%

      Easy to train / obedience

      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. 

    • 100%

      Barking

      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. 

    • 100%

      Tendency to run away

      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.

    • 66%