Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Black and tan are the main colours for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound. The size and location of the tan markings can vary.

Black and Tans have a typical hound-like coat, that should be smooth with a sheen, and close-lying and short. 

Dark brown and clear. This breed should have 2 tan marks above his eyes that actually give the appearance of the dog having 4 eyes.

This breed originated in Austria, as the name suggests. The dog has a powerful stance and a strong body, although it will never appear stocky or thick-set. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a very athletic, agile dog. It has a glossy black and tan coat, brown eyes and the drooping ears typical of a hound breed. 

As this breed is generally owned as a working dog, not much is recorded about their lives outside of this environment. However, they appear to be friendly, good-tempered canines that are also quite affectionate.

After a day spent working, the dog in his home environment is generally happy to interact and socialise with the family.

Although it is renowned as a hunting breed, it also has a calm and agreeable nature.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is extremely intelligent. This can, of course, have positive and negative repercussions when it comes to training.

In the first instance, this dog is a working breed and is very skilled at hunting, especially foxes and rabbits.

This hound won’t usually show any signs of aggression or shyness, although at the first meeting with a stranger, he will be unsure and approach with trepidation.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an independent character, certainly able to cope when in a hunting and working environment. 

Providing this dog is given sufficient work to occupy him through the day, he shouldn’t display any symptoms of boredom when left alone. 

An intelligent breed of dog that should respond well to training methods and routines. As very obedient dogs, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound will probably be easier to train than other hound dogs. 

When this hound is working in the field, and has cornered his prey, he will howl and bray to alert his master. Obviously you don’t want this skill to transfer to the home environment, so careful training must be applied from a young age. 

As a hunting breed, of course he is going to give chase when he locks into a scent. 

If left to his own devices, just as with many other dog breeds, boredom can result in destructive behaviour.

Not normally a greedy dog breed, providing he is fed a nutrient rich diet to meet his dietary needs.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound isn’t usually suspicious or wary, so probably won’t make an especially efficient watchdog.

As a first working and hunting dog, this hound is an excellent choice. However, this may not be the case for someone looking for a companion pet, because of his inbuilt hunting desires.

This hound is definitely not suited to apartment or city living. He is a working breed, and much prefers to live in a rural location where he can run around freely, with plenty of outside space.

As a high-energy breed, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs vigorous daily exercise. He certainly won’t settle for just a walk around the block, preferring more substantial exercise routines. 

This dog is fine when transferred in the rear of a working, agricultural vehicle, on route to the hunting field. However, it is not the type or size of dog to take on public transport. 

As a scent hound and very capable of searching for and hunting down prey, he isn’t the first choice of dog to have around felines.

Providing the Austrian Black and Tan Hound has been socialised with other dogs from an early age, they will get on well together. 

Because of their size and agility, they don’t really make a suitable pet for toddlers and small children. On the other hand, this hound will be very accepting of older children.

Possibly too enthusiastic and boisterous to live with an elderly person. This breed needs an owner that can keep up with their vigorous exercise demands.

The Austrian Black and Tan is a moderate shedder. 

Although there isn’t much health detail documented for the Austrian Black and Tan hound, it is understood that he may be prone to issues that affect large hound dogs, such as demodectic mange, ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia. Its life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.

This breed produces a very healthy and strong dog.

This hound breed tolerates heat, although after vigorous exercise, he will drool excessively. 

Certainly a breed that can live and work outside in all weathers. 

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a tendency to gain weight as they get older.

• Ear infections
• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Demodectic mange

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound has ancient ancestors from the Celtic Hound breed of dogs. These Celtic dogs were introduced into Western Europe as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and war dogs. During the late 19th century, the original Austrian Black and Tan Hound breed was established in Austria, as a tracking and hunting dog. Even today, they are known for their amazing persistence, their speed, agility and sharp nose, especially when hunting.