Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

Other names: Styrian Coarse-haired Hound, Grande Brackes, Styrian Coarse-haired Hounds, Styrian Hounds, Wirehair Styrian Mountain Dogs, Steirische Rauhhaarbrackes, Steirische Rauhhaairge Hochgebirgsbrackes, Peintiinger Brackes

Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

Native to Austria, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound was initially bred to produce a dog capable of being a scent hound and to work closely with other hunting dogs over rough terrains and in challenging conditions. These hunting dogs, although highly sought after in the working field, are less known in a family environment. Although they make original family pets, they do have a very dominant side that needs to be considered. 

Key facts about the Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The Styrian Hound breed was initiated in Austria when a coarse-haired Istrian Hound and a Hanoverian Scenthound were mated. The finest pups from this litter were kept and from these select puppies, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound evolved. The breed was first recognised in 2006 by the UK Kennel Club. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

Adult size

Female : Between 21 and 20 in

Male : Between 19 and 21 in

Weight

Female : Between 40 and 44 lb

Male : Between 40 and 44 lb

Coat colour

Red
Sand

Type of coat

Hard
Long

Eye colour

Brown

Description

The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound has a body shape with a broad back and a deep chest. His muscular build allows him to hunt and run over any difficult terrains. His overall appearance is of confidence and strength. The ears hang down, lying close to the dog’s head. His eyes are medium sized, dark in colour with dark eye edging. 

Good to know

The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is a relatively rare dog breed. It is very rare to find puppies for sale. Because of his fantastic hunting skills and the ability to not only smell his quarry but also to give chase over harsh terrain, he is much sought after by hunting folk. 

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    This breed is generally not kept as a family pet, but the dog does show affection when he bonds with his master. Those that are kept as house pets show affection to the family.

  • 66%

    Playful

    Even though they are mainly hunting dogs, those kept as companion pets can show playful tendencies.

  • 66%

    Calm

    Providing this breed receive consistent training routines, the dog will have a well-balanced temperament. A well-trained and socialised canine will certainly display tolerance and gentleness to the children in the family, when he lives as a companion pet.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    This rare Austrian breed is a passionate, hardworking, and very intelligent hunting dog. 

  • 100%

    Hunter

    The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is absolutely a hunting dog. He has filled this role for centuries, rather than as a family pet. The dog will hunt until the end, despite discomfort, cold, heat, hunger or thirst.

  • 100%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    In the home, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is very attached to his master, and will be naturally wary of any strangers. 

  • 66%

    Independent

    Certainly an independent breed of canines, who is capable of hunting on all types of terrain. 

    Behaviour of the Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      As a working breed of dog, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound needs to be actively engaged, or hunting, to prevent boredom. If left alone, without any tasks for a long period, he will morph into a destructive, hard-to-handle dog. 

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      This dog’s training must begin at a very young age and be consistent to emphasise to the dog exactly what you expect from him. Obedience and socialisation skills need to be taught, as this hound is quite stubborn and independent. He must understand the “recall” command, particularly when he is hunting in the field, and picks up the scent of something interesting. 

    • 100%

      Barking

      The Austrian Hound is quite a vocal dog, who will show his displeasure at something by howling or barking.

    • 66%

      Tendency to run away

      It only takes one sniff of an interesting quarry scent and this hunting dog will give chase. To avoid incidents such as this, he must understand the “recall” command.

    • 66%