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 :

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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

Type of coat

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%

      Destructive

      This high-energy, very active dog must be kept actively engaged or exercised, to prevent any destructive behaviours.

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound needs to receive an adequate, highly nutritious diet to meet his energetic and vigorous lifestyle. Providing his dietary needs are met, he isn’t a greedy dog.

    • 66%

      Guard dog

      In the home environment, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound will alert his master to any suspicious events or people.

    • 33%

      First dog

      As it’s vitally important that the breed is trained and socialised at a very young age, this dog is not the ideal choice for a first time owner. He is certainly better suited to an owner who lists hunting as one of his pastimes. 

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      Lifestyle

      • 33%

        Coarse-haired Styrian Hound in a flat

        As a hunting dog, with not only the need to run, but also a high prey drive, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound isn’t suited to apartment life or small yards.

      • 100%

        Need for exercise / Sporty

        This dog has such a high energy drive that he needs a minimum of 2 hours daily exercise. He needs a firm handler who can show him who is the master. The dog will be even happier if much of his exercise routine is off the lead running. 

      • 66%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound will travel in a dog cage in the rear of a vehicle, on route to the hunting field. Certainly not a dog to take on public transport. 

        Compatibility

        • 33%

          Coarse-haired Styrian Hound and cats

          As a dog breed with a very high hunting instinct, living in the same vicinity as a cat isn’t recommended. 

        • 66%

          Coarse-haired Styrian Hound and dogs

          Although the Styrian Hound is a very independent dog and not generally a pack animal, he will tolerate sharing space with canines he has been raised with.

        • 100%

          Coarse-haired Styrian Hound and children

          Of course, providing this energetic dog has been socialised from an early age with children, he will get along fine with an older child. Care and monitoring should be taken with younger children

        • 66%

          Coarse-haired Styrian Hound and the elderly

          It’s unlikely that an older person could keep up with the vigorous and high-energy training and exercise routine required for this dog breed. 

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          Price

          Initial purchase cost for this breed is between £400 to £700. Additional, ongoing monthly fees can amount to £80 - £100, taking into account feed, veterinary costs, and pet insurance. 

          Grooming

          On average, weekly grooming is recommended for the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound to keep his coat hair in good condition. Grooming with a firm bristle brush is advised. Certainly, after a hunting expedition, intense brushing will be required to remove any twigs and burrs from his coat. 

          Shedding

          Copious shedder throughout the year. Shedding is particularly heavy during the Spring and Autumn seasons. 

          Nutrition of the Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

          A nutritious and well-balanced diet is required for the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound, to suit not only his size and build but also his strenuous working abilities.

          Health of the Coarse-haired Styrian Hound

          Life expectancy

          The Styrian Hound is generally a robust and healthy dog, with no reported genetic health issues to date. Common health problems that might arise, however, are ear infections, cancer, hip dysplasia and sensitivity to anaesthesia. The majority of problems will arise from hunting incidents, such as broken limbs, gun wounds and bites. The average life expectancy of this breed is 11 to 13 years.

          Strong / robust

          A very hardy, strong breed. His muscular body is able to hunt his prey over even the most difficult, harsh terrain. 

          Withstand heat

          The robust Styrian Hound can certainly endure any discomfort, in any climate, especially when trailing his quarry. 

          Withstand cold

          As a dog that has been bred in the mountains of Austria, where the climate is usually very cold, the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound has no problems in chilly weather or situations.

          Tendency to put on weight

          This breed tends not to gain weight, as they are such active, high-energy dogs. However, once his working life is over and he relaxes more at home, he may start to gain weight. 

          Common illnesses

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