Brandlbracke Dog
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Brandlbracke Dog Breed

Other names:
Austrian Black And Tan Hound
Austrian Brandlbracke
Austrian Smooth Haired Hound
Bracke
Bracke Dog
Bracke Puppy
Osterreichische Glatthaarige
Vieraugl

The Brandlbracke is a scent hound that is one of the Austrian Grand Brackes. These breeds come from the Celtic Hounds (that once roamed the Alps in the Middle Ages) that long ago crossbred with other hounds. They were first noted in the 19th century. They are sometimes called Austrian Black and Tan Hound.

Brandlbracke Breed Details

Brandlbrackes are specialized hunting dogs who are only for very experienced dog people. They were originally bred to track and catch only foxes and rabbits in the thin air and cold crags of Austria's mountainous regions. They were not meant to be pets, and even today there are few that are only companions. They are not dog aggressive, they are good with kids and they are very friendly — but they need more exercise than most people can give them.

Here are some of the features regarding Brandlbrackes:

PROS

  • Dog-friendly
  • Great tracker
  • Superb hunter
  • Good with kids
  • Gentle personality
  • Few grooming needs
  • Marvelous sense of smell

CONS

  • Very Rare
  • High prey drive
  • May drool a lot
  • Difficult to train
  • Not hypoallergenic
  • Highly independent
  • Needs a rural setting
  • Odor may be unappealing
  • Needs a lot of daily exercise
  • Somewhat low tolerance to heat
Type
Purebred
Lifespan
12 - 14 yrs.
Height
19 - 22 in.
Weight
33 - 49 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Brandlbracke Breed Description

The Brandlbracke (Austrian Black and Tan Hound) is a demanding dog that will nevertheless deliver the goods. They will want to work very hard and they will need a lot to keep them happy. With a unique look, a superior nose, and a quiet gait, these dogs rarely fail when they smell prey. They are built to endure harsh weather and rough terrain. With the right master and family, they will be affectionate, calm (when at home) and extremely loyal.

These dogs are very intelligent. Properly trained, they can be managed; otherwise, they will certainly run off at the first and every chance they get when they get a scent. They basically cannot be outfoxed by their target once they are tracking, and they will probably not hesitate to use their smarts to outmaneuver people too.

There are a few notable characteristics of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound: coat color, stealth, and size. This dog's color is essential in identifying the breed: black with small tan markings and two tan marks — called vieraugl — above the eyes. This breed is prized for the ability to sneak up on prey. They are also one of the larger scenthounds out there.

The Brandlbracke is so specialized that they were not taken on as pets until very recently. They require a long, hard day of hunting or equivalent exercise. Neglecting this will very quickly prompt destructive behavior.

Brandlbracke Health

The Brandlbracke breed is believed to be a very healthy one. They require low-calorie diets with no sugar (which can lead to obesity) or spicy foods (which will negatively impact the dog's sense of smell). These dogs must be closely supervised while they are developing so they don't overexert themselves in ways that will harm them later in life. As they are prone to injuries in the field even when they are in top shape, they should always be inspected after a long day. Of course, health tests and vet checks for their hips, eyes, etc., should be done as soon as they are old enough.

Here are some of the health issues that you should watch out for in Austrian Black and Tan Hounds (Brandlbrackes):

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ear Infections
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Demodex Mange

The average lifespan for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is 12 to 14 years.

Brandlbracke Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Brandlbrackes.

Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 30, 2017
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