Austrian Black and Tan HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke) is an old Austrian scent hound, used for generations to hunt and track game in mountains and forests.

Evolution of the breed

• Old origins - The Brandlbracke is believed to descend from the old "Celtic hounds" of Central Europe and was bred for following scent trails over long distances.
• Used by Austrian hunters - It is used mainly to hunt hare and fox, and to follow the blood trail of wounded game such as deer and roe deer; it has also been used on rabbit and wild boar.
• Official recognition - The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognises the Austrian Black and Tan Hound in Group 6, the scent hounds.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an intelligent, hardy and friendly dog, best suited to hunting and outdoor life. These are general editorial ratings, not measured scores; individual dogs vary.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, athletic hound, built for stamina on rough ground.

General appearance

• A lean, muscular body with a deep chest, built for long hunts.
• A short, dense, smooth and shiny coat.
• A long head with medium-length, rounded, hanging ears, typical of hounds.
• A long tail, carried low at rest and raised when the dog is working.
• Dark eyes, with two small tan spots above them that give the breed its nickname "Vieräugl" ("four-eyes").

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound combines stamina, intelligence and an excellent nose, making it a fine partner for hunters.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is clever and responsive, which makes it fairly easy to train in basic commands and hunting work. As a working breed, it needs a calm, consistent approach to keep its attention.

Tips for effective training

• Early socialisation - Socialisation should start as early as possible to prevent shyness and to help it live calmly with other animals.
• Reward-based training - It responds very well to positive methods such as food, praise and play.
• Managing the nose - With its excellent sense of smell and hunting instinct, it should learn a reliable recall ("come") and be walked on a lead or in secure areas.
• Short, varied sessions - It gets bored with repetitive exercises, so scent games and tracking trails work well.
• No harsh punishments - It is sensitive, and harsh corrections can make it anxious and unwilling to cooperate.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound learns quickly, but it needs structured, consistent training to stay balanced.

As a very active hunting dog, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Recommendations for a balanced lifestyle

• Not ideal for apartments - As a hunting dog, it needs space and access to open country.
• Good for active owners - It suits people who enjoy hiking, running or other outdoor activities, and especially hunters.
• Needs company - If left alone for long periods, it may become destructive or anxious.
• A secure fence is needed - Its tracking instinct is strong, so it should be kept in a safe, fenced area.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is happiest when it can use its natural tracking skills.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is easy to groom, but owners should watch for problems such as hip dysplasia and ear infections.

Fur and skin care

• Weekly brushing - The short coat needs little care, but brushing keeps the skin healthy.
• Baths when needed - It usually needs washing only after muddy outings.
• Ear checks - Hanging ears can trap moisture and dirt and lead to ear infections.

Common health problems

Other aspects of care

• Regular veterinary checks - Important for monitoring the joints and general health.
• Dental care - Getting the dog used to tooth brushing helps prevent gum problems.
• Healthy weight - Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and joint problems.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an active dog that needs a balanced diet with good-quality protein to support its energy and muscles.

Recommendations for a healthy diet

Choose a complete, balanced diet for the dog’s age, size and health. Plan home-prepared diets and supplements with a qualified veterinarian. Good protein sources in complete dog foods include chicken, fish and turkey.

Forbidden foods

Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and xylitol - toxic to dogs. / Cooked bones - can splinter and cause intestinal blockage. / Fatty and processed foods - can cause digestive problems. / One large meal a day - increases the risk of bloat and digestive problems.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound should be fed properly to support its active life, with portions adjusted to its activity.

Breeding can involve health risks. Appropriate screening and veterinary advice are necessary.

Physical and emotional maturity

• Physical maturity: It grows quickly and reaches adult size at about 12-16 months, but continues to fill out until about 2 years.
• Emotional maturity: It usually becomes calmer, more focused and less impulsive at about 2-3 years.

Mating and Gestation

• Breeding decisions - A veterinarian should assess health, maturity and relevant screening. A fixed age alone does not establish that a dog should be bred.
• Duration of gestation: Approximately 58-68 days, usually about 63 days.
• Average number of puppies: Usually about 4-8 puppies.

Puppy care

• The first 3 weeks: Puppies stay with their mother and need warmth and milk, which gives them antibodies and nutrients.
• Between 4-8 weeks: They begin to eat solid food and develop their first social skills.
• Moving to a new home - Timing depends on health, development and local requirements. Continue careful socialisation and veterinary care.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs careful raising and responsible breeding to keep both its health and its working ability.

• "Four-eyes" - The tan spots above its eyes earned it the Austrian nickname "Vieräugl".
• "Brandl" - Its German name comes from the fiery tan ("Brand") markings on its black coat.
• A great nose - Thanks to its excellent sense of smell, it can follow scent trails over long distances and in difficult conditions.
• A clear voice - During the hunt, it gives tongue (barks) while following the trail, so hunters know where it is.
• A mountain worker - It can work for hours on steep, rough ground in the Alps.
• Rare abroad - Although valued by Austrian hunters, it is little known outside Austria and neighbouring countries.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is not famous worldwide, but it is an important part of Austria's hunting tradition.

Austrian Black and Tan Hound in Media

• Hunting publications - The breed appears mainly in German-language books and magazines about hounds and hunting.