Styrian Coarse-haired HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound (Steirische Rauhhaarbracke) is a medium-sized Austrian hound, red or fawn, with a coarse coat and a moustache, created for hunting on difficult mountain terrain. The FCI standard says it not only hunts giving tongue but often tracks wounded game, and describes it as a keen, tough hunting dog that gives tongue constantly on the trail, a steady and determined tracker, with a serious, but not mean, expression.
Quick facts
| Common name | Styrian Coarse-haired Hound (Steirische Rauhhaarbracke) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Austria |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 31 August 1954 (group 6, scent hounds; standard no. 62) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 47–53 cm at the withers; 15–18 kg according to Wikipedia |
| Size (females) | 45–51 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Coarse, without sheen, not shaggy, with a moustache |
| Common colours | Red and fawn, with or without a white mark on the chest |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Keen, tough, tenacious, serious |
| Tendency to aggression | Low; serious, but not mean |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; poor with small animals |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that Carl Peintinger, an industrialist from Styria, began breeding the breed in 1870 by crossing a Hanoverian Hound bitch, “Hela 1”, with a coarse-haired Istrian Hound male that stood out for its hunting qualities and appearance. The best puppies were raised and selection continued from them.
The coarse coat made them resistant to bad weather. Wikipedia says the breed copes well with extreme temperatures and is bred for hunting wild boar in mountainous terrain.
How the breed developed
- 1870 – Carl Peintinger begins breeding the breed.
- 31 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 1995 – The current FCI standard.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a medium-sized dog with strong muscles and a serious, but not mean, expression. Wikipedia says it is one of the large Austrian hounds.
General appearance
The coat is coarse, not shaggy, without sheen, hard and thick. On the head it is shorter than on the body and forms a moustache.
| Feature | Styrian Coarse-haired Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 47–53 cm; females: 45–51 cm |
| Weight | 15–18 kg (Wikipedia) |
| Coat | Coarse, with a moustache |
| Colour | Red, fawn |
| Type | Mountain hound |
The standard accepts red and fawn. A white mark on the chest is permitted.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as a keen, tough hunting dog that gives tongue constantly on the trail, a steady and determined tracker.
It is a working dog, suited mainly to hunters. Like any hound, it needs a lot of patience with the recall.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a scent, it forgets about you.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Give it work. It enjoys tracking wounded game.
- Think of the neighbours. It barks on a scent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a hardy, tough mountain hound that needs plenty of exercise and nose work every day.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks over varied terrain | daily | Stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- Check the ears often.
- It copes well with cold.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The coarse coat is brushed once a week; the moustache is cleaned after meals. The ears are checked regularly, especially after hunting.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any active hound, worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears | Head shaking, bad smell |
| Hunting injuries | Wild boar and the terrain can injure dogs | Cuts, limping |
Other care
- Check it for wounds after hunting.
- Check for ticks after outings.
- Clean the ears regularly.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food, adapted to its level of effort.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 16.5 kg | 920 kcal | 1,030 kcal | 230–290 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Created by an industrialist. Carl Peintinger started the breed in 1870.
- Two famous parents. A Hanoverian Hound and a coarse-haired Istrian Hound.
- Resistant to bad weather. Its coarse coat protects it.
- A moustache. The hair on its head forms a moustache.
- For wounded game. It often works tracking wounded game.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the breed?
Carl Peintinger, from 1870.
What colour is it?
Red or fawn.
How big does it get?
Males measure 47–53 cm, females 45–51 cm.
Is it a family dog?
It is mainly a hunting dog.
