Austrian Black and Tan Hound
An Austrian scenthound bred to track wounded game in mountainous terrain. Friendly and even-tempered, but a focused worker with a strong nose and hound voice.
Austrian Black and Tan Hound scorecard
Overview
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound, known in its homeland as the Brandlbracke or Vieräugl ("four-eyes", a nod to the two tan spots above its eyes), is a medium-sized scenthound from the mountains of Austria. Standing roughly 48–56 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 15–22 kg, it is a lean, athletic working dog built for stamina rather than speed. The coat is short, dense and close-lying, jet black with sharply defined tan markings on the legs, chest, muzzle and over the eyes. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as breed number 63, placed in Group 6 (scenthounds and related breeds), and is classed by the FCI as a medium-sized hound used to track wounded game.
This is very much a specialist's dog rather than a mainstream family pet. The breed remains rare outside central Europe and is not separately recognised by the UK Kennel Club, so reliable UK-specific population, health and longevity data are limited. What can be said with confidence is that the Brandlbracke was developed and is still kept primarily as a working scenthound, and most published descriptions agree it is friendly and even-tempered around people while being a focused, hard-driving worker in the field. Prospective owners in Britain should treat it as a high-drive hunting breed first and a companion second, and plan their home, exercise and training around that reality.
Good to know — a Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound belongs to the old family of central European scenthounds (Bracken) used to follow the blood trail of wounded deer and other game across difficult, often mountainous ground. Hounds of this general type have existed in the Austrian Alps for centuries, and the modern breed was standardised in Austria, where it has long been valued by foresters and hunters for its accurate nose and persistence on a cold or difficult trail.
The FCI lists Austria as the country of origin and places the breed in Group 6, Section 1.2 (medium-sized scenthounds). Unlike many companion breeds, the Brandlbracke has never been widely bred for show or pet homes, which is one reason it stays scarce internationally. Because it is not on the UK Kennel Club's breed register, anyone seeking one in Britain is likely to be importing from a European working line, and should expect a dog bred for function. For the breed's official conformation and working purpose, the FCI breed standard is the primary reference.
Temperament & family fit
Most accounts of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound describe a friendly, balanced and even-tempered dog that bonds closely with its handler and is generally sociable with people and other dogs. It is not typically a guard dog or an aggressive breed; its energies are channelled into scenting and tracking rather than territorial behaviour. Within a settled household it can be calm and affectionate, provided its considerable working drive has an outlet.
The defining trait of the breed is its scent drive. Like other Group 6 hounds, the Brandlbracke is happiest with its nose down on a trail, and once it locks onto an interesting scent it can become single-minded and difficult to recall. It also has a typical hound voice and will bay or give tongue when working or excited, which can carry a long way. These are not faults to be trained out so much as deep instincts to be managed. Households should be realistic that this is a vocal, independent-minded scenthound, not a biddable companion breed, and supervise it carefully around small pets it might instinctively chase.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training an Austrian Black and Tan Hound calls for patience, consistency and a sense of humour. As a working scenthound bred to follow a trail independently of its handler, it is intelligent but not naturally obedient in the way of a herding or gundog breed, and it tends to score low on novice-friendliness. Short, motivating, reward-based sessions work far better than repetition or heavy-handed correction, and early socialisation with people, dogs and everyday situations is important.
The single biggest training challenge is recall. A hound in full scent is, in practical terms, often "deaf" to commands, so most owners rely on secure fencing, long-lines and well-chosen off-lead areas rather than trusting recall in open country. UK welfare charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross recommend positive, force-free methods for all dogs, and that advice fits this breed especially well: build engagement and a strong reward history early, keep the dog's nose busy with scent games, and accept that some hardwired hunting behaviour can be channelled but never fully erased.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Austrian Black and Tan Hound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming needs are minimal. The short, dense, close-lying coat is low-maintenance and largely weatherproof; a weekly brush with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps it healthy, with a little more attention during seasonal moults. Bathe only when genuinely dirty so as not to strip the coat's natural oils. As with any active outdoor dog, check ears regularly for dirt and signs of infection, keep nails trimmed, and follow the routine dental care that the PDSA and Blue Cross recommend, ideally daily tooth brushing, to protect long-term health.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Feed a complete, good-quality dog food appropriate to the dog's age, size and high activity level, following the manufacturer's guide as a starting point and adjusting to keep the dog at a healthy weight. A working hound in regular hard exercise may need more than a pet kept at lighter activity, so portion to the individual rather than the bag. Use a portion of the daily ration for training and scentwork rewards rather than adding extra treats. The PDSA and Blue Cross both stress regular body-condition checks and avoiding obesity, which strains joints and shortens life. Provide constant access to fresh water, especially after exercise.
A medium breed
An adult Austrian Black and Tan Hound typically weighs 15–22 kg, so a healthy Austrian Black and Tan Hound eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Austrian Black and Tan Hound weigh?
Adult 15–22 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.3–3.4 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.8–5.5 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 7.5–11 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 15–22 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Austrian Black and Tan Hound's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
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Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
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Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
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Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
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Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
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Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
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Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
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Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
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Austrian Black and Tan Hound health & costs
Before bringing a Austrian Black and Tan Hound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is generally regarded as a hardy, robust working breed, and it is not associated with the dramatic exaggerations seen in some popular pedigree dogs. However, because it is rare and is not on the UK Kennel Club's register, there is very little published, breed-specific health screening data, and no large UK studies of its lifespan or common conditions. Any health information should therefore be treated as general guidance for an active, medium-sized scenthound rather than as firm breed-specific statistics, and the figures quoted for size and lifespan should be read as typical ranges rather than guarantees.
As with any breed, responsible breeding matters: prospective owners should buy only from breeders who health-test their stock where relevant tests exist, can discuss the health and longevity of their lines honestly, and rear puppies in a home environment. Owners can do a great deal to protect health through preventive care, keeping vaccinations and parasite control up to date, maintaining a lean body condition, providing appropriate exercise, and arranging regular veterinary check-ups, all of which the PDSA, Blue Cross and RSPCA recommend for every dog.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections — drop ears and an active outdoor life mean moisture and debris can collect in the ear canal; regular checking and cleaning helps prevent painful infections.
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint seen across many medium and larger breeds that can cause pain and arthritis; relevant in any athletic working dog, so ask about the parents' joints.
- Obesity — easily avoided but common; excess weight strains joints and reduces both quality and length of life, so monitor body condition closely.
- Injuries and strains — as a hard-working hound covering rough ground, cuts, foot injuries, ticks and muscular strains are practical risks to watch for after exercise.
- Dental disease — plaque and gum disease are common in all dogs without routine dental care; daily tooth brushing is the best prevention.
- Limited breed-specific data — because the breed is rare and not UK Kennel Club recognised, there are no large UK health surveys, so owners should rely on general veterinary screening and good preventive care.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Austrian Black and Tan Hound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Austrian Black and Tan Hound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, even-tempered scenthound
- Hardy and low-grooming
Things to consider
- Strong scent drive affects recall
- Needs plenty of exercise and tends to bay
Compare the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
See how the Austrian Black and Tan Hound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How long do Austrian Black and Tan Hounds live?
The typical lifespan is around 12 to 14 years. As a hardy, functional working scenthound without the dramatic exaggerations seen in some pedigree breeds, it is generally robust. Because the breed is rare and not on the UK Kennel Club register, there are no large UK longevity studies, so this figure should be read as a typical range rather than a guarantee.
How big does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound get?
This is a medium-sized scenthound, standing roughly 48 to 56 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 15 to 22 kg. It is a lean, athletic dog built for stamina rather than speed, with a short, dense, close-lying black coat marked by sharply defined tan points on the legs, chest, muzzle and over the eyes.
What is the temperament of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound like?
Most accounts describe a friendly, even-tempered dog that bonds closely with its handler and is generally sociable with people and other dogs. It is not a guard dog or an aggressive breed. Its defining trait is a powerful scent drive, however, so it can become single-minded on a trail and is vocal, baying when working or excited.
Do Austrian Black and Tan Hounds need a lot of exercise?
Yes. This is an energetic working breed built for long days in the field and needs well over an hour of exercise daily. A mix of long walks, free running in secure areas and, above all, scent-based activity such as tracking and nosework suits it best. Plain walking alone rarely satisfies it, and much free running needs a long-line given its prey drive.
Are Austrian Black and Tan Hounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but bred to follow a trail independently, so they are not naturally obedient and tend to score low on novice-friendliness. Short, motivating, reward-based sessions work best. Recall is the biggest challenge: a hound in full scent is effectively deaf to commands, so most owners rely on secure fencing and long-lines rather than trusting off-lead recall.
How much grooming does the breed need?
Very little. The short, dense, close-lying coat is low-maintenance and largely weatherproof. A weekly brush with a rubber mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair, with extra attention during seasonal moults. Bathe only when genuinely dirty, check ears regularly for infection, keep nails trimmed and brush teeth ideally daily, as UK charities recommend.
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound good with children and other pets?
It is generally friendly with people and other dogs and can be good-natured around children. However, its strong chase instinct means care is needed around cats, small pets and livestock, and it should be supervised with small animals it might instinctively chase. Early socialisation helps it settle confidently into family life.
Is this breed suited to apartment or city living?
No. It suits an active, rural or outdoor-oriented home with space, secure fencing and an owner who enjoys long walks and scentwork. It is poorly suited to apartments, sedentary households or owners who cannot commit to daily exercise. Its tendency to bay also makes it less ideal where neighbours are close.
Are Austrian Black and Tan Hounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Austrian Black and Tan Hounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Austrian Black and Tan Hounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Austrian Black and Tan Hounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Austrian Black and Tan Hounds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Austrian Black and Tan Hounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Austrian Black and Tan Hound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke), breed standard No. 63, Group 6 classification: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- The Kennel Club (UK) — breed standards and breed information (general hound and scenthound guidance; this breed is not separately UK-recognised): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA — dog health, exercise, weight and preventive-care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog care, training and behaviour advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RSPCA — dog welfare and the five welfare needs: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.