There are countless dog breeds in the world. Each breed is characterized by its own appearance and individual personality. Some breeds are very popular, such as the Labrador and the Golden Retriever. But the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is also a great breed. Have you ever heard of this breed? Are you interested in it and considering bringing a Austrian Black and Tan Hound into your home? Then you will find all the necessary information about this special breed here.

History of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound, also known as the Brandlbracke, has a history that dates back thousands of years. Back then, they helped humans hunt and track down wild animals. At that time, they were also called bloodhounds. An ancestor of the Brandlbracke is the Celtic hound.

At some point, it was decided to breed them deliberately. They are considered an Austrian breed because their breed characteristics were established there in 1883. From there, they spread to many European countries. The Brandlbracke is still considered one of the lesser-known dog breeds, but this is by no means due to the dog itself. More and more people are recognizing the great qualities of the breed, and the numbers of Brandlbracke puppies born and sold are steadily increasing.

Character and Temperament

When getting a dog, it’s not the appearance but the temperament of the dog that should come first. This way, you can quickly determine if a particular breed fits you and your lifestyle. If you have a family with children, you need to ask yourself: Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a family dog? The answer is yes, the Brandlbracke is perfect as a family dog. They are considered very child-friendly. It’s especially uncomplicated if you buy a puppy and they grow up directly with the children.

Since the Brandlbracke was used as a hunting dog in the past, it still needs a lot of exercise and activity today. It is a very intelligent breed that wants to use and improve its abilities. So, it is suitable for active families who like to spend a lot of time with their four-legged friend. Additionally, the Brandlbracke is affectionate and cuddly, and it desires a lot of attention from its owners.

Appearance of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Brandlbracke is a medium-sized dog. But what does it actually look like? The breed is characterized by its black-brown fur color, similar to that of Rottweilers and Dobermans. However, the brown part of the Brandlbracke is very limited and confined to the paws and muzzle. Some dogs have what is called a Bracken star, a white coloration on the chest.

Acquiring a Austrian Black and Tan Hound

If you want to acquire a Brandlbracke, you need to be aware of one thing: The dog is best suited to a large house in a rural environment. Since it needs a lot of space to run around, an apartment in the city is usually not sufficient. A popular activity you can engage in with the Brandlbracke is “brackieren,” from which the breed also gets its name. But what does brackieren mean? Brackieren refers to the driving hunt for hares. The dog is the so-called “bracke” and chases after the hare. Such an activity is rather difficult to carry out in the city.

So, before acquiring a Brandlbracke, you should ask yourself if your home is the right fit for this breed. Additionally, before acquiring, you need to prepare some things such as food bowls, toys, and a sleeping basket.

What to Consider When Buying?

When buying, it’s important to find a good breeder. There aren’t too many breeders who specialize in the Austrian Black and Tan Hound. It’s best to search the internet for addresses and exchange ideas with other dog owners. They will surely be happy to share their experiences and give you recommendations for trustworthy Brandlbracke breeders.

Furthermore, you should visit the puppies of a breeder several times until you make a decision. Not every dog will be the right fit for you, and to ensure long-term, peaceful, and loving coexistence, the right dog for you must be found. Discuss this with the breeder and compare the respective prices with those of other breeders. How much does a Brandlbracke cost? The Brandlbracke costs about $1000 to $1200 when buying from recognized and professional breeders.

Puppy Development and Training

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound puppies are ready to be given to a new owner after a few weeks. To get your puppy used to you and your home, you should plan a few free days to take care of him. In general, Brandlbracke puppies quickly adapt to the new environment and eagerly explore it. From the beginning, you should show them their sleeping place and try to housebreak them.

Brandlbrackes grow up quickly and become more adventurous. So, you can start training them right away and teach the puppies simple commands. The bigger the dogs get, the more exercise you should provide for them.

How to Care for a Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

Daily play and cuddle sessions, which strengthen the bond between human and animal, are very important in care. Furthermore, you should regularly practice and repeat commands so that the dog doesn’t forget them and you remain a team. However, you must not forget that the Brandlbracke is very clever. She doesn’t always need a command but prefers to solve problems herself.

During walks, you should pay attention to where you let your dog off the leash and where not. On the street, you should keep the Austrian Black and Tan Hound close to you. If you let her off the leash, she has her own mind and will chase animals and scents.

Activities with the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

As mentioned earlier, the Brandlbracke loves to move freely in nature. Long walks through the woods or fields should be scheduled daily. Here she can pursue her hunting instincts, bracken, and discover various scents. It’s best to always have a ball with you so you can practice retrieving. Moreover, your dog will learn to listen to you and follow commands.

In addition, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound should always be stimulated. You can achieve this through small games or by attending a dog school. Here your four-legged friend can really let off steam and interact with other dogs.

Health and Grooming

The care of the Brandlbracke is quite uncomplicated since it has short fur that doesn’t need to be combed or trimmed regularly. However, an occasional bath should be scheduled, especially after a long walk where your dog may have played in the mud, for example. Be sure to use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Additionally, you should regularly check the fur for ticks and other pests during the summer months. Pay attention to the paws as well. It’s not uncommon for a dog to step on a thorn or a splinter.

A very important aspect of keeping a Brandlbracke is maintaining a healthy diet. Since the dog is very playful and covers many kilometers daily, it requires plenty of nutrients and vitamins. It should also be provided with proteins and healthy fats. There is high-quality dog food available that is specially tailored to the needs of the dog. If you want to know exactly what your dog is being fed, you can also cook for him yourself.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Finally, here are some important facts about the Austrian Black and Tan Hound. You might wonder: How old can a Brandlbracke actually get? A healthy dog of this breed typically lives to be about 12 to 14 years old. However, lifestyle and diet play a significant role here. Unfortunately, it can always happen that a dog becomes ill and passes away prematurely.

Also interesting is the question: How much does a Brandlbracke weigh? Since it is a medium-sized dog, it is not too heavy. Typically, it can weigh between 16 and 19 kilograms. Gender plays a decisive role here.

One last fascinating fact is that it is often called “Vieräugl” (four-eyed). This name comes from the fact that the breed has two brown dots above its eyes.

Summary of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Now you should have a good overview of the Brandlbracke. It is a breed that is well suited for hunters and families living in large houses in rural areas. It is clear that you will need to invest some time and effort into the training and well-being of the dog. In return, you will receive a loving and loyal friend with whom you can go through thick and thin.