Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Artois HoundBasset Artesien Normand

Austrian Black and Tan Hound – General Description

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a breed of dog originating in Austria. It is thought to be the true descendant of the original Celtic Hound, although there is no known history of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound until after the middle of the 19th century. This large sized hound was used for tracking wounded game, most commonly hare, in high altitudes.[1]

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Classification and Standards

• FCI Group 6, Section 1.2, #63
• UKC Scenthounds

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Character & Temperament

It has a keen sense of smell. Its an elegant runner, used in all sorts of game. It has a lovely voice, and makes an great pet due to its good-natured personality. It is not a dog wanting to be in a city. A suitable home will be in a rural area where the dog will have lots of space to run unrestricted by a leash. It loves to work.[3]

These dogs are agreeable, affectionate, intelligent, and are very lovable. They can be friendly and they get along well with children. These dogs are not dominant and can get along well with other animals if socialized with them at an early age. Being scenthounds, though, these dogs may have the tendency to chase small animals. Even in tough conditions, these dogs are hardworking, and they can adapt well to various climates.

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History

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound was developed in Austria. These hounds are of the same general type as the German hounds, and they are even similar in appearance. Austian Black and Tan Hounds are great trackers and hunters of game, which are mostly hare found in high altitudes in the mountains of Austria. This breed is a direct descendant of the Keltenbracke, which is an old Celtic hound. Like many other old dog breeds, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound has no clear authentic history, although its existence has been traced back to the middle of the 19th century.

Dogs of this breed are said to be closely related to the Belgian St. Hubert and the Jura Hounds found in Switzerland. In Austria, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is known as the Brandlbracke, meaning fire. This breed gained recognition as a distinct type in 1884. These dogs live with hunters who use them for their trailing and scenting ability. Although these dogs are getting to be more popular in Austria, it’s rarely seen outside its homeland.

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Size & Appearance

Coloring in this breed is highly important; they must be black with small, clearly defined, light to dark fawn markings. Two fawn marks above the eyes must be present. The coat is smooth, dense and short about 3/4 in (2cm) in length. The long tail is slightly bent and the ears are medium in length and lie flat with rounded tips.

Height ranges from 19 to 22 in (48 to 56 cm). Average weight is 44 lbs (20 kg).[2]

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Health & Maintenance

It needs daily exercise. The breed will only require a once-a-week brushing and only bathing when necessary. Nails need to be trimmed regularly and ears need to be cleaned every day to avoid ear infections.

There are no genetic diseases known to affect the breed, and are fairly healthy, and live up to 12 to 14 years of age.[4]

References

1. http://www.snautz.de/hunde/hunderassen/brandlbracke.html/
2. http://www.snautz.de/hunde/hunderassen/brandlbracke.html/
3. http://www.snautz.de/hunde/hunderassen/brandlbracke.html/
4. http://www.snautz.de/hunde/hunderassen/brandlbracke.html/

Photo Credits

1. Steffen Heinz (Caronna) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Steffen Heinz (Caronna) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
3. FCI Breed Standard

This article is licensed (except where noted) under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
It uses material from the Wikipedia article Austrian Black & Tan Hound

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Breed Standard

Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke, Vieräugl)

FCI-Standard N° 63/18.06.1996 / GB

ORIGIN: Austria.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : October 10, 1995.

UTILIZATION:

The Black and Tan Austrian Hound is an universally popular hunting dog on account of its special suitability for heavy work on high mountains as well as on flat country for hunting by giving tongue and for the tracking of wounded game.

F.C.I. CLASSIFICATION :

• Group 6 Scenthounds and related breeds.
• Section 1.2 Medium size Scenthounds.

With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY :

The Black and Tan Austrian Hound (Brandlbracke) counts as a true descendant of the “Keltenb racke” (Celtic Hound). As with all breeds of older origin, there is no definite authentic history for the “Brandlbracke” until the middle of the 19th century. The reason for this is that until that date no controlled breeding took place.

GENERAL APPEARANCE :

Medium size. Strong, long cast, supple body.

BEHAVIOR / TEMPERAMENT :

Sensitive nose; giving tongue, above all, for hare; tracking firmly and willingly with agreeable temperament.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull broad. Occiput barely defined.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Leather black.
Muzzle : Strong. Straight nasal bridge.
Lips : Well developed, close fitting, pigmented throughout.
Jaws/Teeth : Strong scissor bite. A complete set with 42 teeth is sought after; the absence of totally two PM1 or PM2 (premolar 1 or 2) is tolerated; the M3 (molar 3) are not taken into account.
Eye : Clear, dark brown, not showing any red in corner of eye.
Leathers : Of medium length, not too broad, set on high, rounded at tips, hanging flatly.

NECK:

Medium length. Very strong. Dewlap not desired.

BODY:

Withers : Well defined.
Back : Long.
Loin : Slightly arched.
Croup : Falling away in slight slope.
Chest : Broad and deep.

TAIL:

Long, tapering gradually, slightly bent. Pendant in repose. Coarse hair on underside, but without an obvious brush.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS:

View of Ensemble: Well developed. Legs straight and strong.
Shoulders : Well laid back, well muscled.

HINDQUARTERS:

View of Ensemble: Well angulated.
Upper thigh. : Slim, moderately developed, long.

FEET:

Strong, round, arched; toes fitting close together. Nails strong and black. Pads large and strong.

GAIT / MOVEMENT :

Ground covering, elegant.

COAT

HAIR:

Smooth hair, close fitting, dense, full, resilient with silky sheen. Length approximately 2 cm.

COLOR:

Black with small, clearly defined light to dark fawn markings. The two fawn markings above the eyes (Vieräugl) must be present.

SIZE:

Height at withers : 48-56 cm.
Dogs 50-56 cm
Bitches 48-54 cm

FAULTS:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

• Skull too narrow.
• Broad muzzle.
• Leathers folded, too pointed, narrow, short.
• Tail too short, too thick. Tail carriage bent too far upwards, lack of coarse hair on underside.
• Weak limbs.
• Shy temperament.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :

• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Under or overshot mouth ; more than two missing premolars 1 or 2.
• Any other color than that stated.
• Lack of well defined fawn markings above eyes (Vieräugl).

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

© Fédération Cynologique Internationale