Austrian Black and Tan Hound
About the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 19-22" |
| Weight | 33-49 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $600-$1,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The story behind the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Scenthounds of bracke type have worked Austrian forests for centuries, and this black-and-tan variety was consolidated as a distinct breed during the 1800s in the mountainous regions of the country. Hunters needed a medium-sized hound with a very cold nose, sound feet and the endurance to follow blood trails of wounded deer, chamois and boar over steep, rocky, heavily wooded ground. Selection emphasised tracking accuracy and working temperament rather than appearance, and the characteristic black coat with tan markings, including the distinct tan spots above the eyes, was fixed. Austrian breed clubs formalised a standard during the twentieth century, and the FCI classifies it among medium-sized scent hounds. It remains a working hunting dog in Austria and neighbouring countries, is rarely kept as a pet, and is seldom encountered further afield.
Originally bred for: Tracking, Hunting. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Austrian Black and Tan Hound
A medium working hound needs a quality adult food scaled to season, with more energy during hunting months and less through quieter periods. Feeding toward a lean, hard, muscular outline supports the joints across long days on steep ground and keeps the dog agile in thick cover.
Watch for: No breed-wide food sensitivity is documented for these Austrian tracking hounds. Working scenthounds scavenge readily, so gut upsets often have outdoor rather than dietary causes, and hanging ears make ear inflammation a separate matter. Any persistent problem warrants a veterinary opinion first.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.