Many people are familiar with the Brandlbracke from its appearance. No wonder, because this dog remains in one’s memory for a long time due to its noble appearance. However, what most people do not know is that this dog is an absolute specialist. The Bracke shines with versatile abilities in hunting and tracking game in the mountains.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound has many fans. But it should be acquired only if you, as a hunter, have a corresponding possibility of use for it. Because the Brandlbracke is a true workhorse. And only a hunter can live up to this claim.
Character of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a dog that is friendly from the ground up. She likes to learn for her life and very quickly. It is easy for the owner of a Brandlbracke to educate his puppy and later to give him the necessary training to become a hunting dog.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs guidance and demands it. However, it is too boring for it to wait for the commands of the handler first in every situation of hunting. Moreover, it does not make sense for this dog to use the command permanently. From the dog’s point of view, it is an intensive cooperation, not a hierarchical set-up.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound shows a very high level of performance. This entitles the handler to the command, because this level of performance must be kept under control. Without their work in welding and other hunting tasks, the Brandlbracke is simply underutilized.
Everyday life with the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is quite harmonious. She is alert and yet very fond of children. Therefore, children in the house are no problem, as long as the dog is busy with his work. Then the dog shows itself very balanced.
History
The origin of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is in Austria. In earlier years it was also called Keltenbracke, because its roots go back to ancient dog breeds. Certainly, a direct descent from the Celts is not provable today. However, the description of this type of dog has been known for several thousand years.
Then, as now, this breed of dog was used for hunting, especially for welding work. In those days it was essential for people to have such an intelligent and independently working dog at their side. At times, the welding dogs of that time were worth more than a good horse. This can be confirmed by a 1000 year old legal text, the Lex Baiuwariorum.
It can be assumed that over the years cross-breeding was done again and again to improve the potential of the animal. In the 19th century, regional strokes or sweat dogs began to be deliberately crossed in. In addition, the original beat was divided into regional Bracken breeds (see also The Tyrolean Bracke). In a way, they were adapted to the regional conditions or specialized for them.
Even today, great importance is attached to the smooth, shiny coat of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.
Already in the year 1884 the smooth-haired Bracke, as the Brandlbracke is also called, could be registered in the Austrian Dog Breeding Book. The recognition by the FCI took place in 1996.
It may be surprising that the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is rather unknown in Germany. But it is not so rare among hunters as one would think. In Germany the breeding is very professionally organized. It is carried out extremely responsibly.
The “Deutsche Brackenverein e.V.” is responsible for the order and control within the breeding in Germany. Also for the Steirische Rauhhaarbracke the responsibility is taken over. No matter if it is about the questions of breeding, the puppies, the examinations of the breeding animals and of course the training of the dogs, but also of the breeders, this association is the right contact.
About 100 puppies can be registered per year in Germany and another 120 in Austria. If a hunter wants to acquire a Brandlbracke, the interest should be announced in time because of the rather small number of puppies.
The colors of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The coat of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is black with brown markings. Because of the brown spots that sit directly above the eyes, this dog is also often called “Vieräugl”. It is short and therefore easy to groom. The coat of the dog includes a dense undercoat, which warms the dog in winter.
What are the demands of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?
This dog is known as a working animal. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound does not only want to work. It needs this work to be balanced and to be integrated within the family of the dog owner without any problems. Without tracking, this dog is rather calm, thoughtful and gentle. This is also the reason why it gets along with children without any problems.
But it is not enough for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound to do “simple” welding work. She specializes in the mountainous region. If necessary, she can even climb. Whether it’s sharp rocks, the weather changes quickly and thunderstorms, storms or blowing snow are expected, this dog can handle any weather and is always fully operational.
To be used for breeding, it is necessary to pass various working tests. These include, among others, the bracking and welding tests. As said, the breeding of this dog is in regulated and strict tracks.
The health
The Brandlbracke is an all around robust dog. Breed-typical diseases are not known.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The nature of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound cannot be more harmonious. It is a great working animal, which without the work in hunting and in the territory becomes unbalanced and tends to behavioral disorders of various kinds. She excels in the mountainous region and can find the most difficult tracks in any wind and weather. Steep slopes or sharp-edged rocks are no obstacle for her.
The gentle nature of the animal requires that a neutral tone be struck towards it. It is one of those animals that cannot stand the tone of command for a long period of time. Certainly, this dog wants to be led. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily wait for its handler’s command during a work session. A certain amount of independence is necessary for a tracking dog to do its job correctly.
Even if the dog longs for the connection to his family, especially his direct reference person, he always needs a quiet place of retreat. He likes to spend the whole day in the garden, but kenneling is not possible. Incidentally, he needs this access summer and winter. Because he doesn’t care about the weather at all. Nevertheless, it is recommended to provide an isolated kennel. Safe is safe!
The perfect person for a Austrian Black and Tan Hound
- is a full-time hunter
- is the owner of a house with a large garden, preferably in mountainous regions
- is strictly against keeping the dog in a kennel
- integrates the dog into his family in order to ensure the family connection expected from the dog and thus better contact with all people
Buying the puppies of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is sold by the serious breeders exclusively to hunters. In case of legitimate interest, it is most advisable to contact the breeding warden of the German Bracken Association. Since there are only a certain number of puppies per year, one should register in time.
The demand among hunters is quite high. And older animals are given away only extremely rarely. But even in these cases, it can be assumed that there is already a handful of hunters ready to give this dog a new, adequate home.
First equipment
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, additionally possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- soft brush
- comb / lice comb
- dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is completely undemanding when it comes to food. They can come up with any food. However, it is advisable to consult with the breeder, because there the puppies have already been accustomed to a type of food.
In addition, he has had good experience with his breeding line with a particular food, so you can trust his judgment. Of course, you should choose the food that you prefer yourself, whether this is wet food, dry food or barked.
FAQ
How much does a Austrian Black and Tan Hound cost?
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound costs, bought from a reputable breeder organized in the VDH, about 1.200 pounds.
Where does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound come from?
The home of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is in Austria.
How old does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound become?
Provided that there is a species-appropriate attitude, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound can reach an age of 12 years .
What is the size and weight of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound belongs to the medium-sized running dogs. In the males, a height at the withers of 50 centimeters to 56 centimeters can be recorded. The bitches are with 48 centimeters to 54 centimeters insignificantly smaller.
The standard does not specify a weight. Nevertheless, one should pay a little attention to her weight, especially if she is not in full work.
How many puppies does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound have?
The average litter produces 5 to 8 puppies.
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a hunting dog?
Yes, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a hunting dog par excellence! She is considered a highly developed specialist because of her versatility in hunting. Tracking work, however, is its absolute specialty. Searching, hunting and tracking are child’s play for her. Especially in tracking, her goal-oriented work is crucial so that the prey animal does not suffer unnecessarily.
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a family dog?
If we assume the conventional definition of a family dog, this question must be answered in the negative. Certainly, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs a certain family connection. It is unthinkable for them to be kept in pairs. It is their eagerness to work that deprives them of the title of “pure family dog”. Breeders have taken to giving this dog only to hunters to do justice to her nature.
Can the Austrian Black and Tan Hound be kept in a (city) apartment?
One thing must be clear to anyone interested in a Austrian Black and Tan Hound: This dog MUST work! This work is vehemently demanded. Thus, it is completely ruled out as a companion dog in the city and in the countryside. Even long walks in nature, several times a day, cannot help. Neither the city nor an apartment is the right place for this dog. Therefore, this question must be answered with a clear “NO”.
Conclusion
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an elegant dog, with which one can certainly be seen in public. It is an all-rounder in the field of hunting work, which can be used everywhere. But the specialty of the dog is tracking and sweat work.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is loyal to its handler and is actually reluctant to leave him alone. However, she prefers to spend her “off work” time in the garden of the house, no matter if it is summer or winter.
She likes to integrate herself into the family and protects the children when necessary. Should they play together, a watchful eye is useful. However, it is not suitable for the smallest ones. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is issued exclusively to hunters. Their fan club, however, is huge. Rightly so!
