You love hunting dogs? Great. You have a thing for quite rare dog breeds? That’s great. Because the Tyrolean Hound is a true hunting dog that never wants to do anything else in its life. If the forest and the work in the hunt are an integral part of her life, she is doing well, she feels good. She loves people and is always eager to work independently with them – hunting, of course.
So you are really looking for the exceptional hunting dog? A hunting dog that can adapt to its owner, but knows the territory almost better than its owner? Then the Tyrolean Hound might really be the perfect dog for you.
Character of the Tyrolean Hound
This dog is wide awake in the truest sense of the word. He is always fully alert, no matter what is going on. But nervousness is a foreign word to him. The Tyrolean Hound is even-tempered, calm, deliberate and very gentle. However, this changes abruptly when a scent catches its nose. Fortunately, the dog is very easy to train, as it is her special concern to please her master / mistress. If necessary, she is also able to finish a task on her own without needing further friendly announcements from the owner. The friendly address of the dog is important, as this dog does not tend to react at all to the usual command tone.
As a hunting dog, the Tyrolean Hound is mainly used for tracking and tracking work. Once it has picked up the scent, it takes up its task eagerly, independently and sometimes very loudly and does not rest until it has done so. She is very ambitious in this respect.
Assuming that the Tyrolean Hound is expertly led and is kept busy, this dog can be wonderfully integrated into the family, for it loves people, especially children.
The historical background of the Tyrolean Hound
In 1860, systematic and professional breeding began. But the history of the Tyrolean Hound probably goes back extremely far into history. For the hunters in the mountains have always had dogs at their side that were able to cope with the special demands of the high mountains.
What it has in common with all other Hound is that its origin goes back to very old dog breeds. Over the centuries, these have been bred further and further in relation to the demands placed on them.
Cross-breeding has not been uncommon, as in any breed. Because of its long tradition, it is often called the Celtic Roller, as it is believed to have originated in the realm of the Celts.
So one can say with a clear conscience that this type of dog has been at man’s side for more than 1,000 years. No wonder, since the people of that time were dependent on hunting success. For example, a legal text more than 1,000 years old proves that a sweat dog was worth more than a full-grown, noble horse.
Certainly, breeding was controlled from 1860 onwards. But regionally different crossbreeding started, so that among others the Austrian Black and Tan Hound and also the Hound were created. They are listed as independent breeds by the FCI. The Tyrolean Hound was recognised by the FCI in 1954. Since then, breeding has been carried out under strictly controlled conditions in order to maintain the high standard of the breed. Every year between 50 and 90 puppies are born at the organised breeders.
The colours of the Tyrolean Hound
The coat of the Tyrolean Hound is very short. It is called stick coat and has a protective undercoat. Therefore, grooming is really easy. Usually stroking the dog is enough and is grooming and cleaning the coarse at the same time.
The Tyrolean Hound has a red or black-red coat. According to the standard, the tricolour pattern is also acceptable.
What are the requirements of the Tyrolean Hound?
The Tyrolean Hound belongs to those dogs that need their work in order to feel comfortable. For the Tyrolean Hound this means that it needs hunting and also demands it vehemently. For this reason, these dogs are exclusively given to hunters.
This dog was born to work, to cooperate with humans. This is his job and he wants to do it every day with flying colours! No more and no less.
If you disregard this elementary requirement on the part of the dog, he is absolutely undemanding and submits to the circumstances. It is best for him to live in close contact with his hunting reference person.
It is fine for the dog if there are other people and dogs in the household. Whether other animals can be accepted depends on how the animal experienced the first months of life and how it was raised later. In principle, there is nothing to be said against other animals in the household if the Tyrolean Hound has been accustomed to them.
This dog demands a life in the fresh air, outdoors. Nevertheless, one should not think of keeping him in a kennel. The connection to the human being, to his family, must always be guaranteed. Children are no problem either, as the dog is very fond of children and has a thoroughly friendly nature.
Of course, they are marked on their primary handler. But they always stand out among the other hunting dogs with their balanced nature and partner work on the hunt.
In terms of hunting work, the owner should know that this dog prefers partner work. Pack work is not his world. Certainly it needs the guidance of the human. But this does not mean that the Tyrolean Hound wants to wait for any human commands. Commands in the conventional sense are not appropriate. A friendly tone is also desired when working together.
The speciality of the Tyrolean Hound is welding work. For a non-hunter, the idea alone is usually the reason to say goodbye to this dog as a possible new family member.
The Tyrolean Hound is exposed to special demands in its working area, because the mountains in general and the Alps in particular demand a lot: Sharp stones line the way. Sometimes it is necessary for the dog to climb. Storms, driving snow, blizzards and sudden weather changes of all kinds are just some of the demands the dog must be able to cope with. They need an excellent sense of direction, even in regions where their handler’s internet- or satellite-controlled satnav fails.
No wonder that Tyrolean Hound are subjected to severe tests. Only the best of the best continue to be bred in order to be able to maintain the high requirement profile.
The Tyrolean Hound and its health
The Tyrolean Hound is one of the dog breeds that is bursting with health. This applies to everyday life as well as to hereditary diseases, of which none are known.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Tyrolean Hound
This dog is the perfect companion for the hunter. It can, in cooperation with the hunter, deliver perfect hunting work. It is particularly well suited for tracking and tracking work. Certainly he can also run with the pack. However, the Tyrolean Hound does not like this work so much. It prefers the responsible, in its eyes important work to be done on a hunt.
Unfortunately, or to the advantage of the hunters among us, it is actually designed in such a way that the Tyrolean Hound needs the hunting work in order to feel comfortable. One could also say that this work is their purpose in life.
She fits perfectly into the family, loves the children of the house very much and does not want to be without her humans. But neither would she want to be without her genetically determined work / task. So it is not surprising that breeders have taken to giving this wonderful dog exclusively to hunters who are aware of this responsibility and requirement of the dog and can meet them.
The perfect person for a Tyrolean Hound
- is a hunter and sees in the Tyrolean Hound a perfect hunting assistant
- owns a house with a garden, preferably on the edge of the forest or at least in the countryside
- knows how to give the dog orders without making them sound like orders.
- is happy about his dog’s strong relationship to humans, as this allows him to integrate him perfectly into the family
- resists kennels and would never leave his dog outside for the night.
- is well aware of the responsibility of owning an independent hunting dog
- is outdoors all day, just like his dog, in order to do his daily work, whereby the dog does not leave his side.
First equipment for the Tyrolean Hound
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, in addition possibly a drag leash
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Long hair brush
- Undercoat brush
- Dog comb / lice comb
- possibly clippers (but these should only be used if you really know how to use them).
- Dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the Tyrolean Hound
In this respect, the Tyrolean Hound is completely undemanding. When buying, always look for good quality. There is almost nothing more you can do for the dog. If it is possible for you, natural feeding, i.e. BARFING, is a very good option to keep this dog full.
FAQ
How much does a Tyrolean Hound cost?
The price of a Tyrolean Hound is around 1,000 pounds. A small BUT follows: When buying, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. A breeder who is registered with the VDH and who follows the VDH standard in breeding. There are still too many cheap sellers on the market. They often breed on the edge of legality or already in the area of illegality.
Such breeding is always done at the expense of the breeding bitches and the health of all animals involved, including the puppies. It goes without saying that this type of breeding is not to be supported under any circumstances. However, due to the small number of breeders, this should not be a problem.
Where does the Tyrolean Hound come from?
The origin of the Tyrolean Hound can be found in the Austrian Alps. It has been successfully and systematically bred there since 1860.
How old does the Tyrolean Hound become?
The average age of the Tyrolean Hound is 12 years.
How big and heavy is the Tyrolean Hound?
The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized dog. The males have a height at the withers of 44 to 50 centimetres. The bitches are slightly smaller with a height at the withers of 42 to 48 centimetres.
No weight requirements have been set by the standard. As a hunting dog, however, this animal is well trained and muscular. The weight is therefore appropriate to the breed as well as to its task.
How many puppies does the Tyrolean Hound have?
The Tyrolean Hound gives birth to an average of 6 puppies per litter.
Is the Tyrolean Hound a hunting dog?
The Tyrolean Hound has been classified in group 6 FCI. Here we find the Schweisshund, Laufhund and similar breeds. The Tyrolean Hound itself belongs to the bloodhounds and therefore has the task of a hunting dog. Hunting and searching as well as tracking belong to their specialities. It was born for tracking. Moreover, as a hunting dog of the Austrian Alps, it is particularly well suited to the conditions of the mountains. No wonder, since she was bred for centuries for use in this region.
Is the Tyrolean Hound a family dog?
The Tyrolean Hound is very affectionate towards humans. This is true for all human family members of their pack. Therefore, it is not unusual for her to integrate perfectly into the family.
As this dog is easy to train, it should not be a problem to teach it the necessary lessons to enable it to live within the family. However, in addition to good basic training, sufficient exercise is also necessary. Only if this is given can a calm family life be achieved.
If the Tyrolean Hound is not fully exercised, it can develop unattractive characteristics such as constant barking or behavioural disorders. But even this should not become a problem, as various dog sports are quite suitable for the Tiroler Bracke.
And anyone who takes care of the animal’s personal training every day, takes long walks with her and also knows how to keep her busy and, above all, exercise her in other ways, will have a lot of fun with this dog.
Can the Tyrolean Hound be kept in a (city) flat?
A clear NO! The Tyrolean Hound is a dog with a great urge to move. No matter how you would try to manage it – in the city this dog is not in the right place and cannot fulfil its hunting and movement urge.
The bustle, the many people and the confinement might be something the Tyrolean Hounds would be able to put away well. But there are simply not enough options to do justice to this dog. He needs a garden, if possible quite large, and the option of being able to go into the forest with his master / mistress at any time to work with him there. Hunting is an elementary part of his life that must not be neglected.
Conclusion
A wonderful dog with a long history. This dog is a phenomenon, a specialist. However, due to his breeding, he is indeed a dog for the special – in this case a dog exclusively reserved for professional hunters. Only they are able to do justice to the nature of the animal. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to keep up with the news from the Tyrolean Hound camp.
