Barak
Bosnian Coarse Haired Hound, Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic, Illyrian Hound
The Barak is a scenthound that was originated in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was developed to hunt boar, fox, and hare.
Originally known as the Illerian Hound, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale changed it to the Bosnian Broken Haired Hound (Barak) in 1973. The name Barak is used more commonly in the English speaking world, which is Turkish for “rough coated dog”.
Barak Standards
- 18-22"
- 35-53 lbs
- medium-sized scenthound
- ears are pendulous, medium in length
- tail is long and carried with a slight curve
- coat is long, shaggy, and tousled
- black
- grey
- reddish yellow
- wheaten
- may be bi or tricolor
History of the Barak
Hailing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Barak was created in the 19th century from a mixture of unknown ancestors. It is believed that local hounds were crossed with Italian gundogs. Due to their coat, it is likely the Spinone Italiano was used during its creation.
The Bosnian Civil War almost destroyed the Barak in the 1990s, but it managed to survive in small numbers. Although it has escaped extinction the breed was never well-known outside its homeland and it remains rare today.