Tyrolean Hound
Tiroler Bracke
The Tyrolean Hound is one of three scenthounds from Austria known as the Grand Brackes or 'large hounds'. The other two are the Austrian Black and Tan Hound and the Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound. They were developed specifically for hunting in rough terrain with high altitudes. The Tyrolean Hound is most commonly used to hunt hare and fox, although they also are capable of tracking wounded larger prey such as deer.
Tyrolean Hound Standards
- 16.5-19.5"
- 44 lbs
- medium-sized scenthound
- long ears
- tail is long and set high, brushed is prefered
- double coat is thick with hairy stomach and feathering
- black and tan
- red
- tricolor
- may have white markings
History of the Tyrolean Hound
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The exact origin of the Tyrolean Hound is a mystery. We do know that it is closely intertwined with the other Grand Brackes, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound and the Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound. The root stock of these three breeds have been interbred for centuries, and serious breeding for the Tyrolean Hound as a distinct line did not begin until the 1860s.
Most often it is stated that the Grand Brackes descend from the ancient Celtic Hounds. However, this is more legend than fact. If there is any Celtic blood, it would have been heavily diluted. Most scenthounds throughout Europe have been crossed with each other for centuries. It would be impossible to pinpoint which breeds (or more accurately, types) of dog were used in its creation. The Tyrolean Hound is often credited as being the oldest of the Grand Brackes, but since the same sources list the Celtic ancestry this is far from certain.
Previously the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized a short-legged, almost basset version of the Tyrolean Hound. However, this variety was no longer listed after 1994. Today this breed remains rare outside its homeland where it is still kept primarily for hunting and not often as solely a household pet.
Most often it is stated that the Grand Brackes descend from the ancient Celtic Hounds. However, this is more legend than fact. If there is any Celtic blood, it would have been heavily diluted. Most scenthounds throughout Europe have been crossed with each other for centuries. It would be impossible to pinpoint which breeds (or more accurately, types) of dog were used in its creation. The Tyrolean Hound is often credited as being the oldest of the Grand Brackes, but since the same sources list the Celtic ancestry this is far from certain.
Previously the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized a short-legged, almost basset version of the Tyrolean Hound. However, this variety was no longer listed after 1994. Today this breed remains rare outside its homeland where it is still kept primarily for hunting and not often as solely a household pet.
Is the Tyrolean Hound Right for You?
- fairly easy to train
- does best with a yard
- short coat requires little care
- has a moderate activity level
- lives 12-14 years