Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Austrian Black and Tan Hound seems like a big dog name. But just like their unique name, these dogs also have unique personalities. If you love going on mountainous journeys or regular fun hiking trips, these fur buddies are the best for you.

Are you intrigued to discover what these dogs would look like in your family? Don’t worry; we are here to answer all your questions regarding the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.

Overview

Origin of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound does not have a well-recorded history. Some claims are that they are ancient and originate from the early Celtic Hound dogs (article). Others suggest that they were developed by the monks of St. Hubert’s monastery over a thousand years ago. Another possibility is that the Austrian Black and Tan Hound results from breeding German breeds, such as the German Pinscher and the Hanover Hound, over several centuries.

This breed was first noticed in 1884. But as we stated, these dogs have existed for at least a few centuries before this. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound was bred to hunt at high altitudes. They are mostly used to track rabbits and hares, though they can also track down larger prey, such as deer. These dogs work in small packs and are accompanied by hunters on foot.

Appearance of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized dog breed. These dogs are well known for their distinct visuals, such as:

1. Body structure

They have a robust and compact body and deep chest. Their back is straight and slightly arched around the loin area, while the tail lies high and tapers at the end. The legs of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound are muscular and straight, which provide them enough stamina to engage in rigorous hunting. 

2. Facial features

These dogs have a well-proportioned head with a broad skull. Their ears are long and droopy, and their eyes are dark brown and sparkly. The Austrian Black and Tan Hound’s snout is straight and narrows slightly at the end. Their muscular, medium-length neck also provides them with a powerful aura. 

3. Coat appearance

Their coat is dense, short, shiny, and close to the skin. It is usually black and has unique tan markings, typically more around the eyes, nose, chest, eyebrows, etc.

Now that we know what they look like, let us discuss what personality you will have to deal with as their handler.

Personality and Temperament

Even though these fur babies are a hunting breed, they make amazing besties! Here’s why:

1. Loyal and devoted

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is just one of the most loyal breeds. They bond deeply with their hooman families and always wish to fulfill their handler’s wishes.

2. Highly alert and independent

Hunting in rugged terrains requires plenty of independent decision-making and attention. These dogs are always on high alert. They have a strong sense of smell, which helps them detect threats easily. These traits also make them amazing watchdogs.

3. Pretty friendly

Even though early socialization is crucial, once trained these dogs are one of the best companions to play around with. They do well with children and other pets. 

These dogs are inexhaustible and can play for hours. Since, they are vocal dogs, you’ll always have someone to sing along with!

Beige Flags to Look Out For

Like most dogs, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound has some not-so-necessarily positive traits:

1. Overly independent

These dogs prefer prioritizing their own decisions since that helped them hunt freely in the olden days. This personality trait can make them stubborn and hard to train. You must train them from an early age to avoid behavioral issues.

2. Highly curious

The Austrian Black and Tan hound is always brimming with curiosity. They were bred to be alert and attentive. So, they get easily distracted by slight movements and scent changes.

3. Strong prey drive

These dogs have a strong hunting instinct. If not trained properly, these dogs can become dangerous to smaller creatures.

Exercise and Training Needs

As mentioned above, Austrian Black and Tan Hounds were bred for hunting, which required them to be highly agile and physically active. 

1. Regular exercises

Even though they are relatively easy to train, these dogs require daily exercise for mental and physical stimulation. You can get them their needed physical activities by jogging with them, hiking, or playing fetch. Regular walks prove to be highly beneficial for them.

2. Let them explore

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are curious and have a strong sense of smell. Providing them opportunities to sniff, search, or work for rewards can help them stay active. This will also keep their wild hunting skills alive.

Play time should include challenging activities like tug of war, swimming, etc. This will help build trust between you and your pooch while stimulating their bodily functions.

3. Mental stimulation

As for mental stimulation, you should incorporate treat puzzles in their playtime. This will help them search for food and slow down while eating, which is excellent for digestive issues. 

4. Obedience training

To train them, you should start obedience training from an early age. Austrian Black and Tan hounds are independent decision-makers, which can make them stubborn.

Paw-sitive reinforcement and slight strictness can help prevent behavioral issues. Always set clear boundaries with them. 

Grooming Needs of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are low maintenance as they have short, dense coat. However, they do need basic hygiene care and grooming. 

1. Brush their coat

Their coat lies close to the body, and it’s very easy to take care of. You must brush them once or twice weekly with a bristle or rubber curry brush. This makes them paw-fect if you have a busy lifestyle or cannot find a pet groomer nearby.

2. Keep nails trimmed

The Austrian Hound should only be bathed if it gets dirty or smelly. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, as long nails can cause injuries and impact their movement.

3. Clean their ears

Since their ears are long and droopy, they trap in a lot of moisture and dirt. Clean them with wet wipes to keep them dry and free of foreign particles. 

Are Austrian Black and Tan Hounds Hypoallergenic?

Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are not considered hypoallergenic. Since they shed moderately throughout the year, their fur contains allergens such as dander and saliva. These are common allergens in humans.

We always advise that if you plan to get a certain breed, you should spend time with similar breeds to look out for allergic reactions. 

Conclusion

The Austrian Hound is one of the best canine companions for any adventurous dog lover. They are playful, energetic, and can adapt to various different lifestyles. 

If you are a new parent, these dogs can still be comparatively easier to train as they are very smart and quickly learn new tricks and techniques. They are great for your little kids to play as well. Obedience training at an early age helps throughout their entire life. Let them know your boundaries and who they are supposed to protect. And you are good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions