# Bulgarian Hound

Also known as: Balgarski Barak, Bulgarian Barak
- **Group:** Scent Hound (FCI group 6)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Bulgaria
- **Temperament:** Hardy, Tenacious, Loyal, Energetic

A medium-sized, coarse-coated scent hound from Bulgaria, the country's only long-haired hound, usually coloured in warm yellow-rufous shades and prized as a rugged hunting companion.

## Overview

The Bulgarian Hound, or Barak, is a scent hound that is common in northern, northwestern and central Bulgaria. It is the only long-haired hound breed of the region.

It is recognised by the Bulgarian national kennel federation but not by the FCI.

## History

The Barak belongs to the lineage of long-haired hounds first described by F. Laszka in 1905. Its nearest relative is the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer.

A 2020 mitochondrial DNA study found that a Bronze Age dog from Italy, about 3,300 to 3,600 years old, shared a haplotype with the Bulgarian Hound, hinting at very old roots.

## Appearance

A balanced, strong hound of medium height with a rectangular outline. The coat is coarse and comes in shades of yellow-rufous, straw yellow or dark rufous.

The colour may be solid or mixed with grey or black-grey along the middle of the body, and a few white spots are accepted in certain places.

## Temperament

A tireless, determined hunting dog that is usually devoted to its handler. Like most scent hounds it is independent and driven by its nose.

## Care and exercise

It needs lots of exercise and a job to do, plus a secure yard. The coarse coat benefits from regular brushing and a check for burrs after outings.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 4
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/bulgarian-hound
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_Hound · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2503464
Photo: BG Macedonia (Public domain), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bulgarian_barak.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.