Overview
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is an elegant, medium-sized scenthound used to track wounded game, especially hare, in high mountain country. It is known for its lovely voice and keen nose.
Affectionate and good-natured, it can be a fine companion, but it needs a rural life with space to run and work.
History
Dogs of this type have been bred for hunting in Austria since ancient times, likely descending from Celtic hounds with possible Swiss Jura hound blood.
In 1884 the Austrian dog breeding club was founded and the first registered dog was a black and tan hound called Bergmann. The FCI recognised the breed in 1954 and the United Kennel Club in 2006.
Appearance
A medium-sized hound with a large skull, brown eyes, medium flat ears with rounded tips and a long, slightly bent tail. Males stand 50 to 56 cm and females 48 to 54 cm, weighing 15 to 22 kg.
The coat is short, dense and smooth, black with tan or fawn markings. Two tan spots above the eyes are essential.
Temperament
An elegant, tireless runner with a fine voice, yet loving and good-natured with its family. It loves to work and thrives on activity.
Care and exercise
This is not a city dog. It needs a rural home with lots of space and plenty of daily exercise, ideally off leash in safe areas or with real hunting work.
The short coat needs only occasional brushing, plus routine ear and nail care.
Health
No breed-specific genetic diseases are known and the breed is generally healthy, living about 12 to 14 years.
