Overview
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound, or Steirische Rauhhaarbracke, is a medium-sized scenthound from Styria in Austria. It is bred to hunt boar and to track wounded game over rough, high ground.
It is the rough-coated member of the large Austrian Bracke family and is tolerant of extreme temperatures.
History
Karl Peintinger, a Styrian industrialist, created the breed in the 1870s by crossing a Hanoverian-type scenthound bitch with an Istrian Hound, then selecting for a hardy, rough-coated hunter. This is why it is also called the Peintinger Bracke.
It was first recognised in 1889 and is now listed by the FCI as breed number 62. It is used by Austrian and Slovenian hunters. Occasional outcrossing has helped keep the breed healthy.
Appearance
A well-muscled, medium-sized hound of 45 to 53 cm and 15 to 18 kg, with a serious expression. The coat is harsh and rough but not shaggy.
Colours are red or fawn, sometimes with a white mark on the chest.
Temperament
Driven, hardy and independent, it is bred for work rather than company. It can be dominant and destructive when bored.
It is generally not suited to life as a pet and needs a lot of space and purposeful exercise.
Care and exercise
It needs plenty of space, long daily exercise and real hunting or tracking work. Grooming is easy: occasional brushing of the coat. Firm, experienced handling and good fencing are important.
Health
Generally a healthy, robust breed, helped by occasional outcrossing.
