Austria has a long history of developing and breeding prized dogs known for their intelligence, athleticism, and hunting ability.
Every day people and royalty commonly used Austrian dog breeds throughout Europe.
Today, dogs initially bred to hunt are still used as companions in the field. Others, however, have adapted to life as loving and loyal family pets.
While only a handful of genuinely Austrian breeds exist, all dogs are uniquely special and different, bred for their highly desirable traits.
Below, let’s take a closer look at five Austrian dog breeds to learn more about these dogs with a rich history.
1. Alpine Dachsbracke
Developed primarily in the 19th century, the Alpine Dachsbracke was once considered a dog of German royalty, although it was bred and used primarily in Austria.
The Alpine Dachsbracke was bred as a hunting dog and is terrific at tracking and hunting wild deer, hare, boar, or fox.
Designated as a scent hound, the United Kennel Club is the only Western organization to recognize this dog breed.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is small, only about 40 pounds, and has a long, silky coat, usually red or black.
This dog breed is typically compared to a Dachshund because they have a similar, albeit bigger, appearance.
This dog breed should be solid and sturdy, with a robust body able to withstand the high terrain throughout Austria. The Alpine Dachsbracke is long-lived, and many dogs live to be 12 or older.
Intelligent and friendly, the Alpine Dachsbracke is most commonly kept by hunters seeking companionship and assistance. This dog is highly intelligent, extremely motivated, and eager to please.
Usually, the Alpine Dachsbracke is easy to train because it only wants to please its owners. The dog does well with people of all ages and is generally happy to share a home with other cats and dogs.
Small rodents may not fare well in a house with this dog because the Alpine Dachsbracke can have a strong prey drive.
2. Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Assertive and athletic, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound likely has lived in Austria for years, yet the first mention of this dog breed doesn’t appear until late in the 19th century.
This dog is commonly used as a hunting companion and can easily track a wounded animal, primarily a hare.
This large-sized Hound is solid and durable, able to resist the colder temperatures and rough terrain found at high altitudes throughout Austria.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a large breed dog, with adults usually measuring between 20 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 50 pounds.
The dog is tall yet lean and athletic looking. It has a shorthaired coat with distinctive color markings.
The dog is predominantly black, with tan markings around the feet, legs, and mouth. Usually, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound will have light markings over the eyes, highlighting the dog’s “eyebrows.”
Although hunters commonly use this dog as a loyal companion, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound makes a perfect family pet.
The dog is happy-go-lucky with a great attitude and loving nature. However, this dog needs regular exercise and is not well suited for city life.
The breed will need plenty of long walks and opportunities to explore the outdoors. This dog can quickly develop nuisance behaviors such as barking, digging, or howling if left unexercised.
3. Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
Karl Peintinger created the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound in 1870. Combining a Hanoverian scent hound with an Istrian Hound, Peintinger created a rough-coat dog that was intelligent, athletic, and hardy.
The dog was bred to help hunt wild boar, and its durable coat made it exceptionally well suited to track through high altitudes and rough terrain throughout Austria.
Today, many Austrians and Slovenians still use the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound as a trusted hunting companion.
Although the dog is strong and durable, it is not exceptionally large. Most Styrian Coarse-haired Hounds weigh under 40 pounds and measure just 21 inches at the shoulder.
This dog is known for its coarse hair, which can be fawn or red, sometimes wi