Scent Hound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Austria's elegant Alpine hunter — a medium-sized black and tan scent hound developed for hunting in Austrian mountain forests with excellent nose and tireless work ethic
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke) is a medium-sized scent hound native to the mountainous regions of Austria. A classic Alpine tracking hound, it was bred to follow the trail of hare and to track wounded game across steep, forested terrain, relying on a keen nose and steady endurance.
Lean and athletic, it wears a sleek black coat with clearly defined tan markings, including the small tan spots above the eyes typical of the type. Sure-footed and tireless in the mountains, it remains chiefly a working hunter's dog in its homeland. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scent Hounds).
Real Austrian Black and Tan Hound photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Even-tempered, loyal, and hardworking, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a calm, friendly companion at home and a determined, focused tracker in the field. It bonds well with its family and is generally good-natured, though its powerful hunting instinct is always present. It suits owners who can provide plenty of activity and, ideally, real work.
A stamina-built mountain hound, it needs well over an hour of vigorous daily exercise, with room to range and scents to follow. Long walks, hikes, and tracking work keep it fit and content. Without enough outlet for its energy and nose, it can grow restless, so it is best matched with active, outdoorsy owners.
The short, dense coat is very easy to care for, needing only a weekly brush and the occasional bath. Check and clean the drop ears regularly to prevent infection, and keep nails trimmed for its active mountain lifestyle. Overall grooming demands are minimal.
Intelligent and willing but independent like most hounds, it trains best with patient, consistent, reward-based methods and early socialization. Its strong tracking drive can override recall once a scent takes hold, so secure containment matters. Given clear guidance and plenty of activity, it is a cooperative and capable partner.
A hardy, generally healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12–14 years, reflecting its functional working heritage. The main concerns are ear infections from the drop ears and, as with many medium hounds, occasional hip dysplasia. Regular ear care, a lean weight, and routine checkups keep most dogs sound and active.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 1½–2½ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Austrian Black and Tan Hound from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.