Scent Hound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Croatia's rare forest hunter — a medium-sized scent hound with exceptional nose bred for hunting in Balkan mountain forests, nearly extinct but preserved by dedicated enthusiasts
The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound, traditionally called the Barak, is a rugged scent hound from Bosnia and the wider Balkans. It was bred to hunt hare, fox, and wild boar across the region's difficult mountainous terrain, valued for its endurance, determination, and reliable nose.
Sturdily built with a distinctive long, harsh, tousled coat and a prominent mustache and beard, it is well protected against rough brush and harsh weather. Typically wheaten, reddish, or grey with white markings, it is a hardy, no-nonsense working hound. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scent Hounds).
Real Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Good-natured, courageous, and devoted, the Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound is an affectionate companion at home and a determined, focused worker in the field. It is generally sociable, including with other dogs, reflecting its hunting background. Lively and strong-willed, it needs owners who can give it structure and plenty of activity.
A working hound with real stamina, it needs well over an hour of daily exercise, with opportunities to explore and follow scents. Long walks, hikes, and scent work keep it satisfied. Like most hounds, a bored or under-exercised Barak will become vocal and restless, so it is best matched with active, outdoorsy owners.
The harsh, shaggy coat needs brushing once or twice a week to prevent matting, plus occasional hand-stripping to maintain its protective texture and remove dead hair. Keep the beard clean, trim around the eyes, and check the drop ears regularly for debris and infection. It only needs bathing when genuinely dirty.
Intelligent but independent, the Barak trains best with patient, consistent, reward-based methods and early socialization. Its strong hunting drive means recall can be unreliable once it locks onto a scent, so secure containment is important. Given clear boundaries and enough activity, it is a cooperative and capable partner.
A robust, generally healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12–14 years, reflecting its hardy working heritage. The most common concerns are ear infections from the long ears and, as with many active hounds, occasional hip dysplasia. Regular ear care, a lean weight, and routine veterinary checkups keep most dogs sound and active.
The Bosnian Coarse-haired 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired 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.