The rugged and mountainous countryside of Austria has unsurprisingly enough produced similarly hardy breeds of dog, mostly belonging to the hunting dog category. These five breeds are all determined, energetic and friendly, best suited to people with active and outdoorsy lifestyles.
Dog breeding regulations in Austria are upheld by its Kennel Club, the Österreichischer Kynologenverband (ÖKV), established in 1909.
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Alpine Dachsbracke
Size: Medium
Height: 33-41 cm (13-16 inches)
Weight: 15-18 kg (33-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Dense, short and smooth; in dark red
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Originally bred to track wounded deer or hunt wild boar, the diminutive Alpine Dachsbracke is lively, brave and full of personality. They make excellent family dogs; outgoing, jolly and affectionate, they are able to quickly bond with anyone and are especially fond of children. Their energy and intelligence can also prove problematic, however: they will need plenty of exercise to work out their natural exuberance or else you might find them giving into mischievous urges. Caution is also advised around small animals, as this breed has a high prey drive and loves to chase.
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 48-56 cm (19-22 inches)
Weight: 15-22 kg (33-49 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, dense and smooth; in black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
The elegant Austrian Black and Tan Hound is another outstanding hunting dog that is able to seamlessly adapt to home and family life. They are outgoing, attentive and intelligent, with this breed being particularly receptive to training. Austrian Black and Tan Hounds love to meet new people and are extremely energetic, happy to spend hour upon hour exploring new places in all weathers. They are particularly suitable for owners who lead active lifestyles and are able to take their pet with them everywhere.
Austrian Pinscher
Size: Medium
Height: 42-50 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium length double coat; in red, yellow or black and tan with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Herding dog/Livestock guardian
Personality
The Austrian Pinscher is a relatively small dog with a very large personality. They are a lively, bold, diligent and alert breed, whose natural suspicion of strange people means they are exceptional watchdogs. Careful and consistent socialisation will be required to keep these traits under control so they never become problematic. Because when surrounded by familiar people and animals, the Austrian Pinscher is a delight: loyal, loving and friendly, with a particular affection for playing with children.
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 43-53 cm (17½-21 inches)
Weight: 15-18 kg (33-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, harsh and rough; in red or fawn, occasionally with white markings
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Styrian Coarse-haired Hounds are spirited hunters; enthusiastic and determined dogs with huge amounts of stamina. They are so happy spending time outside on the trail of a scent, in fact, that this breed can occasionally find adapting to domestic life something of a challenge. They are noted for their independence and stubbornness and can also be very noisy dogs, never afraid to bark loudly when things are not to their liking. With their owners they will almost always prove gentle, affectionate and loyal dogs, but their yearning to be outdoors means that they are rarely kept just as pets.
Tyrolean Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 42-61 cm (16½-24 inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, thick double coat; in red, black or tan, occasionally with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Robust, lively and free-spirited, the Tyrolean Hound is another enthusiastic and rugged hunter who loves to be outdoors. However, this breed are also adaptable, intelligent and easy to train and will prove affectionate, gentle and loyal family pets. However, their energy, confidence and determination can also make them very headstrong and a challenge for novice owners: Tyrolean Hounds are recommended for active and experienced handlers only.