Are you considering getting a Tyrolean Hound as a pet? If so, you have come to the right place. The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized breed that originated in Austria and is known for its exceptional hunting skills. They have a friendly and loyal personality, making them great family pets. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics, behavior, and care requirements of the Tyrolean Hound to help you determine if this breed is the right fit for you.
Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: Austria
Average Size:45-55 cm
Average Weight:16-22 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High
History and Origin
The Tyrolean Hound, also known as the Tiroler Bracke, is a breed of dog that originated in the Tyrol region of Austria. This breed is a descendant of the Celtic Hounds that were brought to the region by the Romans. The Tyrolean Hound was developed to hunt game in the mountainous terrain of the Tyrol region.
The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized dog that stands between 16 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 33 and 55 pounds. This breed has a short, dense coat that is usually black and tan or red and tan in color. The Tyrolean Hound is known for its excellent sense of smell and its ability to track game in difficult terrain.
The Tyrolean Hound was first recognized as a distinct breed in the 19th century. The breed was developed by crossing local hounds with other breeds, including the Bloodhound and the Hanoverian Hound. The Tyrolean Hound was used primarily for hunting game such as deer, boar, and foxes.
During World War II, the Tyrolean Hound was almost extinct due to the destruction of the breed’s natural habitat and the loss of many dogs during the war. However, a group of breed enthusiasts worked to revive the breed, and today the Tyrolean Hound is once again a popular hunting dog in Austria and other parts of Europe.
The Tyrolean Hound is a loyal and intelligent breed that makes an excellent companion for active families. This breed requires regular exercise and enjoys spending time outdoors. The Tyrolean Hound is also known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a great choice for families with children.
In conclusion, the Tyrolean Hound is a breed of dog that has a rich history and a strong connection to the Tyrol region of Austria. This breed was developed for hunting game in difficult terrain and is known for its excellent sense of smell and tracking abilities. Despite almost becoming extinct during World War II, the Tyrolean Hound has been successfully revived and is now a popular hunting dog and companion in many parts of Europe.
Size and Breed Category
The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in the Tyrol region of Austria. They are typically between 45-55cm in height and weigh around 20-25kg. Their coat is short and dense, with a black base and tan markings on their face, chest, and legs. They have long, droopy ears and a muscular build, making them well-suited for hunting in mountainous terrain. The Tyrolean Hound is a member of the scent hound group, which means they have an excellent sense of smell and are often used for tracking game such as deer and wild boar. They are known for their stamina and endurance, making them ideal for long hunts in challenging environments.
The Tyrolean Hound is a breed that falls into the category of working dogs. They were originally bred for hunting, but they also make excellent companions for active families. They are intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. The Tyrolean Hound is a loyal and affectionate breed, but they can be reserved with strangers. They are not typically aggressive, but they may bark at unfamiliar people or animals. Overall, the Tyrolean Hound is a versatile breed that excels in hunting and makes a great companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Fur Length and Colour
The fur of the Tyrolean Hound is typically short and dense, providing excellent protection against the harsh mountain climate of its native region. The fur is also water-resistant, allowing the dog to work in wet conditions without becoming soaked. The fur colour can vary, but is usually a combination of black, tan, and white. The black is typically found on the back and sides of the dog, while the tan and white are found on the face, chest, and legs. The fur on the ears is usually black with tan markings. Overall, the fur of the Tyrolean Hound is well-suited to its working environment and provides both protection and camouflage.
The colour of the Tyrolean Hound’s fur is an important aspect of its appearance. The black, tan, and white colouration is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. The black fur on the back and sides of the dog provides camouflage in the shadows of the mountainous terrain, while the tan and white fur on the face, chest, and legs helps the dog blend in with the rocky landscape. The combination of colours also helps to distinguish the Tyrolean Hound from other breeds of hound, making it easily recognizable to those familiar with the breed. Overall, the colour of the Tyrolean Hound’s fur is an important aspect of its appearance and function.
Termperament and Trainability
The Tyrolean Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its friendly and outgoing temperament. They are highly sociable and enjoy being around people and other animals. This breed is also known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners, making them excellent family pets. However, they can be quite stubborn at times, which can make training a challenge. It is important to establish a firm and consistent training routine with this breed to ensure that they understand what is expected of them. With patience and persistence, the Tyrolean Hound can be trained to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.
When it comes to trainability, the Tyrolean Hound is a breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly energetic and need plenty of opportunities to run and play. This breed is also known for its strong hunting instincts, which can make them difficult to train if they are not properly socialized from a young age. However, with the right training and socialization, the Tyrolean Hound can be an excellent hunting dog. They are also highly trainable when it comes to obedience and agility, making them a popular choice for dog sports such as agility and flyball. Overall, the Tyrolean Hound is a breed that requires a lot of attention and training, but with the right approach, they can be a loyal and obedient companion.
Known Health Conditions
The Tyrolean Hound is a breed of dog that is known to be generally healthy. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that Tyrolean Hounds may experience is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. It can also cause arthritis and mobility issues. To prevent hip dysplasia, it is important to ensure that Tyrolean Hounds are not over-exercised when they are young, and that they maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives.
Another health condition that Tyrolean Hounds may experience is ear infections. This is because they have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections. To prevent ear infections, it is important to regularly clean the ears and keep them dry. Tyrolean Hounds may also be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation and itching. To manage allergies, it is important to identify the allergen and avoid exposure to it. Overall, with proper care and attention, Tyrolean Hounds can live long and healthy lives.
Openness to Strangers
The Tyrolean Hound is a friendly and sociable dog that is known for its openness to strangers. This breed is always eager to meet new people and make new friends, which makes them a great companion for those who enjoy socializing. They have a gentle and affectionate nature that makes them easy to approach and interact with, and they are always happy to receive attention and affection from anyone who is willing to give it. Whether they are meeting someone for the first time or spending time with a familiar face, the Tyrolean Hound is always eager to make a connection and build a relationship.
Despite their friendly nature, the Tyrolean Hound can be quite reserved when it comes to strangers. They are not the type of dog that will immediately jump into someone’s lap or start licking their face, but they will approach new people with a calm and curious demeanor. This breed is known for their intelligence and intuition, which allows them to quickly assess a situation and determine whether or not someone is trustworthy. Once they have determined that a person is safe and friendly, they will happily engage with them and enjoy their company. However, if they sense any danger or discomfort, they will quickly retreat and seek the safety of their owner.
Playfulness Level
The Tyrolean Hound is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep their owners entertained for hours on end. Whether it’s playing fetch, chasing after a ball, or simply running around in circles, these dogs are always up for a good time. They are also very social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs. This makes them a great choice for families with children or other pets.
Despite their playful nature, the Tyrolean Hound is also a very intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This makes them easy to train and a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, making them a great companion for those who are looking for a loving and devoted pet. Overall, the Tyrolean Hound is a fun-loving and intelligent breed of dog that is sure to bring joy and happiness to any household.
Suitability as a Pet for Children
The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Austria. They are known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them a great choice as a family pet. Their high energy levels and love for exercise make them an ideal companion for children who enjoy outdoor activities. The Tyrolean Hound is also highly intelligent and easy to train, which can be beneficial for families with young children who are learning how to care for a pet. Additionally, their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet option for busy families.
Exercise Needs
Tyrolean Hounds are a highly active breed that require plenty of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. With a height of around 50-60cm and a weight of 20-30kg, these dogs have a muscular build that allows them to excel in activities such as hiking, running, and agility training. They have a strong prey drive and love to explore their surroundings, making them well-suited for outdoor activities. Tyrolean Hounds should be given at least 60-90 minutes of exercise per day, which can be broken up into multiple sessions. This breed also benefits from mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and obedience training, to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Due to their high energy levels, Tyrolean Hounds are not recommended for apartment living or sedentary households. They thrive in homes with large yards or access to open spaces where they can run and play. This breed is also known for their excellent sense of smell and tracking abilities, making them ideal for activities such as scent work and search and rescue. Tyrolean Hounds are social dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs, so regular playdates and socialization are important for their overall well-being. With proper exercise and care, Tyrolean Hounds make loyal and affectionate companions for active families.
Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family
Tyrolean Hounds have a reputation for being friendly towards other pets in the household. They are known to be sociable and enjoy the company of other animals. However, as with any breed, it is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship. Tyrolean Hounds have a strong prey drive, so it is important to supervise them around smaller animals such as cats or rabbits. Overall, with proper socialization and training, Tyrolean Hounds can coexist peacefully with other pets in the household.
Housing Requirements
The Tyrolean Hound is a breed that requires a moderate amount of living space. They are not suited to apartment living and require a home with a yard or access to outdoor space. The yard should be securely fenced as the breed has a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals. The breed is also known for their vocal nature, so it is important to consider the proximity of neighbours when choosing a home for a Tyrolean Hound. A home with a separate area for the dog to sleep and relax is also recommended to provide the breed with a sense of security and comfort.
The Tyrolean Hound is an active breed that requires daily exercise. A minimum of one hour of exercise per day is recommended, which can include walks, runs, or playtime in a secure outdoor area. The breed also enjoys participating in activities such as hiking, tracking, and agility. It is important to note that the Tyrolean Hound has a strong sense of smell and may become distracted during walks or outdoor activities. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the breed on a leash or in a secure area to prevent them from wandering off. Providing the breed with mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or training sessions, is also important to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.
Summary
The Tyrolean Hound has a friendly and loyal personality, making them a great companion for families. They are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them suitable for owners who are willing to invest time in their training. As a medium-sized breed, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Overall, the Tyrolean Hound can make a wonderful pet for those who are willing to provide them with the attention and care they need.
Tyrolean Hound Dog FAQS
Yes, Tyrolean Hounds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Yes, Tyrolean Hounds are generally good with children and make great playmates. However, supervision is always recommended.
No, Tyrolean Hounds are not suitable for apartment living as they require ample space to run and play.
Tyrolean Hounds are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups are recommended.
Yes, Tyrolean Hounds shed moderately and require regular grooming.
The cost of a Tyrolean Hound can vary depending on the breeder and location, but typically ranges from €800-€1200.
Tyrolean Hounds are active dogs and require at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily.
A Tyrolean Hound can grow up to 50-60 cm in height.
Yes, Tyrolean Hounds are known to be great family pets due to their friendly and loyal nature.
The average weight of a Tyrolean Hound is between 20-25 kg.
Helena is aSenior Associate Veterinarian at Kleintierpraxis Wandsbek and an avid dog breed author.