Austria is known not only for its castles, Wiener Schnitzel, Mozart, and Arnold Schwarzenegger but also for its fascinating dog breeds. Although none of the Austrian dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are classified by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). This uniqueness makes them all the more interesting and beautiful.
Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpenländische Dachsbracke belongs to the Scenthound group at the UKC and is also classified by the FCI as a Scenthound and Leash (Scent) Hound. These dogs were used in the late 19th century by Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria's gamekeepers to hunt foxes and hares. The Alpenländische Dachsbracke is small with short legs and a dense, double-layered coat, usually dark red or rust with black markings. They are social, friendly, and gentle, making them wonderful family pets.
Breed Characteristics:
- Size: Small
- Coat: Dense, double-layered coat in dark red or rust with black markings
- Temperament: Social, friendly, gentle, ideal for families
Austrian Black and Tan Dog
The Österreichischer Schwarz- und Tan-Hund is classified as a Scenthound by both the UKC and the FCI and falls into the medium-sized Scenthound section of the FCI. These dogs are descendants of the Celtic Hound and have been bred for centuries as robust hunting dogs for the challenging terrain and high altitudes of Austria. They are medium-sized with a thick, short, silky coat in black with tan markings. The Österreichischer Schwarz- und Tan-Hund is hardworking and sociable with a strong hunting drive.
Breed Characteristics:
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Short, silky coat in black with tan markings
- Temperament: Hardworking, sociable, strong hunting drive
Austrian Pinscher
The Österreichischer Pinscher belongs to the Terrier group at the UKC and to the Pinscher group at the FCI. Originally bred as farm dogs in the 19th century, they were used as guard dogs, rat catchers, and companions from 1921 onwards. Medium-sized with a strong build and a dense, short double coat in various colors like reddish-golden, stag-red, and black with tan markings, the Österreichischer Pinscher is an excellent watchdog. They are playful, friendly, and brave, requiring a lot of human companionship.
Breed Characteristics:
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Double coat in various colors
- Temperament: Playful, friendly, brave, needs a lot of human companionship
Styrian Wirehaired Hound
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke is part of the Scenthound group at the UKC and is also classified by the FCI as a medium-sized dog. It was developed in the 18th century from the crossbreeding of the Hanoverian Scenthound and the Istrian Shorthaired Hound to create the perfect hunting dog. Medium-sized with a rough, red coat and a beard, they were bred for hunting and are less suited for companionship. They have a strong hunting drive and are independent and reserved with strangers.
Breed Characteristics:
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Rough, red coat with a beard
- Temperament: Strong hunting drive, independent, reserved with strangers
Tyrolean Bracke
The Tiroler Bracke is classified by both the UKC and the FCI as a Scenthound and medium-sized Scenthound. They also descend from the Celtic Hound and have been used for hunting since the 16th century. They are sturdy, medium-sized with a dense, double-layered coat and additional feathering on the tail. Tiroler Bracken are straightforward, independent dogs that form a close bond with their family but are reserved with strangers and not known for aggression.
Breed Characteristics:
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Dense, double-layered coat with feathering on the tail
- Temperament: Straightforward, independent, reserved with strangers
Conclusion
All of these dogs (with one exception) are classified as Scenthounds and were bred for hunting in the rugged terrains and high altitudes of the Austrian Alps. Perhaps one of these Austrian dogs will be the perfect companion for your family, but keep in mind that these breeds are quite rare in North America.
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