Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
5 Austrian Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)
When you think of Austria, you probably think of castles, Weiner Schnitzel, Mozart, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger, but it is also home to some fantastic dogs. None of the Austrian dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but are classified by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
However, this makes all of these dogs all the more unique and beautiful.
The 5 Dog Breeds That Originated in Austria:
1. Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke (also called the Alpenländische Dachsbracke) belongs to the Scenthound Group through the UKC and is classified as a Scenthound and as a Leash (scent) hound through the FCI. Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria’s gamekeepers used a dog very similar to the Alpine Dachsbracke in the late 1800s for tracking and as a scent hound for foxes and hares.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small dog with short legs designed for hunting game over rough terrain at high altitudes. They have a very dense double coat of short and sleek fur, usually in dark rust or red in color with some black throughout. The Alpine Dachsbracke has a strong prey drive and are social, friendly, and gentle dogs that will make a wonderful family pet.
2. Austrian Black and Tan Hound
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is classified by both the UKC and the FCI as a Scenthound and falls into the FCI’s Medium-size Scenthound section. They are descendants of the Celtic Hound (or Keltenbracke), and while they have been around for hundreds of years, the first acknowledged Austrian Black & Tan Hound was in 1884. They were used as hardy hunting dogs meant for the difficult terrain and high altitudes of Austria.
They are medium-sized dogs with thick coats of short, silky fur in black with tan markings. The Austrian Black & Tan Hound is more commonly associated with working and less as a household companion. They are accommodating dogs with a pleasant nature and are social with a high prey drive.
3. Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is classified in the Terrier Group through the UKC and is in the Pinscher Group at the FCI. They have their origins in farm dogs starting in the 1800s, but the breeding of the Austrian Pinscher did not begin until 1921 when farmers were using them as watchdogs, ratters, and companion dogs.
They are medium in size with a stocky build and have thick, short double coats that can be russet gold, stag red, black with tan markings, and might also have white markings. The Austrian Pinscher makes an excellent guard dog thanks to their devotion to their family and the wariness of strangers. They are playful, friendly, and courageous dogs that cannot be left alone for too long.
4. Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound
The Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a part of the Scenthound Group at the UKC, and the FCI also classifies them as Scenthounds and as a medium-sized hound. They were developed in the 1700s through a cross of the Hanoverian Scenthound and the Istrian Shorthaired Hound in order to breed the perfect hunting dog.
The Styrian is a medium-sized dog with a rough coat of fur and a mustache that comes in a red and fawn color with the possibility of a white mark on the chest. They were bred to be hunters and are not recommended as companion dogs. They have high prey drives and are not very social with unknown people and dogs and have a strong independent streak.
5. Tyrolean Hound
The Tyrolean Hound is another Scenthound according to the UKC and the FCI, who also group them as a Medium-sized Scenthound. This breed is also descended from the Celtic Hound, and records go back as far as the 1500s when Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, used them for hunting.
The Tyrolean is a strong, medium-sized dog with dense double coats and extra feathering on the tail. They can be black and tan, red, or tri-colored with the possibility of white markings. Tyroleans are easygoing, independent dogs that will bond with their family but will be aloof with strange dogs and people but are not known to be aggressive.
Conclusion
All of these dogs (but one) are classified as scent hounds and were bred for hunting on the rugged terrain and high altitudes of the Austrian Alps. Perhaps one of these Austrian dogs will make a perfect companion for your family but keep in mind that all of these breeds are very rare in North America.
Featured Image Credit By: Josef_Svoboda, Shutterstock
Get Hepper In Your Inbox
Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
Join the conversation
Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.
