Discover Everything About Styrian Rough-Haired Hound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Styrian Rough-Haired Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke is an exceptionally robust hunting breed with a very low genetic disease burden. Hip dysplasia (HD) is the only mandatory health test required to help prevent joint issues in later life. Since other serious hereditary conditions are rarely an issue in this breed, the health risk when purchasing from a reputable breeder is considered very low.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
45–53 cm
Weight
16–22 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Rough, short, with an undercoat
- Origin: Styria, Austria
Typical coat colors
- Red or black with tan markings
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Styrian Rough-Haired Hound right for you?
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke is a tireless, extremely weather-resistant companion—a rugged scent-hound specialist bred to hunt game independently and with a loud voice in rough, mountainous terrain. Without a real job to do, this working machine will wither away.
Perfect for you if:
- You are an active hunter or can provide this dog with a comparably demanding substitute task, such as professional blood tracking or mantrailing.
- You live in a rural area and have direct access to vast, untouched nature.
- You are confident in handling a dog that is genetically programmed to make its own decisions while tracking far away from you.
- You are not deterred by bad weather—for this dog, the fun only really begins in rain, snow, and cold.
Less ideal if:
- You expect them to be easily recallable when they catch a fresh scent—their hardware literally compels them to follow the trail unconditionally.
- You live in a neighborhood with thin walls where loud barking is an issue—as a vocal tracker, they make extensive use of their deep, far-reaching voice.
- You are looking for a pure family dog that will be content lying on the sofa for hours after a standard walk.
The real vibes check
A Steirische Rauhhaarbracke is not a dog for a polite stroll in the city park—it is a rustic outdoorsman meant for the rough mountain snow. When its nose is glued to the ground and it starts baying, the rest of the world simply ceases to exist for it. You aren't getting a submissive follower of commands, but a highly specialized hunting partner that is only truly happy when it is allowed to work.
Breed Profile
The Styrian Wirehaired Hound is a medium-sized dog with a lively and powerful appearance. The breed belongs to FCI Group 6, the running and bloodhounds. What is striking is the rough, short coat, which protects the dog from the elements and gives it its unmistakable look. Their long ears, which lie flat against the sides of their broad head, are particularly striking. The eyes of the Styrian Roughhaired Hound are dark and radiate a gentle and intelligent nature. She is a working dog through and through and there is no distinction between performance and show lines. This is a testament to the high value that working skills have in breeding this breed.
| Height | 45 - 51 cm (Female), 47 - 53 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 16 - 20 kg (Female), 18 - 22 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, robust, agile |
| Coat | Rough, short, with an undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red or black with tan markings |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke, also known as the Peintinger-Bracke, is an Austrian hunting dog breed with a precisely documented origin. In 1870, the Styrian industrialist Carl Peintinger began targeted breeding of these resilient dogs. He crossed a wire-haired hound from Istria with a high-performing Hanoverian Scenthound male named Hektor. The primary breeding goal was to create a robust, weather-hardy, and enduring hunting dog for the challenging, mountainous terrain of Styria. The breed was specifically optimized for loud hunting and demanding tracking work, i.e., following wounded big game. Its coarse, weather-resistant coat provided optimal protection against the harsh climatic conditions of the Alpine region. Its outstanding hunting qualities quickly led to widespread recognition. By 1889, the Steirische Rauhhaarbracke was officially recognized as an independent breed by the Austrian governing body. International recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) followed later. To this day, the breed is highly valued, particularly among hunting circles, for its reliable scenting ability, tireless work ethic, and sure-footedness in high mountains, and is almost exclusively placed with active hunters.
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke was bred for hunting in mountainous terrain and for tracking wounded game.
Styria, Austria
1870
Character & Temperament
The Styrian Roughhaired Hound is a loyal and reliable dog that is characterized by its robust nature and agility. She is a working dog with heart and soul who loves being outdoors and having a job to do. It is therefore ideal for active people who like to spend a lot of time in nature and can integrate the dog into their everyday life. Due to their strong hunting instinct, it is important that as the owner of this dog you have experience with hunting dogs and their training. The Styrian Wire-haired Hound requires clear leadership and a task that corresponds to its natural instincts in order to be able to lead a happy and balanced dog life. Despite their strong hunting instinct, the Styrian Wire-haired Hound also shows a loving and affectionate side when it comes to their human pack. She is very people-oriented and enjoys spending time with her family. She can easily learn to stay alone as long as she has enough activity and exercise. She doesn't tend to bark or guard, her attention is more focused on tracking and tracking. Her temperament can be described as active but not hyperactive. She needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation, but is also able to enjoy quiet times. With her robust body and tireless endurance, she is the perfect companion for long hikes or jogging sessions. Their fine instincts and their desire to work can also be practiced in dog sports such as mantrailing or search games. Even though the Styrian Wire-haired Hound can be a loving family dog, it is not necessarily suitable for families with small children or pets because of its strong hunting instinct. She can learn to get along with children and other pets, but this requires careful socialization and constant supervision. It is important to note that the Styrian Wirehaired Hound is a dog that needs to be challenged and encouraged and is therefore not suitable for everyone. A close bond with their humans and the opportunity to pursue their natural urges are crucial for their well-being.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Although the Styrian Roughhaired Bracket is an excellent hunting dog, it is also lovingly referred to as "Austria's most beautiful dog" in its home country of Austria. designated.
What Awaits You
The Styrian Rough-haired Bracke is a persistent and hunting-passionate dog. It is characterized by its rough, weather-resistant coat and its pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are friendly but also independent and require consistent leadership. They are especially suitable for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors and can provide their dog with meaningful activities.
Housing & Care
The Styrian Wire-haired Hound is an active and energetic dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore it is less suitable for city life unless there is the possibility of sufficient exercise and activity. She gets along well with older children who know how to treat a dog respectfully. A supervisor should always be present for younger children. She usually gets along well with other dogs, but her hunting instinct can be awakened with cats or small animals.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Due to their strong hunting instinct and their intelligence, training the Styrian Wire-haired Hound requires a consistent and sensitive hand. She responds well to positive reinforcement and requires a lot of mental input to be happy. Activities like mantrailing or agility can be a good way to channel your energy and work ethic in positive directions. It is important that the dog learns to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control, otherwise their hunting instinct can quickly become a problem. The breed does not tend to be a "ball junkie" However, attention should always be paid to a balanced level of play and work.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced, high-quality diet is essential for the health and well-being of your Styrian Wirehaired Pointer. A mixture of high-quality dry and wet food, supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables, can ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. Make sure the food contains enough protein to support your dog's active lifestyle. The Styrian Wirehaired Hound has a short, rough coat with an undercoat that protects it well from the weather in Germany. She sheds moderately and therefore requires regular grooming. Brushing once a week is usually enough to remove dead hair and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Robust
Health grade
The Steirische Rauhhaarbracke is an exceptionally robust hunting breed with a very low genetic disease burden. Hip dysplasia (HD) is the only mandatory health test required to help prevent joint issues in later life. Since other serious hereditary conditions are rarely an issue in this breed, the health risk when purchasing from a reputable breeder is considered very low.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay close attention to joint-friendly development during the growth phase and schedule regular veterinary check-ups for the eyes and thyroid to detect any changes early on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroids of the parent animals tested to specifically reduce health risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Styrian Rough-Haired Hound
Is a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound the right dog for me?
The Styrian Rough-Haired Hound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound need?
Styrian Rough-Haired Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Styrian Rough-Haired Hound good for families with children?
The Styrian Rough-Haired Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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