Discover Everything About Tyrolean Hound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Tyrolean Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
As an original hunting breed, the Tiroler Bracke is genetically well-positioned, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only notable hereditary condition. This potential weakness of the musculoskeletal system is already effectively controlled through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other typical hereditary diseases or breed-specific defects are practically non-existent in this robust breed.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
42–50 cm
Weight
15–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: Austria
Typical coat colors
- Black with red or yellow markings
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Tyrolean 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 Tyrolean Hound right for you?
The Tiroler Bracke is a robust, sure-footed scent hound (Laufhund) and blood tracker (Schweißhund) — bred for demanding tracking work in the mountains, where it must hunt completely independently and with a distinct baying sound (spurlaut). A highly specialized professional that is usually placed exclusively in the hands of hunters.
Perfect for you if:
- You are an active hunter or can offer a professional substitute task like demanding blood tracking work — this nose demands a real job.
- You live in a rural area, ideally close to the forest, and have a securely fenced garden.
- You are out and about for hours in any weather and can keep up with its immense alpine stamina.
- You appreciate an independent character and lead with confidence, without expecting unconditional, robotic obedience.
Less ideal if:
- You expect it to be reliably recallable during a forest walk — it is genetically programmed to follow a fresh trail for kilometers.
- You live in a noisy environment or a city — the baying of a scent hound is inherent hardware, not a training error.
- You are looking for a dog that primarily serves as a pure family companion and is satisfied with normal walks.
The real vibes check
A Tiroler Bracke is not a dog for the local dog park, but a highly specialized colleague for the forest. When it picks up a trail, its brain switches into work mode — and from that moment on, you are just a passenger. If you don't provide an outlet for this primal passion, you will spend more time searching for this dog on walks than leading it.
Breed Profile
The Tyrolean Hound, also known as the Tyrolean Hound, is a medium-sized, muscular and athletic dog. It belongs to FCI Group 6, the scent hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds. Their appearance is striking and impressive, with a combination of proud posture and powerful physique. Their ears are medium-sized, wide and drooping, giving the dog an attentive and friendly facial expression. The eyes are dark and vivid, and the tail is long and carried either straight or slightly upward. The Tyrolean Hound is known for its extraordinary endurance and good sense of smell.
| Height | 42 - 48 cm (Female), 44 - 50 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 15 - 22 kg (Female), 16 - 25 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligence, perseverance |
| Coat | Short, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Black with red or yellow markings |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Tiroler Bracke is a traditional Austrian hunting dog breed whose origins trace back to the ancient Celtic hounds. As early as the Middle Ages, similar scent hounds were prized in the Alpine region, particularly in modern-day Tyrol, for their exceptional tracking ability and stamina. Emperor Maximilian I is said to have used such hounds for hunting in the Tyrolean mountains around 1500. Targeted pure breeding of the breed began in the second half of the 19th century. Hunters required a robust, sure-footed, and weather-hardy dog capable of handling the extreme climatic and topographical conditions of the high mountains. The Tiroler Bracke was primarily bred for hunting hare and fox with a loud bay, as well as for tracking wounded game. The first official breed standard was established in Innsbruck in 1896, and the breed received official recognition in Austria in 1908. The Tiroler Bracke was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on August 31, 1954. To this day, it is kept almost exclusively by hunters, as it possesses a strong hunting instinct and a high level of willingness to work.
The Tiroler Bracke was bred for hunting hare and fox, as well as for tracking wounded game in the Alpine regions.
Austria
1860
Character & Temperament
The Tyrolean Bracke is a breed with a versatile and balanced character. She is known for her loyalty and devotion to her family, but also her independence and natural hunting instinct. As a traditional hunting dog, the Tyrolean Hound is naturally active and persistent. She loves being outside and has a strong urge to move. She is not hyperactive, but she needs regular physical and mental activity to be happy and content. A long hike in nature, a game of fetch or an exciting search for clues can make them happy. Despite its independence, the Tyrolean Hound is a very people-oriented breed. She bonds closely with her family and is always ready to please her people. She is also good with children and can be a wonderful family dog provided she receives the attention and activity she needs. The Tyrolean Bracke is an intelligent dog that learns quickly and enjoys mastering new tasks. She can stay alone just fine as long as she has been kept sufficiently busy and her people aren't away for too long. Like all dogs, however, she should be trained to stay alone from an early age. Regarding their hunting instinct, it should be noted that the Tyrolean Bracke was originally bred for hunting and therefore has a strong hunting and prey instinct. She is always on the lookout for interesting smells and can be easily distracted when she picks up a scent. A securely fenced garden and leash management in areas with game are therefore essential. Despite her hunting instinct, however, with good upbringing and training, she can learn to control her behavior. The Tyrolean Hound is also an alert dog. She is not aggressive, but she will defend her family and territory if she feels it is necessary. She is likely to bark if she notices anything unusual and can therefore also serve as a good guard dog.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | 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 Tyrolean Bracke is originally a hunting dog breed, it is also known as an “Alpine Life Saver” in its native Tyrol. well known and is often used in search and rescue missions in the mountains.
What Awaits You
The Tyrolean Hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog, especially known for its excellent sense of smell. These dogs are very eager to work and require a lot of exercise as well as meaningful activity. They are friendly with people and other dogs but show a strong hunting instinct. The Tyrolean Hound is well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion in the field.
Housing & Care
The Tyrolean Hound can be kept well in both the city and the country, provided it gets enough exercise and activity. She is an active dog who needs a lot of exercise, so a house with a garden is ideal, but not a must. She usually gets along well with children and can be a great family dog. She can do well with other pets, including cats, as long as she has been well socialized from an early age.
| 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 |
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Training & Education
The Tyrolean Bracke is an intelligent and eager-to-learn animal that enjoys being challenged mentally and physically. It is suitable for various dog sports such as agility, mantrailing or search games. Despite their intelligence and willingness to work, it is important not to overwhelm them. She needs enough rest periods and should learn to relax sometimes. An important point in the training of the Tyrolean Hound is the management of their strong hunting instinct. It is important to work with a professional trainer from the beginning to build alternative behavior and train reliable recall. Learning frustration tolerance and impulse control is also an important aspect of training this breed.
Nutrition & Care
The Tyrolean Hound is an active dog and therefore requires a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain its energy and health. A high-quality, protein-rich food with enough fat and carbohydrates is ideal. Fresh water should be available at all times. In terms of care, the Tyrolean Bracke is quite easy to care for. She has short, dense fur with an undercoat that should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and keep the skin healthy. This breed sheds more hair, especially during the shedding period. She copes well with the German climate, although she may need a little more protection in the cooler months.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| 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
As an original hunting breed, the Tiroler Bracke is genetically well-positioned, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only notable hereditary condition. This potential weakness of the musculoskeletal system is already effectively controlled through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other typical hereditary diseases or breed-specific defects are practically non-existent in this robust breed.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
For a long and active life as a scent hound, you should ensure joint-friendly rearing and schedule regular eye and heart check-ups with your vet.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested to reduce hereditary risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Tyrolean Hound
Is a Tyrolean Hound the right dog for me?
The Tyrolean 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 Tyrolean Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Tyrolean 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 Tyrolean Hound need?
Tyrolean Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Tyrolean Hound good for families with children?
The Tyrolean 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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