Apartment fit
Austrian Black and Tan Hound is usually difficult in an apartment because it is an active scent hound with a working voice and strong nose. It needs secure exercise and scent outlets more than hallway practice.
HoundMedium
Austria
AustriaAustrian Black and Tan Hound
Weight
33-49 lb
Height
21.3-22 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium Austrian scent hound, a smooth-coated mountain tracker known for black-and-tan markings and sure-nosed work.
Austrian mountain scenthound used for hare and wounded-game trackingBlack smooth coat with sharply defined fawn markingsMedium, supple hound rather than a heavy large breedNeeds secure scent outlets and careful recall management
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
BrandlbrackeVieraugl
FriendlyDeterminedSociableCuriousIndependentEnduring
Weight
33-49 lb
Height
21.3-22 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound, also called the Brandlbracke or Vieraugl, is an Austrian scent hound used for hare hunting and tracking wounded game in difficult mountain country. FCI places it among medium-sized scent hounds, not large heavy hounds.
The breed is smooth-coated and black with sharply defined fawn markings, including the small tan points above the eyes that explain the Vieraugl nickname. It should be supple, enduring, and sure-nosed, with enough independence to work scent but enough sociability to live in a hound-aware home.
This is a working scenthound first. It needs secure exercise, long-line practice, scent outlets, and ear care after wet or brushy work. It is a poor match for owners who expect reliable off-leash freedom around wildlife without training and containment.
Temperament & Personality
FriendlyDeterminedSociableCuriousIndependentEnduring
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, determined, sociable companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Black and Tan, Black with Fawn Markings
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners who understand scent hounds and long-line work
- homes with secure outdoor space or safe rural walking access
- people interested in tracking, hunting-style exercise, or scent games
- families prepared to supervise children around a working hound
Not ideal for
- homes wanting a low-effort dog with minimal daily exercise
- owners expecting reliable off-leash freedom around wildlife
- small apartments with no plan for scent outlets and voice management
- first-time owners who want an easy starter breed
Common challenges
- following scent and ignoring ordinary recall
- hound vocalizing when excited or frustrated
- ear and paw care after wet or rough terrain
Barking & behavior
Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Training style
Austrian Black and Tan Hound training should prioritize recall foundations, leash manners, scent-channeling games, and calm recovery after excitement. Open-area freedom should be earned gradually and only in safe places.
Grooming & shedding
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound's short smooth coat is easy to brush, but ears, paws, and skin should be checked after hunting, wet grass, or rough terrain.
Care Guide
Exercise
Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs about 60 to 90 minutes a day for many healthy adults, with scent work, long-line walks, and secure off-leash running where safe. Mountain-tracking ancestry makes nose work more satisfying than repetitive pavement walks.
Grooming
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound's short smooth coat is easy to brush, but ears, paws, and skin should be checked after hunting, wet grass, or rough terrain.
Training
Austrian Black and Tan Hound training should prioritize recall foundations, leash manners, scent-channeling games, and calm recovery after excitement. Open-area freedom should be earned gradually and only in safe places.
Nutrition
Feed Austrian Black and Tan Hound a measured diet appropriate for a large dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsObesityJoint strain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a good apartment dog?
Austrian Black and Tan Hound is usually difficult in an apartment because it is an active scent hound with a working voice and strong nose. It needs secure exercise and scent outlets more than hallway practice.
Does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound bark a lot?
Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Austrian Black and Tan Hound a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound good for first-time owners?
Austrian Black and Tan Hound is usually better for owners who understand scent hounds. A first-time owner should have help with long-line handling, recall, and safe outlets for tracking behavior.
How much exercise does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound need?
Most healthy adult Austrian Black and Tan Hounds need about 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, ideally including scent work, long-line walks, and safe off-leash time in fenced areas.
Is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound good with kids and other dogs?
Austrian Black and Tan Hounds are often sociable hounds and can do well with respectful children and compatible dogs. Their scent drive is the bigger management issue around wildlife, roads, and open gates.
Does the Austrian Black and Tan Hound shed a lot?
Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a short smooth coat with moderate shedding. Regular brushing, nail care, ear checks, and seasonal coat checks make upkeep easier for the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Austrian Black and Tan Hound?
The biggest challenge is managing scent drive safely. Secure containment, long-line skills, and tracking-style exercise are more important than coat maintenance.
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