Apartment fit
The Barak is a poor apartment fit for most owners because of voice, exercise needs, and scent drive.
HoundMedium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnian Coarse-Haired Hound
Weight
35-53 lb
Height
18.1-22 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Wiry Medium
The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound, or Barak, is a medium Bosnian scenthound with a rough coat, strong voice, and determined hunting style.
Bosnian scenthound also called BarakRough weather-protective coatBuilt for hunting in difficult terrainBest for active hound homes with secure space
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak
FriendlyDeterminedSociableCuriousIndependentEnduring
Weight
35-53 lb
Height
18.1-22 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Wiry Medium
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
Low
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound is also known as the Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound or Barak. It is a Bosnian scenthound recognized by the FCI and developed for hunting in rough Balkan terrain.
This is a medium, sturdy hound rather than a large decorative rough-coated dog. The coat is long, hard, shaggy, and weather-protective, commonly in reddish-yellow or earthy-gray shades with white markings under the FCI standard.
A Barak is active, persistent, and vocal enough for hunting work. It fits best with experienced hound owners who can provide exercise, scent outlets, secure containment, and routine ear and coat checks after outdoor work.
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
Wiry
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Low
Colors
Reddish Yellow, Earthy Gray, White 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
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- experienced hound owners
- rural or spacious homes with secure exercise options
- active people interested in scent work
- owners who can maintain ears and a rough coat
Not ideal for
- apartments or close-neighbor housing
- owners who need a quiet dog
- homes with loose small pets and no management plan
- people expecting easy off-leash control
Common challenges
- hound voice
- scent-driven distraction
- ear care after outdoor work
- rough-coat debris
Barking & behavior
Expect hound vocalization and strong interest in scent trails. Training helps, but management and secure containment are essential.
Training style
Use reward-based hound training with long-line work, recall practice, leash manners, and scent games.
Grooming & shedding
Brush or hand tidy the rough coat and check ears, paws, and skin after outdoor work.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most healthy adult Baraks need about 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, with long walks, scent work, and safe outdoor exercise. Hunting-line dogs may need more.
Grooming
The rough coat needs brushing or hand tidying to remove dead hair and debris. Check ears, paws, skin, and nails after brushy or muddy work.
Training
Training should focus on leash manners, recall foundations, handling, and scent-drive management. Like many hounds, the Barak may become independent when following a trail.
Nutrition
Feed a measured active-hound diet matched to age, workload, and body condition.
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 infectionsHip dysplasiaWorking injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound a good apartment dog?
Usually no. The Barak is an active scenthound with voice and outdoor needs, so it is easier in a rural or spacious home.
Does the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound bark a lot?
Owners should expect hound voice, especially when excited or working scent. It is not a silent close-neighbor breed.
Is the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound good for first-time owners?
It is usually better for experienced hound owners. First-time owners should be ready for scent drive, voice, and secure containment.
How much exercise does the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound need?
Most healthy adults need about 60 to 90 minutes daily, ideally with scent work and outdoor exercise. Hunting-line dogs may need more.
Is the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound good with kids and other dogs?
Baraks can be sociable hounds, but supervision is needed around children because of energy and size. Small pets and wildlife require caution.
Does the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound shed a lot?
The rough coat sheds lightly to moderately and needs brushing or hand tidying. Ears and skin should be checked after outdoor work.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound?
The biggest challenge is living with a real scenthound: voice, scent drive, exercise, and secure containment all matter.
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