Apartment fit
This breed is generally a poor apartment fit because it is a working hound with voice, stamina, and strong scent drive.
HoundMedium
Austria
AustriaCoarse-Haired Styrian Hound
Weight
35-55 lb
Height
17.75-21 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Coarse Medium
The Coarse-Haired Styrian Hound is an Austrian scenthound with a harsh red or fawn coat, bred for demanding mountain tracking.
Austrian mountain scenthoundHarsh red or fawn coarse coatPersistent and voice-driven on scentNeeds serious outdoor work
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Steirische RauhhaarbrackeStyrian Coarse-haired Hound
PersistentToughLoyalScent-drivenCalmIndependent
Weight
35-55 lb
Height
17.75-21 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Coarse 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
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Coarse-Haired Styrian Hound, known in German as Steirische Rauhhaarbracke, is an Austrian hunting hound developed for difficult terrain and persistent scent work. It is associated with tracking and hunting in mountainous country, where stamina, toughness, and concentration matter more than flashy obedience.
The breed is medium sized and rugged, with a harsh, coarse coat that protects it in rough weather and brush. Color is typically red or pale fawn, sometimes with a small white chest mark. This coat is practical, but it still needs brushing and outdoor checks after work.
This is a specialist hound, not a casual suburban pet. It needs serious exercise, scent work, secure handling, and owners who understand hound voice and independence. In the right working or very active home, it can be steady, loyal, and durable.
Temperament & Personality
PersistentToughLoyalScent-drivenCalmIndependent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a persistent, tough, loyal companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Coarse
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Red, Pale fawn, Fawn, Small white chest marking
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly3/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers2/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A breed chosen for specific lifestyle fit
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- hunters and tracking homes
- experienced hound owners
- active rural homes
- owners with secure outdoor access
Not ideal for
- apartments
- low-activity homes
- owners wanting easy recall around wildlife
- people who dislike hound voice
Common challenges
- hound voice
- following scent
- burrs and ticks in coarse coat
- high exercise needs
Barking & behavior
Vocal tracking is normal. Good work outlets and management reduce frustration but will not remove the hound's voice.
Training style
Use scent games, long-line practice, and practical recall management. Training should support the dog's working instincts.
Grooming & shedding
The coarse coat sheds moderately and should be brushed regularly. Outdoor checks are essential after rough cover.
Care Guide
Exercise
This hound needs long, purposeful exercise with tracking, hiking, or hunting-style work. It is not suited to a short-walk routine.
Grooming
Brush the coarse coat weekly and check for burrs, ticks, cuts, and ear debris after rough cover or mountain work.
Training
Use scent work, long-line recall practice, and patient rewards. The breed is independent on a trail, so secure handling matters.
Nutrition
Feed measured meals for an active medium hound and adjust for heavy work seasons. Keep weight lean to support stamina and joints.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsHip dysplasiaField injuriesTick-borne disease exposureObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Steirische Rauhhaarbracke?
It is the German name for the Coarse-Haired Styrian Hound, an Austrian scenthound bred for demanding tracking work.
Is this breed good for apartments?
Usually no. It is a vocal working hound that needs long exercise and scent outlets.
What color is the Coarse-Haired Styrian Hound?
The breed is typically red or pale fawn, sometimes with a small white mark on the chest.
How much exercise does it need?
Most adults need long daily exercise and scent work, not just brief walks.
Is it good for first-time owners?
It is usually better for hunters or experienced hound owners because of its independence, voice, and stamina.
Does the coat need much grooming?
The harsh coat is practical but needs regular brushing and outdoor checks for burrs, ticks, and skin injuries.
What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is providing enough real tracking work and managing a determined hound safely around scent trails.
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