Pet Wiki

Tyrolean Hound

Also called Tiroler Bracke, Tyroler Bracke

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Austria (Tyrol)12

At a glance the quick version

Height, male43 to 50 cm23
Height, female42 to 48 cm23
Lifespan12 to 14 years4
Sizemedium
keen nose
great stamina in the mountains
clear voice on the trail
23

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense double coat

A sturdy, sinewy hound built a little longer than tall. The thick coat has a coarse undercoat, with fuller hair on the belly, the back of the thighs and a brush-like tail, which suits cold mountain weather.23

Coloursred (deer red to red-fawn)black and tantricolour23

Personality what they are like

A steady and eager hunting hound that likes to work on its own initiative. It follows a scent with determination, keeps its bearings well and announces the trail with a clear bark.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to track hare, fox and wounded game over long distances in forest and alpine terrain, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally scent work or tracking tasks.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The weatherproof double coat is easy to look after; a regular brush-through, especially during seasonal shedding, keeps it tidy.2

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to active, rural or outdoor-oriented homes with space to roam safely; a secure area is useful because the breed follows scents independently.24

The story where it all began

The Tyrolean Hound comes from the old Celtic-type Bracke hounds of the Alps, and Emperor Maximilian I already hunted with such dogs around 1500. Planned breeding in Tyrol started around 1860, a first standard followed in 1896, and the breed was officially recognised in 1908. Today only the red and the black-and-tan types remain.234

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Emperor Maximilian I is recorded as using these hounds for hunting around the year 1500.2

  2. 2

    A smaller variety once existed, but only the red and black-and-tan hounds are bred today.2

  3. 3

    It is prized for tracking game in snowy, mountainous country where many hounds struggle.4

  4. 4

    In FCI countries the breed must pass a working trial before it can become a champion.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Tyrol region in the Alps, where it originated. The German name 'Tiroler Bracke' combines the region with 'Bracke,' a term for a type of scenthound descended from the ancient Celtic Hound.4

Name ideas for your new friend

AlpineBellaBergEdelweissFelixGipfelJägerLisiMaxlSusiTirolZirbe

A day in the life told by a Tyrolean Hound

I wake to the scent of pine and damp earth. My human opens the door, and I bound into the crisp morning air, tail wagging. We head to the forest where I pick up an old hare trail, my nose leads, my bark sings. At noon, I rest on a sun-warmed rock, watching clouds drift over the peaks. Back home, I curl by the fire, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. A good day for a Tyrolean Hound.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 medium-sized hounds, standard no. 68, recognised on a definitive basis; working trial required1
UKC
Recognised 2006, Scenthound Group3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tyrolean Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Tyrolean Hound, and at what times?

Adult Tyrolean Hounds do well with at least two meals a day, ideally at set times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Tyrolean Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these.6

How often should I bathe a Tyrolean Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. At least once every three months is fine.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Tyrolean Hound need brushing?

A weekly brush is usually enough to keep the weatherproof double coat tidy, especially during seasonal shedding. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Tyrolean Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Tyrolean Hound need?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally including scent work or tracking tasks. Daily walks and play are essential to keep it happy and healthy.24 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Tyrolean Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently after cleaning.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Tyrolean Hound live?

The typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, your Tyrolean Hound can enjoy a long life.4

Is a Tyrolean Hound good with children and other pets?

This breed is steady and eager, but its independent hunting nature means it may not be ideal for homes with small pets. It can be good with children if raised together, but always supervise interactions.23

Can a Tyrolean Hound be left alone?

This breed is best suited to active homes and may not enjoy long periods alone. It follows scents independently, so a secure area is important if left alone for short times.24

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Austrian Black and Tan HoundStyrian Coarse-haired HoundAlpine Dachsbracke

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI nomenclature: Tiroler Bracke (68) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. FCI Standard No. 68 Tiroler Bracke fci.beused for history, size, coat, colours, temperament, use
  3. UKC Tyrolean Hound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, history
  4. Wikipedia: Tyrolean Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, other names, history dates
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.