Also called Barak, Bulgarian Barak, Balgarski Barak · Bulgaria
A working scent hound kept by hunters; sources describe its hunting role rather than its home temperament.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 19 to 27 kg (42 to 60 lb)males 23 to 27 kg, females 19 to 22 kg1 |
| Height | 48 to 58 cm (19 to 23 in)males 53 to 58 cm, females 48 to 53 cm1 |
| Coat | Long, coarse (rough-haired) |
| Origin | Bulgaria (mainly the north, north-west and centre of the country)1 |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
A working scent hound kept by hunters; sources describe its hunting role rather than its home temperament.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bulgarian Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Bred as a hunting scent hound, so it is suited to owners who can give it regular long outings and scent work.1
The coarse longer coat benefits from regular brushing to keep it tidy.1
Feed adult Bulgarian Hounds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary, but a consistent schedule is best. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.3
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if needed. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.4
Brush your Bulgarian Hound weekly to keep its coarse coat tidy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils.14
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use dog nail clippers and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.4
This breed needs daily exercise with long walks and opportunities for scent work. As a hunting hound, it thrives on regular outings. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day.1
Brush your Bulgarian Hound's teeth daily if possible, at least 2-3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.4
Lifespan varies; consult your vet for breed-specific information. Typically, medium-sized dogs live around 10-13 years, but this is not confirmed for this breed. Ask a good breeder or vet.
As a working hound, its temperament around children and other pets can vary. Early socialization and training are important. Consult a breeder or vet for specific advice.
This breed's tolerance for being alone depends on its individual temperament and training. As a hunting hound, it may need companionship and activity. Ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.
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.
Running costs for a Bulgarian Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 101 kg of dry food a year | 331 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Grooming3 salon visits a year | 165 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Bulgarian Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
The breed is also known as the Barak, and its Bulgarian name is 'Български барак' (Balgarski Barak). The name 'Barak' is the traditional name for this long-haired hound breed in Bulgaria.1
My day starts with a long walk in the forest. I sniff the ground, following scents of deer and hare. My person lets me lead, and I find a trail, my nose goes wild! We run for hours, me barking with joy when I find a fresh track. Back home, I flop on the cool floor, tired but happy. My person scratches my ears and says I'm the best hunting partner. Another great day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
This is a long-haired hound lineage of Bulgaria that was first written about by F. Laszka in 1905. It is regarded as the only long-haired hound of its region, and a 2020 genetic study linked its maternal DNA to Bronze Age dog remains found in Italy.1
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Bulgarian Scenthound
Serbian Hound