Also called Bosnian Broken-haired Hound, Bosanski oštrodlaki gonič-Barak, Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound, Bosnian Rough-coated Hound · Bosnia and Herzegovina.
An energetic, spirited hound with plenty of courage and staying power on the trail.
An energetic, spirited hound with plenty of courage and staying power on the trail. It is known for keeping going long after other dogs would give up.12
how to spot oneBarak hound coat and colours
long, harsh, shaggy double coat
A sturdy, weather-proof scenthound whose coat is long, coarse and tousled on top with a thick undercoat beneath, giving it a rugged, bearded look.12
Comes inwheaten yellowreddish yellowearthy greyblackishwith white markingsbicolourtricolour12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Barak hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksBarak hound exercise needs
A working scenthound bred for long days in rough terrain, so it needs generous daily exercise and enjoys scent work.1
where they are happiestBarak hound at home
Best suited to a home with outdoor space and access to countryside; its dense coat handles cold, wet weather well.1
who they like aroundBarak hound with people and other pets
Bred to hunt with people and other hounds, so it enjoys company and an active routine.1
the hands-on bitsBarak hound grooming and care
The harsh, tousled coat benefits from regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the undercoat from packing down.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Barak hound, and at what times?
Feed adult Barak hounds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Barak hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to an active breed is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a balanced diet.5
How often should I bathe a Barak hound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.6
How often does a Barak hound need brushing?
Brush your Barak hound at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the undercoat from packing down. Pet Wiki's starting plan is weekly brushing, which suits their harsh, tousled coat.12
How do I trim a Barak hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.6
How much exercise does a Barak hound need?
This energetic hound needs generous daily exercise, including walks and scent work. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play. They thrive with plenty of activity and outdoor time.1
How do I look after a Barak hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, especially since they are floppy. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Barak hound live?
Lifespan varies, but senior care often begins around age 8. For a more precise estimate, consult your vet.
Is a Barak hound good with children and other pets?
This hound was bred to work with people and other dogs, so it generally enjoys company. With proper socialization, it can be good with children and other pets. Always supervise interactions.1
Can a Barak hound be left alone?
This breed enjoys company and an active routine, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation if you must leave it.1
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Barak hound costs
Running costs for a Barak 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.
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.
by countryIs the Barak hound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Barak hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Barak is the traditional local nickname that the FCI keeps in the official breed name.1
2
The breed was registered with the FCI under the name Illyrian Hound before being renamed.2
3
Its voice is described as sonorous and high-pitched, though some dogs have a deeper bay.1
4
Genetic studies found modern Baraks are quite diverse and most closely related to the Tornjak, another Bosnian and Croatian breed.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is called 'Barak', which is a Bosnian name for a type of hunting dog. It was originally registered with the FCI in 1965 as the Illyrian Hound, and the name was changed in 1973 to Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound - called Barak.7
Dawn finds me already on the trail, nose low, tail waving like a flag. The hills are my playground, and every scent is a story. I push through brambles and leap over streams, my rough coat catching the morning dew. When the sun climbs high, I find a shady spot and watch the world with one eye open. My human laughs at my snoring; they say I dream of chasing rabbits. By afternoon, we're off again, exploring a new ridge. I don't know the word 'tired', only 'more'. As dusk paints the sky, I trot home, proud and happy. Tonight, I'll curl at their feet, ready for tomorrow's adventure.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganBarak hound history
The Barak developed in Bosnia from local hounds, with some influence from an Italian gundog around the 1890s. The FCI first listed it in 1965 as the Illyrian Hound, and the name was later changed to honour its Bosnian roots.312
Standard no. 155, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 medium-sized hounds, with working trial. First registered 19 June 1965 as the Illyrian Hound; current standard dated 01.04.1996.1
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Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
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