Pet Wiki

Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Also called Brandlbracke, Vieräugl, Österreichische Bracke, Carinthian Hound

A pleasant, affectionate hound with a keen sense of smell.

SizeMedium
Weight15 to 22 kg (33 to 49 lb)1
Height48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 56 cm, females 48 to 54 cm21
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatSmooth short coat
OriginAustria.21
GroupFCI group 6
Recognised breedShort profile
excellent nose
good-natured and agreeable
graceful, enduring runner
21

Personality what they are like

A pleasant, affectionate hound with a keen sense of smell. It follows a trail willingly and gives voice while it works.21

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth short coat

An elegant, athletic hound with a close, dense coat around 2 cm long that has a silky shine.21

Coloursblack with light to dark fawn markingsfawn spots above the eyes (required)21

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Austrian Black and Tan 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working scenthound that loves to be busy; it does best with plenty of exercise, scent work or tracking.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat is easy to keep with occasional brushing.2

Home where they are happiest

Better suited to country life with room to roam than to a city flat.1

The story where it all began

The breed is thought to come from the old Celtic hound type, and it was bred without formal records until the mid-1800s. A black and tan hound named Bergmann was the first dog entered in the stud book of the Austrian dog breeding club founded in 1884.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its nickname Vieräugl means 'four eyes', after the tan spots above the eyes.1

  2. 2

    The first dog registered by Austria's dog breeding club in 1884 was one of these hounds, named Bergmann.1

  3. 3

    It has also been trained to sniff out the emerald ash borer, a tree pest.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Brandlbracke' comes from 'Brand' (referring to the fawn markings, like a fire mark) and 'Bracke' (a type of scenthound). 'Vieräugl' means 'four eyes' in Austro-Bavarian, referring to the two fawn spots above the eyes.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

LudwigGretlAlpenBrackeFritzZirbelEdelweißSchnuffelBergToniWaldHansi

A day in the life told by an Austrian Black and Tan Hound

I wake to the scent of dew on the grass, and my nose twitches with joy. After a quick breakfast, my human and I head to the forest. I follow a winding trail, my voice ringing out as I track a rabbit's path. Later, we rest by a stream, and I lean against my human's leg, tail wagging. Back home, I curl up on the rug, dreaming of tomorrow's scents. A simple, happy day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 63, Group 6 Scenthounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; standard published 10.10.1995. Wikipedia dates FCI recognition to 1954.2
UKC
Recognised in 2006.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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

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 Austrian Black and Tan Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult Austrian Black and Tan Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at consistent times like morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and consult your vet for a tailored plan.3

What should an Austrian Black and Tan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your hound's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.4

How often should I bathe an Austrian Black and Tan Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a mild dog shampoo.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound need brushing?

Brush your Austrian Black and Tan Hound weekly with a soft brush to keep its short, smooth coat shiny. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. This also helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.25 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Austrian Black and Tan Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim your hound's nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound need?

Your Austrian Black and Tan Hound needs plenty of daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities for scent work or tracking. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and play. This breed thrives when kept busy, so aim for at least an hour of activity each day.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Austrian Black and Tan Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your hound's teeth at least every other day, ideally daily, using a dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them if needed. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents infections.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Austrian Black and Tan Hound live?

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life.1

Is an Austrian Black and Tan Hound good with children and other pets?

This breed is known to be pleasant and affectionate, but individual temperament varies. Always supervise interactions with young children and other pets, and socialize your hound from an early age. Consult a good breeder for specific advice.21

Can an Austrian Black and Tan Hound be left alone?

This hound prefers company and activity, so it may not do well left alone for long hours. It is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the day. If you must leave it, provide plenty of toys and consider a dog walker.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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Austrian Black and Tan Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, weight, lifespan, fun facts
  2. FCI Standard No. 63 Brandlbracke (Vieräugl) fci.beused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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