Pet Wiki

Barak hound

Also called Bosnian Broken-haired Hound, Bosanski oštrodlaki gonič-Barak, Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound, Bosnian Rough-coated Hound, Illyrian Hound (former name)

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Bosnia and Herzegovina.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight16 to 24 kg132
Height46 to 56 cm13
Sizemedium

FCI gives 16-24 kg with 20 kg ideal; UKC gives an ideal of 44 lb (20 kg) for males; Wikipedia quotes 16-27 kg.

lively and brave
persistent tracker
far-carrying, musical voice
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.13

Colourswheaten yellowreddish yellowearthy greyblackishwith white markingsbicolourtricolour13

Personality what they are like

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.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working scenthound bred for long days in rough terrain, so it needs generous daily exercise and enjoys scent work.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The harsh, tousled coat benefits from regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the undercoat from packing down.13

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a home with outdoor space and access to countryside; its dense coat handles cold, wet weather well.1

Company who they like around

Bred to hunt with people and other hounds, so it enjoys company and an active routine.1

The story where it all began

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.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Barak is the traditional local nickname that the FCI keeps in the official breed name.1

  2. 2

    The breed was registered with the FCI under the name Illyrian Hound before being renamed.3

  3. 3

    Its voice is described as sonorous and high-pitched, though some dogs have a deeper bay.1

  4. 4

    Genetic studies found modern Baraks are quite diverse and most closely related to the Tornjak, another Bosnian and Croatian breed.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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.4

Name ideas for your new friend

ZekoMedoRudoVukBuraStijenaKamenkoBrdoTravaLovacHrastJelen

A day in the life told by a Barak hound

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
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
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised in 2006.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

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 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.5

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.6

How often should I bathe a Barak hound?

Furry Diary'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.7 Pet Wiki plan

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. Furry Diary's starting plan is weekly brushing, which suits their harsh, tousled coat.13 Pet Wiki plan

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.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Barak hound need?

This energetic hound needs generous daily exercise, including walks and scent work. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and play. They thrive with plenty of activity and outdoor time.1 Pet Wiki plan

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.7 Pet Wiki plan

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. Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

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

  1. FCI Standard No. 155 Bosnian Broken-haired Hound called Barak fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, use
  2. Barak hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, weight range, genetics fact
  3. UKC Barak breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, history, size, coat
  4. fci.be fci.be
  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.