Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Temperament:
A very rare dog breed is the Austrian Black and Tan Hound or also known as Vieräugl or Brandlbracke. But it is becoming more and more popular. Breeders can hardly meet the demand. However, there is a big limitation for the prospective buyer. In Germany, breeding is controlled by the Deutscher Brackenverein e. V. (German Bracken Association). Since the Brandlbracke is a pure hunting dog, the cute puppies are only given to hunters.
Characteristics
This versatile, intelligent hunting dog is medium in size. He reaches a shoulder height of 48 to 56 cm. His wonderful shiny coat is short and smooth. His body is that of a long distance runner. A broad, muscular chest adorns the long, slender body. He appears flexible and elastic. The long slender tail creates an elegant overall appearance.
The coat is Mainly black. Characteristic is the light brown to dark brown fire. From him the dog has its name. The clearly defined color change is located on the lower legs and sometimes on the chest. It also marks the muzzle below and on the sides. Some Brandlbracken possess the Bracken Star. This is a white mark on the chest. Sometimes a Bracken star is also found on the throat of the dog.
This hunting dog is also known by the nickname "Vieräugl" known. Where does the funny name come from? Two red marks over the two eyes make him look like a mythical creature. This is his trademark. With this mystical appearance, he fits perfectly into his natural environment, the forest.
The Vieräugl is registered with the FCI as a running and welding dog. However, it is a very talented hunting dog with many skills. His specialty is tracking and tracing wild boar. For tracking, he is of course predestined as a welding dog.
This self-confident dog depends on its main task. He needs a lot of employment and exercise. When he is busy, he has an extremely pleasant character. He is friendly and gentle. This dog combines a bright with a calm nature. Typical diseases are not known in the Brandlbracke. It is also not particularly vulnerable.
Pure kennel keeping outside hunting is not recommended for the Brandlbracke. It is fond of children and balanced. For this reason, she is suitable not only to join the family. She is even a problem-free family dog beside her main work, the hunt. Undemanding and easy to care for, it fits into its own home.
When hunting, the Vieräugl is characterized by its good condition. He spends endless miles tracking for hours on end. His Sense of direction is legendary. He will hardly ever miss his way. He moves safely through the most difficult terrain. His will to work inspires his owner. His excellent sense of smell allows him to follow a scent even after hours and in the rain. How to feed such a hunting dog properly?
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
A hunting dog covers incredible distances every day during the strenuous work. Up to 150 kilometers can come together. All his senses are strained. In addition, there is the impassable terrain that he overcomes. His training also requires a lot of energy.
Sufficient supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals is of enormous importance. They keep him fit and healthy. His skeleton, joints and muscles stay strong and supple. What specifics do you need to consider for his needs? You want to prepare the food for your four-eyed dog yourself? Then you have to deal with ingredients. The right composition of proteins, fat and carbohydrates is enormously important.
Have you thought about vitamins and minerals? Your active hunting dog needs vitamin E and minerals every day. Selenium. The right interaction of Calcium and Phosphorus is important for bones and skeleton. In order for you to promote the sense of smell, sodium and zinc must also be present in the feed.
Do you use ready mixes? Due to the high energy requirement, you should give your dog fat-containing ready-made food. The high fat content provides him with the necessary strength. Another advantage is that less food is needed for a good supply. This relieves the stomach.
" Protein content of the food must be based on the Fat content be adapted. The protein in the feed supplies the muscles. Your Brandlbracke has no extended need for vitamins and minerals due to the exercise. Therefore, no additional doses need to be added to the balanced complete feed.
With a full stomach it moves badly. When should you feed the four-eyed dog? Right before the hunt, too much food is bad. It's best to feed him his big main meal the night before. It can store this energy for the next day.
Three hours before it starts, there is a small portion. During the hunt, he usually does not get food. Unless your dog belongs to the animals that get a drop in blood sugar during strenuous work. Then he must eat a little something in between.
During the hunt, however, the Brandlbracke must take water in any case. Every one to two hours, it may refresh its water balance. It is better to provide your hunting assistant with fresh water in the forest. This way you can protect him and yourself from diseases.
Give the main ration of food to your four-eyed dog in the evening. Two hours after work is the right time for it. Then his body had the opportunity to shut down. He can now absorb the energy optimally.
Austrian Black and Tan Hound care
In itself, no special care is necessary. The coat of the Brandlbracke is not sensitive. It itself does not make any extraordinary demands on its owner. A groomer is also not necessary due to the short coat.
Due to the long stay outdoors, dirt and moisture are your constant companions. When you get home, first dry your animal friend thoroughly. His fur does not absorb so much dirt. Nevertheless bath attached now and then. A suitable dog shampoo helps with cleaning. You simply brush out dead hair and dust. Get a high-quality fur brush for this purpose. It must be suitable for short hair.
After each forest experience, you should search the entire body of your Vieräugl. Did he Ticks fetched? What about Burdock, Awns and Thorns out? Look closely at the Paws on. Something quickly enters between the pads and can become inflamed. But also eyes, ears and whiskers are places where foreign bodies easily accumulate.
A hunting dog regularly comes into contact with game. Blood, feces and urine can transmit parasites and diseases. Taking care of your Brandlbracke includes regular visits to the vet. He will check for mites and fleas. He will also deworm and vaccinate your dog. So common diseases have no chance.
Suitable accessories
At home the Vieräugl needs a Cookieswhere he can find peace and quiet. For this he gets a Dog bed. Maybe you decide to build a kennel in the garden. There he can also stay for some time. Besides accessories for his food, he is also very grateful for toys.
At work, you may find it beneficial to have a Signal vest to have. In bad weather conditions, your hunting helper will be easier to spot. For tracking, some hunters use a tracking harness. A tracking line can also be useful.
So that your dog becomes a trained welding dog, a lot of training is necessary. From puppyhood he must be trained. There are books and DVDs that explain steps of work. Little by little, association exams must be taken. The German Bracken Association (Deutscher Brackenverein e. V.) assists in the education and training of dogs and their owners.
Origin & History
The history of the Brandlbracke goes back thousands of years. One of their ancestors, the Keltenbracke, could already be that old. The reason is that for our ancestors Welding dogs were incredibly important. People needed sufficient food. Meat was valuable, protein-rich food. For this reason, they depended on hunting for centuries. Such dogs were expensive at the time. They often ranked above horses in value. All they had to have was a good sense of smell and tracking ability.
In the 19th century, the widespread Bracken began to be bred in a structured manner. Different breeds of Bracken were created. In 1883, the Brandlbracke was established with its breed characteristics in Austria. It is originally a Austrian dog breed. Two names are mentioned in connection with their breeding. One of the responsible is Karl Barbolani from Styria. The other is the Duke Ludwig Wilhelm of Bavaria.
It was not until 1996 that the FCI recognized the Brandlbracke as a breed. It was recorded as a standard under the number 63 and belongs there to the running and welding dogs. Today, about 220 puppies are thrown annually in Germany and Austria. So the Vieräugl is still rare, but is becoming increasingly popular.
