Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
As an original hunting breed, the Tiroler Bracke is genetically well-positioned, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only notable hereditary condition. This potential weakness of the musculoskeletal system is already effectively controlled through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other typical hereditary diseases or breed-specific defects are practically non-existent in this robust breed.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
42–50 cm
Weight
15–25 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Tyrolean Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Tiroler Bracke is a robust, sure-footed scent hound (Laufhund) and blood tracker (Schweißhund) — bred for demanding tracking work in the mountains, where it must hunt completely independently and with a distinct baying sound (spurlaut). A highly specialized professional that is usually placed exclusively in the hands of hunters.
The real vibes check
A Tiroler Bracke is not a dog for the local dog park, but a highly specialized colleague for the forest. When it picks up a trail, its brain switches into work mode — and from that moment on, you are just a passenger. If you don't provide an outlet for this primal passion, you will spend more time searching for this dog on walks than leading it.
The Tyrolean Hound, also known as the Tyrolean Hound, is a medium-sized, muscular and athletic dog. It belongs to FCI Group 6, the scent hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds. Their appearance is striking and impressive, with a combination of proud posture and powerful physique. Their ears are medium-sized, wide and drooping, giving the dog an attentive and friendly facial expression. The eyes are dark and vivid, and the tail is long and carried either straight or slightly upward. The Tyrolean Hound is known for its extraordinary endurance and good sense of smell.
The Tiroler Bracke is a traditional Austrian hunting dog breed whose origins trace back to the ancient Celtic hounds. As early as the Middle Ages, similar scent hounds were prized in the Alpine region, particularly in modern-day Tyrol, for their exceptional tracking ability and stamina. Emperor Maximilian I is said to have used such hounds for hunting in the Tyrolean mountains around 1500. Targeted pure breeding of the breed began in the second half of the 19th century. Hunters required a robust, sure-footed, and weather-hardy dog capable of handling the extreme climatic and topographical conditions of the high mountains. The Tiroler Bracke was primarily bred for hunting hare and fox with a loud bay, as well as for tracking wounded game. The first official breed standard was established in Innsbruck in 1896, and the breed received official recognition in Austria in 1908. The Tiroler Bracke was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on August 31, 1954. To this day, it is kept almost exclusively by hunters, as it possesses a strong hunting instinct and a high level of willingness to work.
The Tiroler Bracke was bred for hunting hare and fox, as well as for tracking wounded game in the Alpine regions.
Austria
1860
The Tyrolean Bracke is a breed with a versatile and balanced character. She is known for her loyalty and devotion to her family, but also her independence and natural hunting instinct. As a traditional hunting dog, the Tyrolean Hound is naturally active and persistent. She loves being outside and has a strong urge to move. She is not hyperactive, but she needs regular physical and mental activity to be happy and content. A long hike in nature, a game of fetch or an exciting search for clues can make them happy. Despite its independence, the Tyrolean Hound is a very people-oriented breed. She bonds closely with her family and is always ready to please her people. She is also good with children and can be a wonderful family dog provided she receives the attention and activity she needs. The Tyrolean Bracke is an intelligent dog that learns quickly and enjoys mastering new tasks. She can stay alone just fine as long as she has been kept sufficiently busy and her people aren't away for too long. Like all dogs, however, she should be trained to stay alone from an early age. Regarding their hunting instinct, it should be noted that the Tyrolean Bracke was originally bred for hunting and therefore has a strong hunting and prey instinct. She is always on the lookout for interesting smells and can be easily distracted when she picks up a scent. A securely fenced garden and leash management in areas with game are therefore essential. Despite her hunting instinct, however, with good upbringing and training, she can learn to control her behavior. The Tyrolean Hound is also an alert dog. She is not aggressive, but she will defend her family and territory if she feels it is necessary. She is likely to bark if she notices anything unusual and can therefore also serve as a good guard dog.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Although the Tyrolean Bracke is originally a hunting dog breed, it is also known as an “Alpine Life Saver” in its native Tyrol. well known and is often used in search and rescue missions in the mountains.
The Tyrolean Hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog, especially known for its excellent sense of smell. These dogs are very eager to work and require a lot of exercise as well as meaningful activity. They are friendly with people and other dogs but show a strong hunting instinct. The Tyrolean Hound is well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion in the field.
The Tyrolean Hound can be kept well in both the city and the country, provided it gets enough exercise and activity. She is an active dog who needs a lot of exercise, so a house with a garden is ideal, but not a must. She usually gets along well with children and can be a great family dog. She can do well with other pets, including cats, as long as she has been well socialized from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
The Tyrolean Bracke is an intelligent and eager-to-learn animal that enjoys being challenged mentally and physically. It is suitable for various dog sports such as agility, mantrailing or search games. Despite their intelligence and willingness to work, it is important not to overwhelm them. She needs enough rest periods and should learn to relax sometimes. An important point in the training of the Tyrolean Hound is the management of their strong hunting instinct. It is important to work with a professional trainer from the beginning to build alternative behavior and train reliable recall. Learning frustration tolerance and impulse control is also an important aspect of training this breed.
The Tyrolean Hound is an active dog and therefore requires a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain its energy and health. A high-quality, protein-rich food with enough fat and carbohydrates is ideal. Fresh water should be available at all times. In terms of care, the Tyrolean Bracke is quite easy to care for. She has short, dense fur with an undercoat that should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and keep the skin healthy. This breed sheds more hair, especially during the shedding period. She copes well with the German climate, although she may need a little more protection in the cooler months.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Robust
As an original hunting breed, the Tiroler Bracke is genetically well-positioned, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only notable hereditary condition. This potential weakness of the musculoskeletal system is already effectively controlled through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other typical hereditary diseases or breed-specific defects are practically non-existent in this robust breed.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
For a long and active life as a scent hound, you should ensure joint-friendly rearing and schedule regular eye and heart check-ups with your vet.
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested to reduce hereditary risks in the line.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Spike war mein absoluter Traumhund und hat mich über ein Jahrzehnt lang sowohl bei der Jagd als auch im alpinen Rettungsdienst begleitet. Bei der Schweißarbeit war er eine Klasse für sich und hat die Prüfungen über 500 und 1000 Meter mit Bestnoten absolviert. Ob Hirsch, Gams, Reh oder Fuchs – auf seine feine Nase und seine unerschütterliche innere Ruhe bei der Nachsuche war im Revier immer zu 100 % Verlass.
Neben der Jagd führten wir eine langjährige Karriere als Lawinenhundeteam im Hochgebirge. Seine feine Spürnase und seine enorme Ausdauer machten ihn zum perfekten Rettungshund. Besonders fasziniert hat mich immer sein feines Gespür für Menschen: Nach anstrengenden Einsätzen ging er oft direkt auf die sichtlich geschockten Überlebenden zu, um sie zu trösten.
Man darf jedoch nicht unterschätzen, wie viel Arbeit in so einem Hund steckt. Die Tiroler Bracke ist ein hochspezialisierter Leistungsträger, der eine klare Aufgabe und eine extrem konsequente Führung braucht, um seine Stärken so brillant auszuspielen.
Die Tiroler Bracke ist ein extrem intelligenter Hund, der unglaublich schnell lernt. Man kann ihnen Kommandos spielend leicht beibringen, aber man muss am Ball bleiben. Sobald man im Training nachlässig wird, kommt sofort die rassetypische Dickköpfigkeit durch und sie hinterfragen die Kommandos eigenständig.
Als unser Nachwuchs auf die Welt kam, stießen wir an unsere Grenzen. Die Bracke ist ein sehr quirliger, agiler und extrem zeitintensiver Hund, der täglich geistig und körperlich gefordert werden will. Wenn sie unausgelastet sind, fordern sie diese Aufmerksamkeit vehement ein, was im Alltag mit einem Säugling extrem stressig werden kann.
Man muss von Anfang an klare Grenzen setzen und den Hund konsequent einnorden, damit er seinen Platz in der Familie akzeptiert und die nötige Ruhe findet. Für reine Couch-Potatoes oder Familien, die nebenbei einen unkomplizierten Begleiter suchen, ist diese Rasse definitiv nicht geeignet.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Tyrolean Hound.
The Tyrolean Hound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Tyrolean Hound is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Tyrolean Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Tyrolean Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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