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The hound is made for hunting. But are there many hunters among us? In modern conditions, full of dangers and loneliness, we are looking for a friend and support in the dog. And now - a breed for those who need a friend, perfect both in spirit and body, faithful and physically developed. Watching the fast running, noble chiseled silhouette, feeling caring - that's a real pleasure!
You could also hear other names for this breed: Austrian marriage, brindle marriage, smooth-haired marriage. In German it is called "brandlbracke" and translates as "fire hound."
Origin history
The most common version is as follows: in ancient times, the Celts lived on the territory of modern Austria. Dogs played an important role in their life: they helped to hunt, protect property, and even participated in hostilities, and therefore were held in high esteem by the tribe. A physically developed and hardy dog was well suited for the Austrian mountains. It is believed that the Celtic dogs of those times are distant relatives of the modern Austrian hound.
In the XIX century, when hunting became a popular entertainment for the elite, this dog was paid attention to, because it is hardy, agile and has a wonderful scent. Owning such an animal became a strong advantage of the hunter. As a result of the Austrian marriage, they begin to breed as an independent purebred breed (that is, do not mix with others). But it did not immediately become widespread: such hounds were available only to noble people. Only they had the right to hunt, and hunting could only be done on their own lands.
Today, hunting has ceased to be the lot of the elite and does not require a noble origin, but the breed has not received widespread distribution. The Austrian Hound is registered with the International Cynological Federation and is well known in Austria, but not outside. Including because this hound loves hunting very much, and it is impossible to provide it with such an opportunity in urban conditions. Nevertheless, recently interest in this breed has been growing, marriages appear in other countries.
Appearance
The dog is medium-sized, strong and dense, but not bulky. The height at the withers is about 60 cm, the average weight is 20 kg. The head is oval, ears touchingly hang down to the mouth, the tail is thin and long.
The nature of the house and on the hunt
Noble hunters of the XIX century seemed to have invested a part of their soul in this dog: the Austrian hound - intelligent and restrained. These dogs were taken in packs for hunting, and therefore the marriage gets along well with other dogs, even with representatives of other breeds. Suitable for families with small children: you can’t name this dog especially playful, it rather tolerates games, but it makes good contact.
Everything changes when a dog goes hunting. Measured and calm at home, "at work" marriage becomes persistent, hardy and firm. Here, the main advantage of the Austrian hound - its incomparable scent - fully manifests itself.Sensitive sense of smell, coupled with the ability to maintain concentration for a long time, allows this dog to track its prey to a victorious end and to navigate the terrain well.
The dog will perform his duties equally well, regardless of snow, rain or any other external influences. Sometimes such obstinacy becomes a minus: the four-legged hunter is so deeply immersed in the process that he can stop responding to commands: everything except the goal ceases to exist for him. Having caught the prey, the hound changes again: with a loud bark, it makes it clear that the goal has been achieved, and goes with a proudly raised head. Brundle marriage is most effective in hunting small animals (hares, foxes).
Training, maintenance and care
Obedient at home, lively on the hunt - if this breed is so beautiful and versatile, then why is it so poorly distributed? It is all about the special needs of the hounds, which are difficult to provide in urban conditions, namely, a large space for fast running and physical activity. Going out into the countryside once a week is not enough: this dog needs running and loads every day. The most suitable conditions are a private house with a fenced yard, where the marriage can fulfill its needs safely for themselves and others. If during the walk the dog chases the cat, then stopping it will be difficult or even impossible. If there is a roadway nearby, such a hunt can end sadly. Therefore, walks without a leash in urban environments are not recommended.
Representatives of this breed are worried about the safety of their master, but they do not get into a fight at the first opportunity, they resort to aggression only in extreme cases.
As for education and training, there is an important nuance. The dog is easily trained, but still quite stubborn (after all, she needs it for hunting), so you need to deal with it carefully, regularly and from an early age. And even under such conditions, you should not expect from her one hundred percent obedience.
Dog hygiene is not difficult. It is enough to comb your pet once or twice a week - it’s good that various convenient brushes and mittens are sold at pet stores now. Such a short coat does not need special care, expensive shampoos and frequent combing; and even molting goes unnoticed. Do not forget to monitor the condition of the teeth, ears, eyes and claws.
Balanced diet
The acquisition of an Austrian marriage should be the result of deliberate decisions and good preliminary preparation. You must meticulously choose a nursery: what is his reputation? Under what conditions are puppies born and raised? Experienced and responsible breeders will easily provide you with detailed information about the nursery and its inhabitants.
Video: Austrian hound dog breed
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