Care and maintenance
It is better to keep this breed of dog in country houses, as it is not used to living in an apartment.
She needs a lot of space to walk and relax. She needs to go for walks every day so she can expend her energy. She doesn't need much grooming; her coat doesn't require much care. It is enough to brush the coat several times a week so that the dead and old hairs that have formed during this time do not clog the house. There is no need to bathe it often, because it is protected by a layer of fat, and to prevent it from being damaged, it is better to carry out this procedure rarely.
Basic care should be given to the ears to avoid causing ear infections. This breed does not require special care, so there are no problems with it.
Content Features
The Austrian Hound is suitable for living in a city apartment, but the best option would be to keep it in a country house. The dog is not adapted to life outside in cold weather. The Austrian Hound is a working dog and needs long daily walks.
Care
The Austrian Hound does not require complex care. To maintain a neat appearance, it is enough to comb the dog weekly with a brush or mitten for short-haired breeds. You also need to regularly clean the ear, brush your teeth, and trim your nails as they grow.
Origin story
The origin of the Istrian Hound (Istrian Brack) breed is not known with certainty. There are suggestions that the dog's pedigree originates in Slovenia, where targeted selection was carried out. After this, the breed spread throughout Yugoslavia and became popular as a breed for hunting hares and foxes. One of the versions of the origin of the short-haired species of Istrian hounds is the crossing of dogs of the Phoenician Greyhound breed with representatives of European hounds. The wire-haired look most likely appeared as a result of crossing the short-haired Braque with representatives of the French Vendeen Griffon breed. In 1866, the new species was demonstrated at an exhibition in Vienna, and the breed standard was approved in 1973.
The Istrian Brak has an excellent sense of smell, can successfully follow a blood trail, and is also distinguished by a sonorous and low bark. Today there are two variants of the breed, which are not very different from each other, but, nevertheless, are registered separately and are not allowed to be crossed. The short-haired Istrian Bracket has a short coat, while the wire-haired version has a long coat. It is for this reason that in the homeland of Istrian hounds, the wire-haired species is more common in the north of the country, where the climate is colder, and short-haired representatives are more often kept in the southern regions, where they will not need to adapt to an unfavorable climate. Although the hunting qualities of both of these breeds are excellent and are valued both in the country where they were bred and abroad.
Health
This breed of dog gets sick very rarely. If you look after her carefully and diligently, she will not get sick. Her good health and good immunity do not allow various infections to affect her body. Like most dogs, she can develop illnesses, but these are exceptions. She, like all hounds, suffers from hip and elbow dysplasia in general, like most dogs. Her floppy ears may be causing an infection.
It is necessary to carefully and diligently monitor them, especially after each hunt, you need to inspect the auricle. It is extremely rare that she can become infected with demodicosis.
The Austrian Hound can be called a breed that has good health. With proper care and enough active walks, they can live up to 15 years. These dogs have only a few common diseases:
- Ear infections;
- Joint dysplasia;
- Demodecosis.
All diseases can be avoided by following a proper diet when feeding your dog, allowing him to lead a moderately active lifestyle, and regularly inspecting and cleaning his ears and eyes. It is not recommended to keep an Austrian hound in a small city apartment. It is better to provide her with more free space and the opportunity to satisfy her hunting instincts. A country house is perfect for this.
Character
Despite their activity, Schiller hounds have a calm, balanced character. They are distinguished by obedience and cleanliness. Thanks to the short, smooth coat, grooming does not take much time and effort.
Schillerstevare easily finds an approach to all family members, but you should not leave him alone with small children. Due to the hunting instinct and active nature, the pet can accidentally harm the baby or scare him by barking. With older children, the dog willingly plays active games and frolics, but despite its good-natured appearance, it will not let strangers near.
Due to its hunting instinct, it does not get along well with other domestic animals, periodically hunting them.
Breed standard
Austrian hounds have not gained popularity in the world. But this did not stop the FCI from registering this breed. According to the standard, a smooth-haired hound looks like this:
- The head is wedge-shaped. The forehead is wide, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is quite pronounced.
- The muzzle tapers towards the bottom.
- The eyes are wide apart and dark in color. Above the eyes there are characteristic “eyebrows” – tan marks.
- The nose is large and black.
- The jaws are narrow and weak.
- The ears are semi-dropping and widely spaced.
- The body is long and muscular.
- The chest is rounded and poorly defined.
- The paws are long and massive.
- The tail is saber-shaped, thin, just below the hock.
- The coat is short, with a dense structure.
- Only one color is allowed. The black and tan hound is the only one approved by the standard. In Austria, there are two more types of color - red and brindle. The breeds are not included in the standard.
Belgian Braque and its rare character
Character of the Belgian Braque.
A marriage from the category of gun dogs, for which the owner and the common cause with him are above all. A seasoned, calm dog is suitable in temperament for both sanguine and melancholic people. In the apartment, the dog will lie on the rug and come at the first call; on walks it will relentlessly follow the owner. Wonderful dog, Brack! Buying it, unfortunately, is problematic.
Belgian Bracket hunter.
The Brak is a hunting dog, but among the pointers it is the heaviest, so it is not suitable for all types of hunting. Marriage is good for hunting birds. The dog is distinguished by its instincts and endurance, and can follow the scent for a long time. The dog is extremely persistent, courageous, calm, strong, and smart.
Where to find a Belgian Braque?
In Russia there are single specimens of this dog, which were brought by true hunters. The main population of dogs is kept in Belgium, some were brought to France and Germany, but now their number is decreasing. In the United States, brakk is virtually unknown and uncommon.
In previous publications, we have already examined the characteristics of some national hunting breeds of pointing dogs in European countries: Great Britain, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Holland and Denmark.
It was noted that all breeds of cops are divided into two groups - island and continental. Their difference is due to the different manner in which the dogs work during the hunt and the methods of their preparation for the hunt. In addition, all breeds of pointing dogs, both continental and island, are divided into three main types based on the nature of their coat: long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired.
In this article we will talk about some representatives of short-haired pointers - continental braques.
Choosing a Lithuanian Hound puppy
Even in Lithuania, these hounds are a rare and rather small breed. Outside the country they are even rarer. As of 2015, about 200 representatives of the breed live in Belarus, 15 in Canada, 8 in Russia, 5 in Ukraine, 4 in Germany, 2 in Ireland, 1 each in Austria and Norway. The main problem with tracking Lithuanian hounds is that a quarter of the dogs do not have a pedigree.
There are just over 10 registered Lithuanian racing kennels in Lithuania.
Today, there are several clubs and communities that unite owners and breeders of Lithuanian hounds, regulate breeding and help those wishing to purchase a dog for hunting find a puppy.
Price
In Lithuania, the average cost of a puppy is 300 euros. You can find a hound cheaper, but its working qualities, as well as its appearance, may not meet the requirements. Kennels do not sell their best puppies for less than 500 euros.
Character
Character traits are expressed in perseverance and endurance. They have a lively mind, bright temperament and subtle instincts. The latter is very helpful when hunting. Not very aggressive, she will not attack without a reason or order from her owner.
A notable difference between the breed and other hunting species is that it barks continuously while working (while following the scent). Thanks to this bark, the owner, even at a great distance, can find the animal along with the prey it is driving and shoot it.
It is worth mentioning separately about the attitude towards people and pets. It does not tolerate other animals on its territory, but if the pets were raised together, there should be no problems. She is good-natured towards adults and only dislikes strangers. It tolerates children, but it is not recommended to leave them alone with the child - only under the supervision of an adult!
How to Most Effectively Teach Hunting Skills
The Austrian Smooth-haired Bracket is quite easy to train, so training him will not cause any problems. By six to seven months, the puppy should clearly know all the basic commands and not be afraid of loud sounds. From the age of one, a young dog can be taken on a real hunt. However, in order for a hound to properly drive prey, it must be accustomed to this. There are several ways to teach a dog hunting skills. One of the most effective is to take a young hound hunting with well-trained dogs.
An inexperienced dog with a strong hunting instinct, looking at its fellows, will quickly learn what is required of it.
You can contact a specialist who, according to an individual program, will teach a young dog hunting wisdom. The Austrian Hound can work alone, but in a group of three or four individuals, its effectiveness increases significantly.
Features of care
The German hound is a working breed dog, and accordingly, if possible, it should live in conditions where it will be able to perform all the functions inherent in it, namely guard and hunt. It is for this reason that apartment conditions can have a worse impact on the dog’s health, its general condition and well-being. Animals that do not have access to work activities are at risk of developing depression and apathy. If the dog is not intended to be used for hunting or guarding, then it is better to refuse to purchase a representative of this breed. Dogs need to have as much space and space as possible, be in the fresh air more, and be active.
The German hound is unpretentious in its maintenance. She requires regular brushing, combing and occasional trimming. The food is normal, close to feeding large breed dogs. On the day when the German hound goes hunting, it is fed in small portions, so that later it will be easier for it to move around with a half-empty stomach and not experience discomfort that can distract from the main activity.
Training, maintenance and care
Docile at home, lively on the hunt - if this breed is so magnificent and versatile, then why is it so little popular? It's all about the special needs of the hound, which are difficult to provide in city conditions, and specifically, decent space for fast running and physical exercise. Going to nature once a week is not enough: this dog needs running and exercise every day. The best conditions are a private house with a fenced yard, where the brakk is able to fulfill his own needs safely for himself and those around him. If a dog chases a cat while walking, it will not be easy or even impossible to stop it. If there is a nearby roadway, such a hunt can end sadly. Therefore, walking without a leash in the city is not recommended.
Representatives of this breed are worried about the safety of their owner, but they do not get into a fight at the first opportunity; they resort to aggression only in extreme cases.
As for upbringing and training, there is a significant invisible moment. The dog is easy to train, but still quite adamant (after all, it needs this for hunting), so it is necessary to train it carefully, constantly, and from the first years. And even under such conditions, one should not expect one hundred percent obedience from her.
Dog hygiene will not be difficult. It is enough to brush your pet several times a week - it’s good that pet stores now sell a variety of good brushes and mittens. Such short hair does not require special care, expensive shampoos and frequent combing; and even molting goes unnoticed. Don't forget to monitor the condition of the teeth, ears, eyes and claws.
Alaskan Malamute - All about the dog breed | Alaskan Malamute dog
History and breed standard
The Austrian hound is a very ancient breed, it dates back several centuries; the first mentions of these wonderful dogs appeared in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by ancient records. Since ancient times, dogs with a black and tan color have been very popular in hunting foxes, hares, rodents and other animals, because the Brundle Brak has a very strong sense of smell and an inexhaustible supply of energy. Since then, the birthplace of the brandl brakk has been identified, it turned out to be Austria, especially the mountainous regions, which is probably why the brandl brakk has gained great popularity in Austria.
These wonderful dogs began to be bred only in the 19th century, in order to be used for various types of winter and summer hunting. The breed was very common in many European countries, since the Brandle Brakk is a good hunter, can work without a voice and is very prey.
Austrian Hound - description of the breed and character of the dog
The hound is made for hunting. But how many hunters are there among us? In our time, full of dangers and loneliness, we are looking for a friend and support in a dog. And here is a breed for those who need a friend, perfect in spirit and body, obedient and physically developed. Watching the rapid run, the exquisite chiseled silhouette, and feeling the care - this is a real pleasure!
You may have heard other names for this breed: Austrian Bracket, Brandl-Bracket, Smooth-haired Bracket. In German it is called “brandlbracke” and translated means “fire hound”.
Austrian Hound
Caring for the Austrian Hound
Brundle Brackies are purely working hunting dogs, so apartment conditions are not suitable for them at all. The dog will be able to adapt to them relatively painlessly, provided that he is provided with a sufficient level of physical activity and long walks (1.5–2 hours). The hound feels most comfortable when kept in a country house with a large fenced area, where it is free to range.
Caring for Austrian Braques is simple, it consists of the following activities:
- smooth short hair is combed 1-2 times a week with a special mitten or brush (during shedding, brush every day);
- bathe no more than 1-2 times a year with zoo shampoo;
- eyes and ears are regularly (every 5-7 days) examined and cleaned with veterinary lotion;
- teeth are brushed once a week with animal toothpaste (it does not need to be washed off) and a brush (finger attachment);
- If necessary, the claws are shortened (once a month), if they themselves do not grind down.
Real hunters prefer to feed their pets homemade, specially prepared food. The natural diet includes:
- raw lean meat (horse meat, beef, etc.);
- eggs;
- boiled fish;
- trimmings, offal, entrails, cartilage, large bones with meat remains, etc.;
- vegetables, fruits, herbs;
- unrefined vegetable oil;
- fermented milk (kefir, cottage cheese, etc.) with low fat content;
- porridge (buckwheat, rice, etc.);
- vitamin and mineral supplements.
You can keep Austrian Brackets on dry store-bought food, giving preference to at least premium-class products for active medium-sized dogs. Adult pets are given food twice a day, babies are fed more often - from 3 to 6 times (depending on age).
Training
The Austrian Hound is easy to train and responds well to training. You need to raise a puppy early - from about 2–2.5 months, teaching him obedience and basic commands (sit, lie down, come to me, etc.). The OKD course takes place after six months. A smart and quick-witted dog can cope with quite complex commands and tasks, but a certain tendency towards independent thinking and stubbornness makes the learning process difficult. Therefore, this breed is recommended for experienced dog breeders with a strong will and strong character who will not give their pets any concessions.
It is imperative to raise and train the Austrian Hound.
Now there are special hunting bases located in places remote from populated areas, where dogs are professionally trained in the necessary skills. There are wild birds and various animals that young teenage dogs meet there. Our dog (German Drahthaar) was taken hunting from the age of 6 months in the company of much more experienced fellow tribesmen, from whose example she understood what she needed to do.
Description of the Austrian Hound
The standard positions the Austrian Black and Tan Hound exclusively as a universal, versatile hunting dog, suitable for both difficult and difficult work in mountainous terrain, and for driving animals in flat areas using the voice, as well as for searching for wounded animals by blood trail.
Brandle Brackets are kept extremely rarely as pets and companion dogs.
Appearance
The Austrian Bracket is a medium-sized dog, athletic and strong (but by no means heavy, thick or stocky) with light, fine bones and powerful muscles . A flexible, strong, lean body with a long back, clearly defined withers, a wide, voluminous sternum, a slightly arched loin and a moderately tucked belly line.
The body of the Austrian Hound is muscular and strong, but rather graceful and fine-boned.
Breed standard:
- Height at withers: females - 48–54 cm;
- males - 50–56 cm.
The Austrian Black and Tan Hound moves easily and gracefully. Thanks to its lightweight frame, it has excellent jumping ability.
The Austrian Hound moves easily and lithely
The coat is short (up to 2 cm), strong and thick, tightly fitting the body, with a beautiful glossy sheen. The standard allows only one color - black with clearly defined, small tan marks, the color of which varies from light fawn to dark reddish brown. There must be two clear light spots above the eyes, forming a spectacular “four eyes”.
Disadvantages and disqualifying vices
The following are recognized as defects or deficiencies:
- some timidity;
- narrowed skull;
- elongated muzzle;
- pointed, shortened, too narrow or curled ears;
- a very thick or short tail, curled or carried high, and no rough hair underneath;
- weak limbs.
The reasons for disqualification will be:
- cowardice or aggressiveness;
- absence of clearly visible clear spots above the eyes;
- problems with the jaws (lack of teeth, overshot, undershot);
- any coloring that does not meet standard requirements;
- obvious behavioral, mental or physical abnormalities;
- cryptorchidism.
Character and psyche of the breed
The Brundle Bracket, like the vast majority of hounds, has a cheerful and cheerful temperament, and at the same time has a firm, strong and stubborn character, allowing it to persistently and purposefully pursue prey . In everyday life, these dogs are obedient, calm and very balanced. They are strongly attached to their family, they need human society, and loneliness is unbearable. The agile and active Austrian hounds find it difficult to sit in one place for a long time without moving; running, jumping, playing and rushing around headlong is normal and natural for them.
The Austrian Hound needs to exercise a lot.
Only a real hunter or a professional huntsman should have such a pet.
These hunting dogs play with children with pleasure, especially preferring outdoor games. They can show aggression towards other pets, but with proper and early socialization this can be avoided. All kinds of small animals will always be considered from the point of view of the hunter, so it is better not to keep rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other animals together with hounds. Brack can still put up with a domestic cat, but stray and neighbor cats are always a welcome prey for him.
The poorly developed territorial instinct does not allow the use of hounds as guards. Although they perceive uninvited strangers with suspicion, they do not possess the necessary aggressiveness.
Origin
The origin story is quite confusing. According to one version, the ancestor of the breed is the Tyrolean hound. According to the second, the hound from Austria descended from Celtic dogs. These are the closest related breeds. This hypothesis is hardly plausible. The difference between the Celtic Braque and our hound is a thousand years. If, however, Celtic dogs took part in the formation of the Austrian hound, then it is quite distant. The Austrian Hound is completely different from its supposed ancestors. Differences in appearance can be explained by admixtures of new blood. The hound from Austria was shaped not only by Celtic dogs. The genetics of other breeds have taken their toll. Nobody knows if this is true. It is known that the Brandl Brack, as the breed is also called, has become widespread in Austria. And in 1884 a breed standard was created.
The photo shows an Austrian hound.
History of the breed
The mountainous regions of Austria are officially considered the birthplace of the Brandl Brakk. The ancestors of this breed are the Celtic Brack, and the Tyrolean Brack, which descended from it, as well as the Slovak Cop. In the past, black and tan hound dogs were very popular, and the Austrian Hound began to be bred from them in the mid-19th century. From the kopov, with whom they, by the way, are very similar, the Brandle Brakk inherited its beautiful fur and the ability to hunt with a voice and without following a variety of targets.
The history of the Austrian hound remains a mystery. Almost all sources claim that the ancestors of the breed were Celtic dogs, called in German (language and Austria) “Keltenbracke”. Although most of Austria was inhabited by Germanic tribes since the fall of the Roman Empire, Celtic tribes, the same as those in Switzerland, France, and Belgium, also lived in it.
It is unclear why the smooth-haired Bracket is believed to be descended from Celtic dogs. Although these breeds inhabited the same region, there is no evidence that there was a connection between them. Moreover, there is some strong evidence against this theory. If the Barndl Brack is 300 years older than currently thought, there is still a gap of more than 1000 years between it and the Celtic Brack.
In addition, according to the descriptions, they are very different from each other. Even if this relationship existed, over hundreds of years the Austrian hound mixed with other breeds and became very different from its ancestor.
But, no matter where they came from, these dogs are very popular in Austria, especially in the mountainous regions. For many years they were not purebred, but mixed with other breeds, but in 1884 the Australian hound was recognized as a separate breed, and a standard was written.
In its homeland, it is widely known as “Brandlbracke”, which can be translated as a fire hound, based on its coat color. Smooth-haired Brackets were used in hunting rabbits and foxes, tracking down larger animals, usually in small packs.
Although the Brundlebracks lived in what is now 12 different countries, they are virtually unknown outside of Austria. This isolation continues to this day, only in recent years have they begun to appear in other countries. Although the breed is registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Unlike many modern dogs, the Austrian Hound is still used as a hunting dog today, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Breeders have discovered in the breed several characteristic traits characteristic of the German Black and Tan Hound. It has been suggested that she is one of the ancestors of the Smooth-Coated Bracket. It was subsequently confirmed by genetic analysis.
Dogs in Austria
Well, I'm finally back from my trip to Europe. I visited a lot of places and was lucky enough to see a lot of interesting things. But I’ll tell you about my impressions in more detail a little later on the pages of the website brodilca.ru. And today, continuing to follow the old tradition, I’ll just show you which dogs I met along the way in Austria and I’ll comment a little on the photos that I took.
I will try to tell you about the Austrian tails, how they live and whether they are happy with their “dog” life. It was interesting for me to observe how Austrians care for their pets and how they strive to make living with them more comfortable and convenient.
Jack usually gets very worried when I pack my travel bag, because he understands that I am leaving. This time, already at the airport, when I was unloading my bag from the car, he threw a real hysteria: he began to fly around the entire cabin, emitting unimaginable heart-rending screams. In the parking lot, everyone looked in our direction and probably thought that we were torturing the dog, he whined so loudly and disgustingly.
"What's happened? - I thought. “Why is he behaving like this, because he has already seen me off many times.” And only now I understand why Juzik was so hysterical. He felt…. He felt that I was going to “cheat on him with other dogs.” :))
On this trip, I decided to experience all the local flavor of the Austrian capital and live like an ordinary resident of Vienna. Therefore, I did not stay in a hotel, as usual, but rented a room through the site airbnb.ru in the apartment of a local girl, Isabella, and her brother. By the way, the link to the site is an affiliate link, so if you follow it and book any accommodation when going on a trip or for work, you will get a good discount, and I’ll also get a few tugriks; everything is fair!
The guys met me near the house. And imagine my surprise when I saw this adorable Parson Russell Terrier dog with them!
My new friends were also very happy when I showed them a photo of my Jackusik!
It must be said that animals are not only our smaller brothers, but also help us communicate with each other and bring us closer. This time too, it is quite possible that at first there might have been some awkwardness in communicating with the Austrian guys, but our tails immediately united us, and communication from the very first seconds became very easy and friendly.
We became very good friends with the owner's dog Kevin. Every morning he brought me his bone. And believe me, he did not experience any discomfort due to the language barrier!
And Isabella also has such a wonderful, kind and affectionate cat Eric. Surprisingly, they get along great with Kevin. Well, just once I saw Eric literally rush along the wall, running away from Kevin who was catching up with him! Apparently they didn't share something. :))
In general, dogs are very popular in Austria. I often met people with two or even three four-legged animals. The most comfortable living conditions have been created for dogs. And they don’t use the reverse method (as they often like to do here). That is, in public places you can very rarely see a sign: “Dog walking is prohibited.” On the contrary, dogs are allowed to walk almost everywhere, but for this purpose all conditions have been created so that the animals do not leave their waste products on the lawn or asphalt.
For this purpose, there are containers with special bags for Dog crap! Well, who, if not Jack, should show off on such a box?
Moreover, if you are a beginner dog lover and don’t know how to do it, then the package contains detailed instructions for its use. So it won’t be difficult to figure it out!
By the way, I brought a couple of these bags as a gift to Jackusik!
In general, I must say, all Austrians are quite disciplined. I have never seen anyone fail to clean up after their dog. And no wonder, because the fine for this is quite decent. So that someone doesn’t accidentally forget to do this, there are reminder signs like these on almost every lawn! And again jack!
In Austria, keeping dogs older than three months is taxable. When a tailed pet appears in the house, the owner is simply obliged to register it within 14 days.
The annual tax for one animal is 72 €, and for the second and each subsequent one it is already 105 €. The discount is given only for certain social categories of four-legged animals: for example, if the dog performs special guard functions or works as a guide.
Even a simple visit to the veterinarian costs dog owners at least 25 €. Vaccinations, treatment, etc. are paid additionally. Plus mandatory insurance (about 40€), covering damage up to 725€ (for example, if an animal accidentally runs out onto the road and causes an accident).
In addition, if you get a puppy, you will have to take mandatory courses, where you will be told about the proper care of a dog, and upon completion you will be given a certificate of completion of the classes.
Dogs are bought in Austria for a reason. They prepare consciously for the arrival of a pet in the house, initially understanding what expenses will be incurred for keeping the animal, what kind of care will be required, and what fines may be imposed in case of violation of the rules of keeping. Maybe that’s why Austrians are so kind to their pets, and I’ve never seen a single stray dog?
Well, if someone does litter or doesn’t clean up after their pet, then at every corner there’s an excellent reminder of who they really are!
This is how Austrians care about the cleanliness and culture of their country. Many of us should learn this from them. Well, these are all my observations and the positive aspects of what I noted for myself, and what I would like to see here too.
And now I want to show you the cute, funny, sometimes naughty little tails that I met in the Austrian capital of Vienna.
The sad little barbosy lay and patiently waited for his owner at the door of a small restaurant.
Passers-by smiled and sympathized with him. So what to do? This is the dog's lot - to wait faithfully and faithfully.
Sitting under the table, wait patiently for the hosts to have lunch.
Wait for your host to drink beer with his friend at the beer festival at the Vienna City Hall.
Sitting at the door of a brand store and waiting for the owner to choose new fashionable shoes from the latest collection.
Or wait at the door of a huge grocery supermarket, sincerely rejoicing when a familiar silhouette appears from behind the glass.
By the way, dogs are not allowed into supermarkets in Austria, but at each entrance to the store there is a device, thanks to which you can easily tie up your pet so that it can wait for you outside.
The inscription on the sign literally translates as “Dog Parking.”
The married couple decided to sit on a bench near the walls of St. Michael's Church to take a break and enjoy a delicious cake bought from the famous Viennese confectionery Demel, located nearby. And a small and funny dog of the West Highland White Terrier breed looked into their eyes, in the hope that he too would get something tasty.
But alas and ah. Nothing went wrong!
“It’s good to be a big dog, not a small dog,” reasoned the big red dog, hypnotizing the children eating delicious goulash. “If you were small, you’d sit under the table and make fun of yourself in the hope that they’ll remember you and treat you to something from the master’s table.” But if you are big, there are a lot of advantages: firstly, you can clearly see what is going on on the table and what the owners are eating, secondly, you are always in sight, and certainly no one will forget about you, and thirdly, You can always quickly steal something on the sly when some gaping little person is distracted by something interesting to him!”
“No, no,” others immediately answered him. “It’s not bad at all to be a little dog!” Everyone loves you, everyone strokes and kisses you, as if you were a soft plush toy. Not life, but raspberries! You lie so-so calmly in your own owner’s pocket and bat your beady eyes. No one will hurt you, no one will step on your tail. Well, perhaps, if they let you go to the ground, and you mince next to your owner’s foot with your small paws, then there is a chance that they might trip over you a couple of times!”
Frau went down to the subway and carried this little furry in her bag.
Apparently, just like here, for safety reasons, the Vienna metro is not allowed to carry dogs on the escalator without special carriers or bags.
I saw such a touching picture while walking in the very center of Vienna, not far from St. Peter’s Church and the Column of the Holy Trinity. Lonely elderly Herr sat on a bench, and his devoted friend stood next to him, resting his head on his lap.
And for some reason it seemed to me that they had no one else in this life except each other. And that they went out into the street like this to communicate with people in this way. And then, when the tourist noise and hubbub begins to subside, they will get up and wander together, side by side, to their home to rest, and tomorrow they will return to the same place again to watch random passers-by. But these are just my thoughts, it just seemed that way to me.
And I suddenly realized that this “picture” was painfully familiar to me. That I had already seen the same elderly gentleman with a dog in Italy, on Piazza Navona. Remember? I wrote about this when I showed you my photos of Italian dogs. Probably in every city you can find such a touching sight!
A friendly family was walking near the walls of the Vienna Parliament.
They enjoyed the beautiful weather, the sun and took pictures with their very young four-legged baby Jack Russell Terrier.
But another friendly family calmly settled down near the most unusual multi-colored Hundertwasser house in Vienna. Dad, his daughter and a small mongrel dog, while waiting for mom, sat and “crunched” various delicacies.
And it seems that someone also got something.
By the way, the Hundertwasser house is the most ordinary house in which the most ordinary people live. It has never been either a museum or an exhibition center. It just turned out to be so unusual because it was designed by the equally outstanding architect Friedrich Stowasser. Thanks to the fact that this man’s rich imagination changed several characters of his surname, he is known to the world as Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
If you are in Vienna, I definitely recommend visiting this unusual house. How it was created, how to get to it and what other unusual buildings are located next to it, I will also tell you a little later on my blog brodilca.ru.
As I already said, Austrians love dogs very much and are happy to allow you to photograph them with their pets. By the way, the Chinese also love taking pictures with their pets. About this story: My photos of Chinese dogs.
But this furry baby's name is Sophie. This is how the owner introduced it to me. They were walking in the park near the Kursalon concert hall. Isn't it true that all dogs are very similar to their owners?!
Here's another love-carrot!
The dog frolicked happily and swam in the fountain near the Karlskirche Catholic Church.
From the way everyone squeezed, kissed and stroked him, it was clear that he was loved and cared for. Look how tenderly the little girl looks at this “lamb”!
In general, all Germans and Austrians are very fond of various festivals. During my few days in Vienna, I managed to visit three different ones.
Here are more four-legged “waiters” waiting for their owners to hang out with friends.
By the way, what I also really liked is that if you come to a restaurant with your four-legged friend, the first thing the waiter does is immediately bring a bowl of fresh water for your little tail.
And he doesn’t even ask you if the eared dog needs a drink. He just brings it and that’s it, since a dog that’s been walking around the city will probably want to quench its thirst. And I also noted that they bring not just any ordinary plate, but a special bowl for animals.
But I’m wondering, have you ever come to a restaurant with your dog? Did they ask you to bring him water? What did they answer you? In what container (if any) was water brought for your pet?
It would be very interesting if you shared your impressions!
But some people weren't very lucky. I injured my paw, and now I have to walk around in a collar so as not to tear off the hated, interfering bandage.
A smart little ponytail in a blue bandana walked with his owner near the national symbol of Austria and the symbol of the city of Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral. All passersby stroked and scratched him behind the ear.
And he obviously really enjoyed it.
But two very serious gentlemen walked past the walls of the Hofburg - the winter residence of the Austrian Habsburgs and the main seat of the imperial court in Vienna.
In Vienna, horseback riding is very popular among tourists. For a certain fee (it must be said, quite a decent one) you will be driven for 30 minutes or 1.5 hours (depending on how long you rent the carriage) through the historical center of the city. Here is a little “Yorik” enjoying the ride, sitting in the arms of his mistress.
A small “squirrel” begs for ice cream from its owners.
Well, how can you not give such a tomboy a piece of delicious, sweet and cool dessert!
Cute young girls were crossing the road, and an equally cute Jack Russell terrier trotted behind them with his short legs.
But another settler is in a hurry to keep up with its owners.
A man was sitting on a bench in the park and reading a book, and two beautiful white, stately Swiss shepherds were guarding him like sphinxes, comfortably sitting on his sides. How sleek they were! The nobility of blood was felt in everything: gaze, posture, habits, measured movements.
And this funny dog was sitting on the grass near the monument to Soviet soldiers, which is located in the very center of Vienna. She ran up to me and began to caress me. The owner couldn’t persuade her to go with him for a long time, she didn’t want to leave me.
The small snub-nosed baby settled comfortably in the arms of his mistress.
It was clear from his satisfied face that he had gotten some kind of tasty treat!
During my stay in Vienna it was very hot. Who “saved” their pets from the scorching sun as best they could. Here is a lady refreshing her furry dog by pouring water from a glass on him.
By the way, how to protect your four-legged friend from overheating, read the article: How to protect your dog in the heat.
But these two tomboys, apparently sensing the “pack,” boldly barked at everyone they didn’t like.
Some people were barked at, but others we enjoyed getting to know!
What an expressive, intelligent and serious look.
A couple tired of shopping sat down to rest on a bench. And their handsome Swiss Mountain Dog clearly liked it too.
How wonderful it is, holding hands, and even accompanied by two faithful tailed friends of the Akita Inu breed, to walk along the quiet and calm evening streets of Vienna, when crowds of tourists have already received their share of impressions from sightseeing and are sitting in cafes and restaurants, sipping Bavarian beer and eating juicy sausages.
And some more photos of Austrian dogs.
The funny guy, dressed in a king’s costume, danced and made faces to the sounds of modern music, hoping to earn a little “penny”. Schoolgirls passing by decided to support him and began to sing along, dancing merrily nearby. A crowd of tourists gathered to watch the performance.
And these are the most important spectators!
Well, that’s probably all! Of course, these are not all the photos of Austrian dogs that I met while walking around Vienna.
But for myself, I noted at what a high level the Austrians have a culture of living together between two-legged and four-legged animals. How we would like our dog breeders to strive for the same lifestyle in terms of cleanliness and care for their four-legged dogs. But surely each of us has had a situation when we had to step in the excrement of some tailed animal while walking. I don't think it gave anyone the slightest bit of pleasure.
The inscription on the lawn can be literally translated as follows: “Please keep the green area clean!” And, it should be noted, the Austrians strictly adhere to this rule.
I would be very grateful if in the comments to this page you share your impressions of my story and a selection of photographs of dogs in Austria.
After staying in the Austrian capital, I moved on. My next stop was Budapest.
And as usual, without departing from my tradition of observing the life of four-legged animals from different countries, of course, in addition to the sights of Budapest, I was also interested in how Hungarian dogs live, how people treat them, and how they differ from dogs in other countries (for example, Chinese dogs).
Good luck to you! Take care of your pets!
History of the breed
Istrian hounds are an ancient breed of hunting dogs. Many experts are sure that the birthplace of the breed is Slovenia; it was here that the dogs were originally bred, and then the dogs appeared in Croatia. The breed became most popular on the island of Istria, hence the name of the breed.
Today there are two varieties of Istrian Brackets - wirehaired and shorthaired. Despite the fact that each of these breeds is considered separate, independent, there are no other differences between them, except for the characteristics of the coat.
Short-haired Istrian hounds are more common. It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs included European hounds and Phoenician greyhounds. As for the wire-haired variety, dog experts are confident that the breed was obtained by crossing the French Vendeen Griffon and the Istrian Shorthair Hound.
For the first time, the Istrian hound was presented to the audience at an exhibition in Vienna - this happened in 1866. Later the breed received official recognition. In 1973, the ICF standard was approved, which is still in effect.
Important: today there is a strict ban on crossing hard-haired and short-haired breeds
Choosing a puppy
What should a “gonchak” be like? Active and curious. It is better to take any dog from a kennel. With the exception of hunting ones. They are purchased from professional hunters, and such a puppy costs an order of magnitude cheaper. But its working qualities are much better than those of its “greenhouse brother”.
The Austrian hound is little known in Russia. There are no nurseries engaged in breeding the breed. Therefore, you can only buy a puppy in Austria.
For those who have decided to take such a brave step, it is important to know: they do not like to sell dogs abroad. Especially good ones to Russia
Asking a breeder for help in choosing a puppy is pointless. The main factors that the buyer relies on are the baby’s attitude to the world around him. How he behaves with his brothers and sisters, how he reacts to strangers, whether he is interested in a new toy just offered. If the puppy is active, is a leader among his littermates, and actively attacks the toy, he will grow up to be a good hunting dog.
Choosing a puppy and its cost
Brandle brakies are not particularly popular outside their historical homeland, so it is quite difficult to find a puppy . There are only a few of these dogs in Russia. There are several good nurseries in Germany and some other European countries. It is best to contact the national Austrian club for lovers of this breed directly. The cost of a small Austrian hound will be around 600–1500 euros.
It is extremely difficult for an inexperienced person to distinguish a Bracket puppy from any other similar animal (especially from a Slovakian hound); only a true expert or professional dog handler can do this.
Origin story
It is known that hounds were used to hunt in Lithuania already in the mid-16th century. These were a wide variety of dogs, local and imported. The first written mention of Lithuanian hounds is found in the magazine “Imperial Hunting” dated 1876. Dog handlers were able to find the following fairly accurate description of these dogs in Wlodzimierz Korsak’s book “The Year of the Hunter” (1922). Among other things, it states that no selection work was carried out on the breed, which is why the Lithuanian hound is on the verge of extinction.
The Lithuanian Hound is the only dog breed bred in Lithuania.
In the middle of the 20th century, cynologist Zigmas Goštautas began to restore the population of Lithuanian hounds. He managed to find dogs that belonged to hunters. Their blood was not greatly diluted by other breeds. The first exhibition of Lithuanian hounds was organized in 1981, with 62 dogs taking part.
In May 2015, in Vilnius, on the initiative of the municipal department, a sculpture dedicated to the Lithuanian hounds appeared. Photos of the monument can be viewed in the gallery.
Currently, the breed is endangered and exists only thanks to enthusiasts. The livestock is estimated at 400 dogs.
Lithuanian hound on the hunt
The Lithuanian hound is used primarily for hunting large ungulates (boar, elk, roe deer, etc.). Has an excellent sense of smell, stamina and courage. The dog finds prey and, barking, drives it towards the line of hunters.
According to the rules of the Lithuanian Breed Club, a hound can participate in breeding after receiving good marks at two exhibitions and two field trials. In this way, breeders try to preserve the best qualities of their dogs.
The voice is loud and informative. The Lithuanian Hound works both alone and in a pack. With appropriate training, it can hunt small animals (hare, fox) and find wounded animals by blood trail.
Description of the breed
The dogs are not large - the height of males at the withers can reach 53 cm, the height of females is traditionally several centimeters lower. The weight of dogs can range from 17 to 22 kg, depending on height. Wirehaired hounds are slightly heavier and larger than their shorthaired counterparts.
Istrian hounds are rectangular dogs. They have a strong build and an elongated, heavy head. Black or dark brown nose, brown eyes, not too long, rounded, hanging ears, thin, saber-shaped tail with a rod.
As for color, the main color of Istrian hounds is white. There are individuals completely white, but dogs with spots and speckles of yellow-orange color are more common.
The coat of Istrian Hounds can be either silky, shiny, short and close to the body. Or coarse, hard, thick with dense undercoat.
Description
The Austrian Hound is similar to other medium-sized hunting dogs that live in Europe. The average individual reaches a shoulder height of 48-55 cm, females are about 2-3 smaller. Weight ranges from 13 to 23 kg.
This is a fairly robust dog with powerful muscles, although he should not appear fat or stocky.
The Smooth Brakke is the most athletic looking of all the local dogs, most of them being significantly longer than they are tall.
The coat of the Alpine Hound is short, smooth, thick and close to the body, shiny. Its thickness should be sufficient to protect the dog from the alpine climate.
There can only be one color, black and tan. Black is basic, but the placement of the red stripes can vary. They are usually located around the eyes, although some dogs have them on the face. There are also markings on the chest and paws.
Key points in training
These dogs are hunters by genetics and temperament. They are serious, stubborn and independent. To raise a good pet you need to have a strong character. A beginner cannot cope with such a dog.
Such a dog needs to be trained from 3-4 months, but raised from birth. The pet must know that the person in the house is in charge and must be obeyed. To do this, you should not allow the puppy to jump on the owner’s furniture, beg, manipulate, or whine for no reason. The owner always needs to remain a leader and show this to the dog. But you cannot resort to harsh methods: hitting your pet, insulting, humiliating. To show the hound that she is wrong, you can pull the collar, deprive her of treats or food.
Basic commands are learned by the puppy after he has memorized his name. By 4 months, the dog should respond to its name, know the walking and feeding schedule, and respond to basic commands: “No”, “Place”. Then you can train reflex reactions to other words: “Sit”, “Voice”, “Quiet”.
