Overview
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound was created in the 1870s in the Austrian province of Styria by crossing a Hanover Hound with an Istrian hound, aiming for a tracking dog that could work steep, cold ground. It has a harsh, weather-resistant coat in red or fawn and a serious, workmanlike bearing.
Like most continental scenthounds it is calm indoors and quietly stubborn outdoors. It is friendly with people, tolerant of other dogs and absolutely devoted to following a line once its nose has found one. Those traits make it an easy dog to like and a demanding dog to walk off the lead.
Exercise and walking needs
Around ninety minutes a day of steady walking, ideally over hills and rough ground, keeps this hound fit and content. It was bred for endurance on difficult terrain rather than speed, so a long slog is better than a short sprint.
If the owner has a secure field or a tracking hobby, use it. Laying a short trail with a treat at the end gives the dog a sanctioned version of the job it was bred to do.
On the walk
- Tracking: The dog will pick up deer and fox lines on any country walk and want to follow them. Watch for the head dropping and the pace quickening, and shorten the lead before it builds momentum.
- Recall: Good at the start of a walk and poor by the middle. Long-line walking is the sensible default in open country.
- Weather: The coat copes with rain, cold and snow without complaint. Heat is the only weather that slows it, and it still needs water on a warm day.
- Other dogs: Easy in company and used to working near other hounds. It will join a chase if another dog starts one, so manage the group.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a harness and a long line on rural routes; the dog is not strong but it is persistent.
- Give it steady, hilly walks rather than fast games; this breed was built for the climb.
- Check the harsh coat and ears for ticks and seeds after walks through bracken or long grass.
- Build in a sniffing stop every few minutes rather than fighting the nose the whole way.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog done any tracking or hunting, and how far has it followed a scent when loose?
- What recall cue and reward have you used, and does it work in woodland?
- Are there any routes with livestock or deer you would rather I avoid with this dog?