Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
STY-ree-an KORS-haired HOWND
Austria· Styria, southeastern Austria
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is a sturdy Austrian scenthound bred specifically to track wild boar across steep, forested Alpine terrain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1.5-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Medium, wiry
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country only
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
Styria's steep, forested Alpine foothills demanded a robust scenthound capable of tracking wounded boar over difficult, cold ground for hours. Nineteenth-century hunters crossed local hounds with the Istrian breeds to create a tougher, coarser-coated dog suited to Austria's mountainous hunting estates.
- Region
- Styria, southeastern Austria
- Climate it was bred for
- Alpine foothills and forested mountains with cold winters
- Original job
- Trailing wild boar over steep, forested Alpine terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its development from Istrian hound stock crossed with local dogs produced a heavier build, tougher coat and calmer, more deliberate working style than lighter Balkan hounds, suited to methodical trailing rather than fast pursuit.
As a companion it is even-tempered, loyal and less vocal than some scenthounds, but still needs an active, rural lifestyle with regular scent work or hiking to stay content.
The breed remains rare even in Austria, used mainly by professional and estate hunters, with very limited presence outside German-speaking Europe.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1870s
Development in Styria
Austrian hunters crossed Istrian hounds with local scenthounds to create a coarser-coated boar-trailing dog.
1888
Early standardisation
Karl Peintinger is credited with fixing the type used as the modern breed's foundation.
1956
FCI recognition
The breed received official recognition from the FCI.
1990s
Continued rarity
The breed remained a niche working dog, rarely seen outside Austrian hunting circles.
2000s
Modern working role
Still used today by Austrian and German hunters specifically for boar work.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and muscular, with a broad chest built for power over speed.
- coat
- Harsh, thick and coarse, close-lying, with weatherproof undercoat.
- ears
- Medium-sized, set high, hanging flat.
- eyes
- Dark amber to brown, with a calm, steady expression.
- head
- Broad skull with a strong, moderately long muzzle and bushy facial hair.
- size
- Dogs 46-53cm, bitches 44-50cm at the withers
- colour
- Reddish-wheaten to wheaten, without white markings.
- temperament
- Calm, persistent and courageous, particularly steady when working wild boar.
- general appearance
- A strongly built, medium-sized mountain scenthound with a rustic, weatherproof appearance.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Styrian Coarse-haired Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Styrian Coarse-haired Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Travel Water Bottle & Bowl
550ml bottle with a fold-out drinking trough.
Fits any dog
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