Tyrolean Hound
tih-ROH-lee-an HOWND
Austria· Tyrol, western Austria
The Tyrolean Hound is a compact, sure-footed Austrian scenthound bred for tracking hare, fox and wounded deer over steep mountain 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
Short to medium
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country only
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Tyrolean Hound
The steep, rocky slopes of the Tyrolean Alps required a compact, sure-footed scenthound with a superb nose to trail game over dramatic altitude changes. Local hunters refined the breed over centuries specifically for this demanding mountain terrain, prizing endurance and scenting ability over speed.
- Region
- Tyrol, western Austria
- Climate it was bred for
- High Alpine mountains with steep terrain and cold winters
- Original job
- Trailing hare, fox and wounded deer across steep Alpine slopes
The long read
About the breed
Centuries of Alpine hunting produced a dog with exceptional scenting ability, endurance on gradients and a methodical, steady trailing style rather than a fast chase, along with a clear, resonant voice used to communicate over long mountain distances.
As a companion it is affectionate, calm indoors and devoted to its family, but needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation from scent work; it is not suited to sedentary or urban living.
Still used actively by Austrian and Bavarian hunters today, the breed remains uncommon internationally but has a stable population within its home region.
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 Tyrolean 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 Tyrolean 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 Tyrolean 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
1800s
Alpine hunting hound
Local Tyrolean hounds were used to trail game over the steep terrain of the Austrian Alps.
1896
First breed standard
An early standard formalised the type, distinguishing it from other Austrian hounds.
1908
Austrian kennel club recognition
The breed was recognised by the Austrian kennel club as a distinct mountain scenthound.
1954
FCI recognition
The Tyrolean Hound gained international FCI recognition.
1990s
Modern conservation
Breed clubs in Austria continued careful, small-scale breeding to preserve working type.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, well-muscled, with a strong loin suited to climbing.
- coat
- Short to medium, dense, harsh and weatherproof.
- ears
- Set high, of medium length, rounded at the tips and hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Dark brown, lively and intelligent in expression.
- head
- Moderately long, with a slight stop and a well-defined, strong muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 44-50cm, bitches 40-46cm at the withers
- colour
- Black with tan markings, red, deer-red, or black brindle.
- temperament
- Calm, persistent and devoted, an excellent scent-tracker with a steady temperament.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, compact and muscular mountain scenthound with great agility on steep ground.
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
Dogs like this
Tyrolean Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Tyrolean Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Tyrolean 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
Tyrolean Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Tyrolean Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Tyrolean Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Tyrolean Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Tyrolean Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Tyrolean Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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