
Hound breed from Styria, Austria
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is a medium-sized, rugged Austrian scent hound with a distinctive coarse, wiry red coat. It is known for its perseverance and stamina as a hunter in mountainous terrain. Bred specifically for tracking wounded game over difficult, high-altitude terrain, this breed is work-focused, loyal, courageous, independent, and alert. Its energy level is high (4 out of 5), and it is moderately trainable (3 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), and shedding is also low (2 out of 5). The breed is moderately suitable with children (3 out of 5) and other dogs (3 out of 5), but less suited to apartment living (2 out of 5). Recognition status varies by registry.
The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound was developed in the 1870s in the Austrian province of Styria by Carl Peintinger. He crossed a Hanoverian Scenthound with an Istrian Coarse-haired Hound to create a resilient hound capable of tracking boar and deer in high-altitude, rugged mountainous terrain. The breed's origins are rooted in Styria, Austria, and it belongs to the Hound group. Its development was driven by the need for a dog that could work effectively in challenging alpine environments, tracking wounded game over long distances and difficult terrain. The exact timeline of its recognition by various kennel clubs is not specified in the available facts, but its status varies by registry.
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
No Styrian Coarse-haired Hound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
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The Styrian Coarse-haired Hound is a medium-sized breed. Adult males and females typically weigh between 15 and 18 kg and stand 47 to 53 cm tall at the shoulder. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These measurements are modelled estimates and may vary.
The breed is described as work-focused, loyal, courageous, independent, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits equally.
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, this breed has high energy needs and requires regular, vigorous exercise. It was bred for hunting in mountainous terrain, so activities that allow it to use its stamina and tracking instincts are beneficial.
Grooming needs are low, with a score of 2 out of 5. The coat is coarse and wiry, and shedding is also low (2 out of 5). Occasional brushing and minimal bathing are typically sufficient.
The breed has moderate suitability with children (3 out of 5) and other dogs (3 out of 5), but it is less suited to apartment living (2 out of 5) due to its high energy and need for space. A home with a yard and access to outdoor activities is more appropriate.
The breed originates from Styria, Austria. It was developed in the 1870s by crossing a Hanoverian Scenthound with an Istrian Coarse-haired Hound.
Recognition status varies by registry. The available facts do not specify which registries recognize the breed, so it is best to check with individual organizations.
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.