Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)

35-55 lbs
18-22"
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosanski Oštrodlaki Gonič, Bosnian Rough-Haired Hound, Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound, Bosnian Coarse-Coated Hound, Bosnian-Rough-Coated Hound, Bosnian-Broken-Coated Hound, Bosnian Hound, Illyrian Hound, Barak
The Barak, also known as the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound, is a medium sized dog with a distinct shaggy coat that hails from the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina and stands as the only internationally recognized breed from this area. It was developed to be a scent hound, descended from local native dogs and Italian gun dogs that had made their way East during previous centuries. Baraks were bred for the purpose of hunting hare, fox, and wild boar and are amazingly good hunters and trackers in the field thanks to their excellent noses, endurance, and drive to work. They share many characteristics of other European scent hounds in that they are easy-going in the home and wildly dedicated on the hunt. They generally get along well with other dogs and people, especially when fully trained and socialized, but have a strong prey drive that is hard to kick, so they generally don't do very well in homes with other non-canine animals unless raised with them from a very young age. While they are an intelligent breed, they are also a bit stubborn, so training can be an uphill battle at times, requiring an experienced owner with a knack for consistency. Although they are a relatively popular breed for hunting in their home region, they never made a transition to that of solely companion animals and are still considered quite rare outside of their region of origin.
purpose Purpose
Hunting
history Date of Origin
1890s
ancestry Ancestry
Italian Gun Dogs, Native Dogs

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Health

Average Size
Male Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats
Height: 18-22 inches Weight: 35-55 lbs
Female Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats
Height: 18-22 inches Weight: 35-55 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Problems
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Bloat
  • Ectropion
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Eye Examinations

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Breed History

The Barak's history is certainly cloudy, as little documented proof exists to prove their lineage. It is believed that they were developed as a cross between local and native scent hounds and Italian gun dogs in an effort to create a smaller-built scent hound with the ability to track hare, foxes, and wild boars in the hilly terrain of Herzegovina. Because of their size compared to others that existed nearby, it is also believed that the Istrian Shorthaired Hound had some influence during the breed's formative years. Reaching further back in history, it would not be a surprise if this breed was a very late descendant of the Molossus-type dogs that lived in the regions centuries before, as they still share a few characteristics . Of course, due to the realm of influence of other early breeds as well as a complete lack of documentation, this is purely up to speculation. The Federation Cynologique Internationale gave the breed recognition in 1965, while the United Kennel Club allowed Barak to be on their register as of 2006.

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Breed Appearance

The Barak is a medium-sized dog, standing around 20 inches tall and generally averaging around 45 pounds in weight. Their most distinct feature is easily their shaggy outer coat which is usually a few inches long and comes in shades of wheat-colored yellow, reddish-yellow, grey, and near black, commonly with a darker saddle. They also possess a dense and soft under. Their heads are proportional to their body size with a rounded skull, moderate stop, and a rectangular muzzle slightly longer than the skull itself, capped with a dark brown or black nose and a considerable beard, mustache and exaggerated eyebrows. Their eyes are oval and dark brown and their ears are moderately high-set, broad, and relatively long. They have a medium length neck that turns into a slightly sloping topline and possess a mostly squarish stance overall. Their legs are relatively well-muscled and show most in the shoulders and thighs. Their chests are deep for their size, reaching as far as the elbow, which is one big reason they're able to bark with such power. Their tails are long and slightly curved and are covered with extra hair.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) nose
Black
brown Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
white Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) coat
White
black Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) coat
Black
gray Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) coat
Gray
red Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) coat
Red
fawn Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Breed Maintenance

Despite having a longer coat, Baraks are still considered low maintenance dogs, as they are only moderate shedders and need brushing just a few times a week to keep their coats free of loose hair. A firm bristle brush or slicker brush should suffice but regardless, their look will remain a bit unkempt, even after thorough brushing. They generally keep themselves relatively clean and only need bathing after rolling in something particularly dirty or smelly and are otherwise fine on their own. Their ears are a point of concern, as their folded type, size, and hairiness are all elements that combine to form the potential for an increase in moisture or wax, which can lead to infections, so they should be checked on a regular basis. Like any other breed, their nails will also need to be checked and trimmed on a regular basis and their teeth should be brushed at least once a week if possible to help maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Brushes for Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Temperament

Baraks stem from the classic European scent hound model in that they are a tale of two personalities, one inside the home and one outside. While hunting, they are excitable, dedicated and highly efficient trackers and hunters who will keep their noses to the ground and keep moving for hours on end if need be. In the home, they are generally easy-going and will follow the family with whatever activity they participate in, whether doing work around the house or just lounging. Because of their pack-hunting background, they are generally good with others dogs and children, but are sometimes wary of strangers, which can also make them good watch dogs. Like when on a hunt, their first instinct is to bark when something piques their interest. They will continue to do so until given direction otherwise and are considered moderate to high frequency barkers compared to other similar breeds. If they are thoroughly trained and socialized, they will be less likely to make as much noise and will be quicker to accept strangers. Unfortunately, training isn't always easy because the Barak's high intelligence often means they can be notably stubborn and usually take an owner with experience, a firm hand, and consistency to get the best behavior out of them. Because of their high energy levels, they generally do best with active families or those with a large yard to run in or a dog park nearby.

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Activity Requirements

Baraks are considered medium to high energy dogs, which means they need a considerable amount of daily and weekly exercise and can become frustrated, bored and even destructive if they aren't provided a proper amount. It's safe to say that around 60 minutes a day should be good enough to get them tired, around 16 miles of walking and running per week with supplemental play time in a yard or dog park. Because of their high intelligence and prey drive, if they are not used for hunting, games that stimulate those needs are especially helpful in exhausting them and getting the best behavior out of them. Playing fetch or anything that engages both their mind and body will go a long way in their health and happiness.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
16 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.50
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 32.0 lbs
Female Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 32.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
Female Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs

Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Owner Experiences

Bill
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Scent track
Walk
Scent dete
Bill is very similar to the description. He loves anything scent related especially tracking. Wary of some strangers but once you’re in his circle of trust you’re there for life.
4 months, 1 week ago
Daisy
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walk
Groom
She can really sweet but stubborn. She ignores our one cat but will grow if it tries coming near her bowl. She gets along with our other dog but sometimes fights happen with food. She doesn't enjoy people looking into her ears. She loves being groomed and petted. She likes to lay on the couch with anyone.
2 years, 3 months ago
Oliver
21 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Fetch
Walking
He loves dogs and people but chase cats, deers and chickens.
3 years, 1 month ago
Boni
15 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Hunt
She is a little sunshine but very stubborn. She doesnt really get along with other dogs, but she loves cats
4 years, 1 month ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd