Tyrolean Hound

With ties back to the historic Celtic Hounds, the Tyrolean Hound has some serious history. They are one of three "Grand Brackes" or large dogs from Austria, the other two being the Austrian Black and Tan Hound and the Syrian Coarse-haired Hound. They are highly prized for not only being highly-effective scent hounds for fox and hare but are also able to track sick or wounded deer as well. Along with the other two Grand Brackes, the Tyrolean Hound was developed to withstand the harsh weather and rough terrain of the mountainous Alps region, which is why they're able to adapt to changes in the environment and climate so effectively. The breed was established and used in the Tyrol region in western Austria for centuries as both hunters and companions to royalty and warriors throughout the Dark and Middle Ages. They were even noted to be a favorite of Emperor Maximillian I back in the 1400s, but specific and focused breeding was not undertaken until 1860 and the standard was not written and accepted until 1896. Twelve years later in 1908, they were finally recognized in some capacity but it wouldn't be until nearly a century later, in 2006, that they would be fully recognized by the United Kennel Club. They remain a relatively popular breed in their region of origin, both as hunting dogs and companions, but their general dissemination to the rest of the world is currently still a slow process.