The Tyrolean Hound temperament is loyal and affectionate, making him a great family dog. He can be moderately challenging to train and needs a firm leader.
If you hunt or live an active lifestyle and would also like a loving companion at home, the Tyrolean Hound (Tiroler Bracke in his homeland of Austria) may be just the breed for you.
Table of Contents
Tyrolean Hound Temperament
Intelligent
This is a highly intelligent breed. He is moderately easy to train for the beginning dog owner. However, an experienced dog trainer will likely find training easy.
Independence
Some call it stubborn, and others call the Tyrolean Hound temperament free-spirited. Either way, hunters appreciate this trait because it helps him to do his job well as a solitary hunter. He does this often with no human supervision.
Luckily, he is generally less stubborn than many other scenthounds. He is likely to be obedient when properly trained.
Loving
Devotion is one of the hallmarks of the Tyrolean Hound temperament. He forms strong bonds with his family, especially his trainer.
Easygoing
As long as he gets enough exercise, the Tyrolean Hound temperament is relaxed and well-behaved indoors.
Affectionate
He is affectionate to all members of his family and enjoys being with people.
Lively
This guy’s personality is charming and enthusiastic. He may have difficulty getting serious for training sessions.
Gentle
The Tyrolean Hound has a sweet disposition. He is usually good with children, but he should be socialized to them when he’s young.
Adaptable
This dog is able to comfortably hunt in any climate. He also adapts easily to working outside or relaxing inside, as long as his exercise needs are met.
People-oriented
The Tyrolean Hound temperament is quite social toward people. If you leave him alone for too long, he may develop separation anxiety.
Stranger-wary
He is not aggressive to them, but without early socialization, he will probably be aloof and reserved with strangers.
Energetic
The Tyrolean Hound temperament is high-energy but not hyperactive. He needs 45 minutes to an hour a day of vigorous exercise. Otherwise, you may see some negative Tyrolean Hound behaviors.
Hardy
In his homeland of Austria, he works in cold weather and mountainous, wooded terrain.
Determined
Hunters appreciate the Tyrolean Hound traits of tenacity and unwillingness to give up. They have great stamina.
Strong Work Ethic
The Tyrolean Hound temperament is hard-working and enthusiastic about his job.
Solo Hunter
This means that he is not as good with other dogs as pack hunters might be. He will need socialization to them. This will be especially important if there are other dogs in his household.
Alert
He is watchful and likely to bark when strangers approach, so he is a good watchdog. However, he is not at all aggressive, so the Tyrolean Hound temperament is not suited to guard dog duties.
Strong Prey Drive
As a highly skilled scenthound, this dog is likely to chase anything that smells interesting. He may do well with a cat if he is raised with it. He is probably not a good choice for a home with other small pets.
Tyrolean Hound History
The Tyrolean Hound is a highly skilled Austrian scenthound. He was bred to hunt in the snow of the Alps. Most historians believe that the breed descended from ancient Celtic hounds.
He is one of three Grand Brackes, or large dogs, from the Tyrol region of western Austria. (The others are the Austrian Black and Tan Hound and the Styrian Coarse-haired Hound.)
Like many European hunting dogs, he has a regal heritage from the time when hunting was a sport of the nobility. Historians believe that Emperor Maximillian I owned