Breed Standard
Head: Slightly domed skull. Pronounced stop. Solid, straight muzzle. Fairly tight-lipped.
Ears: Not too large, lying flat against the cheeks, covered with fine hair.
Eyes: Brown.
Body: Solid. Neck strong, not too long. Chest well let-down, broad. Straight, broad back. Sloping croup. Moderate tuck-up. Long broad back. Long, powerful, slightly slopping croup.
Tail: Medium in length, thick at the base, well-furnished with hair, never curled, carried raised loosely in sickle fashion. Brush on underside.
Hair: Harsh, hard, rough. Shorter on the head than on the rest of the body.
Coat: Red and pale yellow. White flashings on the chest are allowed.
Size: Dog: 47 to 53 cm. (18.5-21 in).Bitch: 45 to 51 cm. (17.5-21 in).
Weight: Approx. 18 kg. (40 lb).
History
The breed was created in the 1870s by Karl Peintinger, an industrialist from Styria. Peintinger crossed his "Hela 1", from an old type of Hanoverian scent hound, with an Istrian Hound, and continued selective breeding until a rough-coated, hardy hunting dog was achieved. The breed is used by Austrians and Slovenians to hunt wild boar. It can also be used to track wounded animals through rough terrain and in high altitudes.
As with many breeds bred for work, they are not generally kept as a companion dog and do not make good pets; they require a lot of space and exercise, and can be dominant and destructive.
Behavior
This tough-looking dog with a flexible gait and considerable stamina is hardy, active, and resistant to bad weather. With a strong voice, he is used to force small game but also specializes in blood trailing over rugged, mountainous terrain. He is affectionate and gentle but is not a companion dog.
He needs a firm owner, as well as space, exercise, and he needs regular brushing and attention to the ears.
Function
Hunting Dog.
Health
The breed tolerates extremes of temperature well, and has remained a healthy breed through "refresher breeding".
