Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic Barak

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic Barak is translated in English as The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound. Commonly known as 'Barak', the dog is a type of scenthound and is primarily used to hunt large game. The breed was developed in nineteenth century by crossing indigenous dogs with an Italian gundog. The dog may also have bloodlines of Lstrian shorthaired Hound. Today it is among the rare breeds outside its original country Bosnia.

This medium size has height between 18 to 22 inches and weight between 35-55 lbs. It has long and moderately broad head with a slightly doomed forehead. The strong, long and rectangular muzzle is covered with bushy mustache and beard. Nose is broad with straight nose bridge. Lips are tight and thick. Ears are broad and moderately thick and long while large oval shaped eyes are chestnut coloured. The body is slightly longer than tall. Chest is broad and deep. Belly is slightly tucked up while the back is broad and muscular. The tail is thick at base and tapers to the tip. The dog displays a unique coat that is shaggy and hard and comes in different colours.

The Barak is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by DCI under the name "Illyrian Hound" in 1965 and UKC as "Barak". No other major kennel club recognizes this breed as yet.

Color

The dog comes in different colours including wheaten yellow, reddish yellow, earth gray or blackish ground. These colours can combine into bi-colour or tricolor pattern. White markings are accepted on different parts of the body.

Coat

Coat of the Barak is its most distinguishing feature. The dog has a long ,shaggy hard coat with a thick undercoat.

Personality

The Barak is a lively and courageous dog with great hunting skills. Stocky and powerful and with body structure that makes it a hardy and solid dog, it excels on all kinds of terrain hunting all types of game. This tough and persistent dog has a sonorous and deep voice and together with its alert nature, it makes a very good watch dog. The dog is very playful with children and thrive on activity. It gets along well with other dogs in the family. It is well mannered and gentle when in the house with family and shows even temperament. The dog makes a very good family pet with proper socialization and training as well as very good watch dog besides being an excellent game companion.

Care

The coat may require brushing every week.

Training

This lively and persistent dog will need a firm hand to guide it. It may not be an easy dog to train however firm and consistent training specially from very young age should prove beneficial.

Activity

The Barak is an energetic and working dog that needs lots of exercise to burn up its energy levels. Being a working dog, it has high demand for physical activities.