The Styrian Roughhaired Mountain Hound is a medium size scenthound breed that originated in Styrian province of Australia. Also known as Styrian Coarse Mountain Hound, the dog is an excellent hunter and tracker of wounded game. It is one of the three dog breeds that were given collective name of Grand Brackes due to excellent hunting skills under the most adverse mountainous conditions. Developed in 1870s from a Hanoverian scenthound and an Istrian Hound by an industrialist, Karl Peintinger, selective breeding was continued till rough-coated, hardy dog was achieved. This lithe dog is extremely agile and energetic as well as passionate and tenacious hunter. It will not give up the quarry once a hot scent is found, no matter how hard conditions are. This intelligent hunter will be silent while trailing but when it is pursuing a hot scent, the dog is noted to be very vocal. It is used to hunt Rabbits, Hares and other small games as well as wild boar and other big game.
The dog stands between 18-20 inches and weighs about 33-40 pounds. It comes with a muscled body and well angulated limbs that allow this dog to cover difficult mountainous terrain in pursuit of its quarry. It has slightly rounded skull and strong muzzle. Brown eyes have serious expression. Moderate length ears lie flat. It has broad back, slightly tucked-up loin and deep and broad chest. The dog is so named for its coat that is rough, harsh and coarse. It comes in red or fawn colouring with or without white markings on chest.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however this dog is recognized by FCI and UKC.