Let's talk Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak dogs
The robust and lively Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak has a long list of fabulous adjectives sure to win over any potential owner. Affectionate, sociable, and obedient for starters, along with tolerant, patient, and perseverant. They are mussed-hair gorgeous as well. Maybe it was time spent as a scent hound that molded their exacting character (minus their tendency to bark a bit) but this affable breed is now gaining ground elsewhere as a friendly and hardy family dog.Official name: Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak
Other names: Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound, Bosnian Rough-Haired Hound, Bosnian Rough-Coated Hound, Bosnian Hound, Illyrian Hound
Origins: Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Drooling tendencies |
|
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
|
| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
1/7
Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
2/7
2 facts about Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak dogs
1. Now hear this!
Any dog that has been part of the sporting community knows how to use their voice as an alert but the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak may persist in vocalising a little too much, especially when in a more domestic setting. Make sure to train them on their “inside voice” from puppyhood so they’ll know when to bark—and when not to.
2. I need more
As a dog who was bred to work long hours, and enjoys having a job to do, the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak won’t be satisfied with limited exercise—in fact, they need a lot, at the very least two long walks a day. Work in a rural setting would be even better. The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak is known to have a high risk for mischievous behaviour if they become bored. Keep them occupied to keep the peace.
History of the breed
The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1965 under the name Illyrian Hound, and is known as the Barak by the U.K.’s United Kennel Club.
Official club registrations put any dog on the world stage, but the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak is the only internationally recognised breed from Bosnia and Herzegovina. They first surfaced in the 1890s in the Balkan state, thought to be a mix of Italian sporting dogs and native scent hounds, but their history is little known otherwise. It’s thought their legacy stretches back centuries to Molossus-type dogs who inhabited the region.
Breeders had as a goal to create a smaller dog who could persist on the hilly trails of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lack of recordkeeping makes it hard to know for sure but it’s possible that the smaller Istrian Shorthaired Hound was added to the breeding mix to produce the great dog we know today.
4/7
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak dogs
1. Head
Thick, medium-length ears, hanging to side of head, tapering to tip.
2. Coat
Profuse, shaggy coarse-haired coat.
3. Body
Solid medium-sized body, broad back, long chest.
5/7
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak
6/7
Caring for your Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Don’t let the words “Coarse-Haired” throw you. The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak may have hair that’s rougher than most but it’s not unmanageable. Grooming this breed means brushing their coat at least twice a week, for a well-maintained exterior. Their desire to be outdoors means their paws need to be examined to extract any debris, and nails should be well-trimmed. The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak is an active dog so definitely needs a good daily dose of exercise. With sport in their background, they’re used to getting out and about so keep that current with walks at least two times a day; any other energetic activity will also do. Training is quite straightforward for the easygoing Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak breed. They respond to commands well, making the association between what is asked and what they are to do in a cinch. The breed has a reputation for understanding and memorising commands quickly. That said, asking firmly and gently will produce the best results.
7/7
All about All about Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak dogs
Not as much as you may think. The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak may have rough hair but with regular brushing, it’s just as easy to maintain as other breeds. Neglecting to brush almost any dog runs the risk of dirt, leaves, or twigs settling into the hair unknowingly. Active breeds like this need a weekly going-over to keep them looking good.
Despite their legacy as a working breed, the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound Barak is a very good-natured dog and can fit firmly into the family unit. The breed has a generally upbeat disposition, a plus when it comes to being in a group. They may need a good introduction to smaller furry friends on the homefront though, but doing so will ensure a winning relationship in the end.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/