Bosnian Broken-haired Hound (Barak Hound) Dog Breed Information

Posted on Nov 16, 2019, Modified : Feb 7, 2020 Zina

Breeds

Country of Origin	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nicknames and Other Names	Barak Hound, Bosanski oštrodlaki gonič, Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound, Bosnian Hound, Illyrian Hound
Scientific Name	Canis Lupus Familiaris
Breed Type	Purebred
Group	Scenthound Group
Bred For	Hunting large game
Size	Medium-Sized
Recognized By	FCI, UKC
Life Span	12-15 Years
Ideal Weight	Male: 44-53 Pounds Female: 35-44 Pounds
Ideal Height	Make: 20-22 Inches Female: 18-20 Inches
Fur Type	Coarse, Double-Coated, Dense, Shaggy
Common Colors	Red, Wheaten, Yellow, Gray
Markings	None
Availability	Rarely Available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	No
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Istrian Coarse‑haired Hound

Broken-haired Hound or Barak Hound is a medium-sized dog breed with shaggy hair. It is also commonly known as Barak Hound including other names like Bosnian Rough-haired Hound and Bosnian Rough-coated Hound. The name refers to its texture of coat which looks broken, rough and hard when touched.

The most noticeable feature of the Barak Hound is it’s shaggy, broken hair. It has longer legs than most of the scenthound out there which makes it a distinct dog. The chest is deep and the legs are relatively thicker. The tail is thick and slightly curved and held upright.

Origin and History

Bosnian Broken-haired Hound was originated in Bosnia. It was bred by the local hunters who wanted an efficient scenthound. Seeing its taller height than most of the nearby scenthound whose legs are relatively shorter, it is believed that Istrian Shorthaired Hound has some contribution in the breeding Bosnian Broken-haired Hound.

The FCI first recognized Bosnian Broken-haired Hound under the name “Illyrian Hound” in 1965. The FCI later changed the name to Bosnian Broken-haired Hound in 1973. In 2006, the United Kennel Club recognized it in the scenthound group as the ‘Barak’.

Bosnian Broken-haired Hound History — Bosnian Broken-haired Hound.
Image Source: Royal Canin

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the Bosnian Broken-haired Hound is courageous, lively, persistent, and alert. They are a very devoted hunter as they were bred to chase and hunt small animals. They have a high prey drive due to which they should be kept with small pets from an early age so they get along with them well.

Behavior: Bosnian Broken-haired Hound is very vocal as they were bred to ‘bay’ when they track a game. It cannot be trained out of them but you can reduce its innecessary baying by proper training.

Personality: The personality of the Bosnian Broken-haired Hound is protective, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn. This breed is not widely kept as a companion dog but it is said that they are very devoted and affectionate towards their master. They are protective and alert which makes them a great watchdog and sometimes guard dog.

Trainability

Barak Hound is an intelligent dog breed due to which it makes any experienced master easy to train them. They are very eager to please their master, so train them from an early age and always use the positive method of training.

Never be harsh or forceful on them as it will only lead to their aggression or it will make them scared. Be gentle and always give them a gentle pat on the back and vocal praises as to keep them motivated.

Bosnian Broken-haired Hound running.
Image Source: Instagram-@_helen_wade_

Is Broken-haired Hound Child-Friendly?

Bosnian Broken-haired Hound is not generally kept as a family companion but they are known to be very patient and gentle with children. They love to be by their side and play with them. However, it is originally bred as a hunting dog and its energy cannot be handled by small kids and toddlers. Therefore, they do great in a house with older children.

Facts

Although Bosnian Broken-haired Hound is not recognized by most of the major kennel clubs, the minor kennel clubs, internet, rare breeds registries are promoting this breed as a unique pet.
It has a big mustache and thick beard on the face.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Dental Problems
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Kennel Cough, Rabies, Canine Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza
Shedding	Average Shedder
Drooling	Low Drooler
Grooming	Advance Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	Average
Separation Anxiety	Moderate Chance
Allergies	Skin Allergy
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 22% Fat: 8%

Broken-haired Hound can face the following canine health problems during their lifetime:

Bloat: It is a condition where the belly of your dog looks like it is filled with gas. It is also called gastric dilatation which is caused due to improper diet and poor digestion. Therefore, feed your dog a properly balanced diet and avoid food that causes bloating of their stomach.

Patellar Luxation: It is a skeleton problem that is commonly seen in small dogs. It occurs when the kneecap of your dog is dislocated from its original place. Patella is located in the hind limbs of the dog, so it affects the hind legs only. In minor cases, the dog will face mild pain on the hind legs and in severe cases, it will face extreme pain making it unable to even move.