Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound

The Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound, also called the Barak, is a scenthound developed in Bosnia and first used to hunt large game. Its several English names (broken-haired, rough-haired, rough-coated) all describe the same thing: a shaggy, hard coat.

History

Local hunters developed the breed in the 19th century from the dogs they had to hand, wanting an efficient scenthound. The native dogs were crossed with an Italian gun dog in the 1890s. An early form of the smaller Istrian Shorthaired Hound may also have played a part.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale first recognized the breed in 1965 as the Illyrian Hound. The name was later changed to describe more exactly where it comes from. The FCI places it among the large-sized scenthounds. The United Kennel Club in the United States also recognizes it, as the Barak, in its Scenthound Group. No other major kennel club in the English-speaking world does.

A genetic study found that modern Baraks have high genetic diversity, and that their closest relative is the Tornjak.

Appearance

The coat is the first thing most people notice. It is shaggy and hard, in yellowish shades (wheaten or red) or grayish ones, often with a white blaze on the head and other white marks. The face carries a bushy mustache and beard, and the tail is usually held in a slight upward curve.

The dog stands 43 to 55 cm (17 to 21.5 in) at the withers and weighs 16 to 27 kg (35 to 60 lb). The standard asks for a body one tenth longer than the dog is tall, which sets it apart from other hounds of the region that are a little shorter in the leg.

Temperament

The breed standard describes the hound as lively, courageous and persistent.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.