The Barak Hound Dog is a breed that's steeped in history and has a unique appearance. They originated in the Balkan region, specifically in Bulgaria, and were used for hunting and guarding.
Their short, easy-to-maintain coats are one of their best features, coming in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, and black. They have a distinctive look that's both rugged and handsome.
Barak Hound Dogs are medium-sized, with males weighing between 45-60 pounds and standing about 20-22 inches tall.
General Information
The Barak Hound is a breed of dog that originated in the Balkan region. It's a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build.
This breed is known for its short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They come in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and black.
The Barak Hound is a friendly and outgoing breed that makes a great family pet. They are highly social and love to be around people.
Physical Characteristics
The Barak hound has a beautiful appearance with a shaggy, hard coat of yellowish or greyish colors, often with a white blaze on its head and other white marks. Their coat is a distinctive feature of this breed.
They have longer legs than most scenthounds, which makes them stand out. This is a notable characteristic of the Barak hound.
Their chest is deep and their legs are relatively thicker, giving them a sturdy appearance. The tail is thick and slightly curved, held upright.
The Barak hound is a medium-sized dog, with an average body height of 17 to 22 inches at the withers. This makes them a compact but athletic breed.
Their average live body weight is between 16 and 27 kg, which is consistent with their medium size.
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Care and Feeding
The Barak hound dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. Their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high exercise needs.
To keep them happy and healthy, you'll need to provide at least 45 minutes of vigorous activity each day. They'll appreciate having a fenced yard in which to run.
They're an intelligent breed, so training them is relatively easy. They're very eager to please their master, so train them from an early age and always use the positive method of training.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Barak Hound. Regular brushing is a must to keep their shaggy coat under control and looking its best.
Their undercoat is short and dense, while the outercoat is shaggy, making regular brushing a necessary task. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes in their overall appearance.
Barak Hounds can have a variety of coat colors, including wheaten yellow, reddish yellow, earthy grey, and blackish. They can also have white markings on various parts of their body, such as their head, throat, neck, chest, legs, and tail.
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To keep their ears clean and free of infection, weekly checks are a must. If you notice any bad odor or signs of infection, take action right away.
Here are the common coat colors of Barak Hounds:
- Wheaten yellow
- Reddish yellow
- Earthy grey
- Blackish
Their nails need regular trimming to prevent clicking on the floor, so don't forget to check them out every now and then.
Feeding
Feeding your dog is a crucial part of their care, and it's essential to get it right.
Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food.
The amount of food your dog needs depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Barak hound dogs, for example, are medium in size and very active, so their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high exercise needs.
Caring
Caring for a Barak hound dog requires a significant amount of time and effort. They need at least 45 minutes of vigorous activity each day, which can be achieved through activities like playing fetch or going for a run.
A fenced yard is a must-have for these dogs, as they love to run and exercise. If you don't have a yard, you'll need to take them to a secure area where they can run freely.
The Barak hound dog is an intelligent breed, which makes them relatively easy to train. They thrive on positive reinforcement and respond well to praise and rewards.
To keep their coat looking its best, regular brushing is essential. This will help keep the amount of hair under control and prevent matting.
Here are the recognized coat colors for Barak hound dogs:
- Wheaten yellow
- Reddish yellow
- Earthy grey
- Blackish
In addition to regular brushing, regular teeth cleaning and bathing are also necessary. Be sure to check their ears weekly for any signs of infection or bad odor. If you notice any clicking sounds coming from their ears, it's time to trim their nails.
Health and Well-being
The Barak Hound is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, which is a great age for a dog.
Hip or elbow dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, and entropion are some of the common health problems that can affect Barak Hounds. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
To ensure your Barak Hound stays healthy, it's essential to keep good contact with a local vet. This will help you catch any potential health problems before they become serious.
Here is a list of common health issues that can affect Barak Hounds:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar luxation
- Entropion
Lifespan
When it comes to the lifespan of your furry friend, it's essential to know what to expect. The average lifespan of the Barak hound dog breed is between 12 and 15 years.
A well-cared-for Barak hound can live up to 15 years.
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Health
The Barak Hound dogs are generally healthy, but like all other breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. They can live up to 15 years.
Hip or elbow dysplasia is a common issue in Barak Hounds. This can lead to arthritis and mobility problems if left untreated.
Their eyes can also be affected, with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy being potential problems. Regular eye checks with a vet can help detect these issues early on.
Patellar luxation and entropion are other health concerns that can affect Barak Hounds. These conditions can cause discomfort and pain, so it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.
To minimize the risk of inherited diseases, it's crucial to buy a Barak Hound from a responsible breeder. They will have regularly checked their breeding dogs for potential health issues.
Here's a list of potential health problems that can affect Barak Hounds:
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Entropion
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Sources
- standard (fci.be)
- "Genetic Diversity of Bosnian and Herzegovinian Autochthonous Dog Breed Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound—Barak" (doi.org)
- Barak breed website, in Bosnian and English (bhtornjak.com)
- Bosnian Coarse Haired Hound Dog Breed (dogster.com)
- Barak - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
- Barak Hound (Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound) (worlddogfinder.com)
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