fox hunting with hounds - All
In the United Kingdom, the term hunting with no qualification generally refers to hunting with hounds, e.g. normally fox hunting, stag (deer) hunting, beagling, or minkhunting, whereas shooting is the shooting of game birds. What is called deer hunting elsewhere is deer stalking. According to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) over a million people a year participate in shooting, including stalking, shooting, hunting, clay shooting and target shooting. Firearm ownership is regulated in the UK by licensing. Provisions exist for those without a Firearm or Shotgun certificate to shoot under the supervision of a certificate holder
Tyrolean Hound Hunting Dog Review: History, Training, and Field Performance
As a hunter who’s spent years in alpine forests and rugged terrain, I’ve come to respect breeds that don’t just follow commands—they work with you. The Tyrolean Hound (Tiroler Bracke) is one of those rare dogs that blends instinct, endurance, and intelligence into a reliable hunting companion. Originating from Austria, this scent hound was bred for tough conditions and demanding hunts. In this article, I’ll break down its history, hunting capabilities, care, and training—based on real-world experience and verified breed data.
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📜 History and Proven Origins
The Tyrolean Hound traces its lineage back to the Celtic hounds and Bracke-type dogs used in the Tyrol region of Austria. Formal breeding began around 1860, and the first breed standard was published in 1896. By 1908, it was officially recognized as a distinct breed.
Historically, Emperor Maximilian I used these hounds for hunting hare and fox, as well as tracking wounded game in mountainous terrain. Their ability to work independently, cover long distances, and maintain focus under pressure made them indispensable in alpine hunts.
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🐾 Game Targets: What the Tyrolean Hound Hunts
The Tyrolean Hound is a versatile scent hound capable of hunting:
• Foxes
• Hares and rabbits
• Roe deer and red deer
• Wild boar
• Chamois and other alpine game
Its strong nose and loud bracking bark make it ideal for rummaging (searching for wounded game) and bracking (chasing with vocalization). It’s not a pointer or retriever—it’s a trail dog, bred to follow scent over long distances and alert the hunter with persistent barking.
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🌍 Geographic Popularity: Where It’s Used Most
While the breed is native to Austria, it’s also found in:
• Germany – Especially in Bavaria and alpine regions
• Switzerland – Used for mountain hunting
• Italy – In northern provinces near the Alps
• Slovenia and Czech Republic – For forest and boar hunts
• France – Occasionally used in mountainous terrain
Outside Europe, the Tyrolean Hound is rare but gaining interest among North American hunters who specialize in tracking wounded game in dense forests.
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🧬 Breed Characteristics and Care Tyrolean Hound
Size and Build:
• Height: 42–50 cm (males), 40–48 cm (females)
• Weight: 20–30 kg
• Coat: Dense, weather-resistant double coat
• Colors: Deer red, black and red, often with white markings
Temperament:
• Independent but loyal
• Calm at home, focused in the field
• Not ideal for apartment living—needs space and activity
• Bonds closely with one handler
Health and Lifespan Tyrolean Hound:
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Common issues: Occasional hip dysplasia, ear infections due to floppy ears
• Shedding: Moderate
• Grooming: Weekly brushing, ear cleaning, seasonal coat checks
This breed thrives in rural environments with regular outdoor activity. It’s not a couch dog—it needs purpose and movement.
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🧠 Training for the Hunt
Training a Tyrolean Hound requires patience, consistency, and respect for its independence. Unlike retrievers or spaniels, this breed doesn’t respond well to harsh correction. Instead, it learns through repetition, scent association, and reward-based reinforcement.
Early Socialization:
• Start at 8–10 weeks with basic obedience
• Introduce to forest terrain and scent trails
• Acclimate to gunfire gradually
Field Conditioning:
• Use scent drags with deer or fox trails
• Practice recall with whistle or voice
• Reinforce barking on trail with praise
This breed is leader-oriented, meaning it respects a confident handler but won’t blindly obey. It needs to understand the task and trust the process.
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Scent Training and Field Exercises
Here’s a breakdown of effective training exercises for Tyrolean Hounds:
1. Scent Line Tracking:
• Lay a trail using deer blood or fox scent
• Start with short distances (50–100 meters)
• Gradually increase complexity with turns and obstacles
• Reward with food or play at the end of the trail
2. Barking on Trail:
• Encourage vocalization when the dog picks up scent
• Use verbal cues like “Speak!” or “Track!”
• Reinforce with praise when barking aligns with scent trail
3. Terrain Conditioning:
• Hike in varied terrain: forest, snow, rocky paths
• Build endurance with 30–60 minute sessions
• Practice climbing and descending slopes
4. Gun Acclimation:
• Start with distant blank shots
• Gradually reduce distance over weeks
• Pair gunfire with positive reinforcement
These exercises build stamina, scent memory, and confidence, preparing the dog for real-world hunting scenarios.
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🐕 Field Behavior and Hunting Traits
In the field, the Tyrolean Hound shows:
• Exceptional scent tracking over long distances
• Loud bracking bark to signal active pursuit
• Focus and independence—won’t be distracted by other dogs or shots
• All-weather capability—works in snow, rain, and heat
• Strong prey drive—especially for hoofed game
Unlike pack hounds, the Tyrolean Hound often works solo or in pairs, making it ideal for hunters who prefer quiet, focused tracking. It’s especially effective in mountainous terrain, where agility and endurance are critical.
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🧭 Final Thoughts: A Hunter’s Alpine Ally
The Tyrolean Hound is not for everyone. It’s not a show dog, not a family pet for city life, and not a breed that thrives without purpose. But for hunters who value precision, endurance, and independence, it’s one of the most reliable companions you can have in the wild.
Whether you’re tracking wounded deer in the Alps or navigating dense forest trails, this breed brings centuries of instinct and craftsmanship to every hunt. With proper training and care, the Tyrolean Hound becomes more than a dog—it becomes your partner.
Dunker Hunting Dog: A Rugged Norwegian Tracker for Hare and More 🐾
The Dunker hunting dog, also known as the Norwegian Hound, is one of the most underrated yet highly capable scent hounds in the world. Developed in the 19th century by Captain Wilhelm Dunker, this breed was specifically designed to hunt Eurasian mountain hare in the harsh terrain and freezing winters of Norway. Today, the Dunker remains a rare but treasured companion among hunters who value endurance, honesty in tracking, and a strong voice in the field.
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🎯 What Game Can the Dunker Hunt?
The Dunker is primarily bred for hare hunting, but its versatility allows it to pursue a variety of small and medium-sized game:
• 🐇 Eurasian mountain hare — the breed’s specialty; Dunkers are known for their ability to track hare scent over long distances and through snow.
• 🦊 Red fox — with proper training, Dunkers can be used to track and bay foxes.
• 🐈 Lynx — in rare cases, experienced Dunkers have been used to locate lynx in Scandinavian forests.
• 🐦 Upland birds — while not a pointer or retriever, some Dunkers have been trained to flush and track pheasants and grouse.
Their keen nose, strong prey drive, and vocal tracking style make them ideal for solo hunting in dense forests and mountainous terrain.
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🌍 Where Are Dunkers Most Commonly Found?
The Dunker hunting dog is native to Norway and remains largely confined to Scandinavia, especially:
• 🇳🇴 Norway — the breed’s homeland and primary hunting ground.
• 🇸🇪 Sweden — some breeders and hunters use Dunkers for hare and fox.
• 🇫🇮 Finland — limited presence, mostly among enthusiasts of Nordic breeds.
Outside of Scandinavia, the Dunker is virtually unknown, making it a national treasure among Norwegian hunters. The breed is rarely exported and is not commonly found in North America or Western Europe.
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🧬 Breed Characteristics and Care Dunker Hunting Dog
Physical Traits:
• Size: Medium (18–22 inches tall, 35–45 lbs)
• Coat: Dense, straight, and weather-resistant; typically black or blue merle with fawn and white markings
• Eyes: Often pale blue or “glass-eyed,” a signature trait
• Build: Athletic, with strong legs and “paws of steel” for icy terrain
Temperament:
• Gentle and sociable with humans and other dogs
• Independent and determined in the field
• High prey drive, especially toward small animals
Care Tips:
• Exercise: Minimum 60–90 minutes daily; hunting or tracking work is ideal
• Grooming: Weekly brushing; check ears regularly for infection
• Diet: High-protein food to support stamina and muscle tone
• Health: Generally robust; some lines may carry genetic deafness, so hearing tests are recommended
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🐕🦺 How to Train a Dunker for Hunting
Training a Dunker requires patience, consistency, and field exposure. These dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn — their nose often overrides obedience.
Early Training:
• Begin with basic obedience: recall, heel, and stay
• Use positive reinforcement — harsh methods reduce trust
• Socialize with other dogs and humans early to reduce anxiety
Hunting Preparation:
• Introduce scent trails using hare or fox scent
• Practice tracking exercises in varied terrain
• Use voice commands consistently — Dunkers respond well to vocal cues
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🏞️ Field Conditioning and Exercises
To prepare a Dunker for real hunts, focus on nataska — the Russian term for field conditioning:
1. Scent Work: Lay artificial trails with game scent and reward successful tracking.
2. Endurance Runs: Long hikes or jogs in forested areas build stamina.
3. Voice Training: Encourage barking on scent trail to simulate real chase behavior.
4. Cold Exposure: Gradual acclimation to cold weather improves performance in snow.
These exercises should begin at 6–8 months of age and continue regularly. Dunkers thrive when they have a job — boredom leads to destructive behavior.
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🐾 Unique Hunting Style and Field Behavior
Dunker hunting dogs are known for their “honest voice” — they bark only when on true scent, not false trails. This helps hunters “read the chase”:
• Fast, wide search pattern — Dunkers cover large areas independently
• Scent unraveling — they can decode complex scent puzzles left by hares
• Vocal tracking — barking intensity indicates proximity to game
• Solo hunting — unlike pack hounds, Dunkers are run individually in Norway
Their ability to hunt in deep snow, icy terrain, and dense forest makes them invaluable in Nordic conditions.
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🧠 Advanced Training Techniques
• Cold Scent Discrimination: Dunkers excel at unraveling complex scent trails left overnight. You could explain how to train them to distinguish fresh vs. cold scent — a skill vital for hare hunting.
• Solo vs. Pack Work: In Norway, Dunkers are run solo due to legal restrictions. Highlight how this affects training and the dog’s independence in the field.
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📜 Breed Preservation & Genetics
• Population Status: Only ~150 Dunker puppies are born annually A. Discuss the breed’s rarity and efforts to preserve genetic diversity.
• Deafness Risk: Due to historical inbreeding, some Dunkers carry a gene linked to congenital deafness B. Responsible breeders now test for this — worth mentioning for prospective owners.
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🐾 Field Behavior Insights
• “Honest Voice”: Dunkers bark only when on true scent. You could explain how hunters interpret bark cadence to gauge distance and direction of the quarry.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why Hunters Choose the Dunker
The Dunker hunting dog is not for everyone — it’s a breed for serious hunters who value tradition, endurance, and a strong bond with their dog. While rare outside Norway, those who hunt with a Dunker often describe it as:
• “A dog that never quits”
• “Honest in the chase”
• “Built for the forest and the snow”
If you’re looking for a hardy, intelligent, and loyal hunting companion, and you’re willing to invest in proper training and care, the Dunker may be the perfect fit.
