The Barak, also known as the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound, is a well-known breed from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This medium-sized dog stands out with its shaggy hair. It originated from a mix of local dogs and Italian gun dogs that migrated to the East long ago, and was specifically bred to be a scent hound. The Barak excels in hunting and tracking due to its exceptional sense of smell, endurance, and strong work ethic. It was primarily developed for hunting hare, fox, and wild boar. While they are relaxed and easygoing at home, they are highly dedicated to the hunt, which is a characteristic they share with other European scent hounds. They generally get along well with people and other dogs, especially when properly trained and socialized. However, due to their strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for homes with non-canine animals unless they have been raised together from a young age. Although they are intelligent, they can also be a bit stubborn, making training a challenge that requires an experienced owner with consistency. While the Barak is commonly used for hunting in its native region, it is still relatively rare outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Below, we look at Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound), characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)s!
Dog Breed | Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) |
Size | |
Weight | 35-55 lbs (average) |
Height | 18-22″ (average) |
Location | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Ancestry | Italian Gun Dogs, Native Dogs |
Date of Origin | 1890s |
Group | Hunting |
Life Expectancy | |
Price | |
Family | Canidae |
Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The history of the Barak breed is not well-documented, making it difficult to trace their lineage. It is believed that they were created by crossing local and native scent hounds with Italian gun dogs. This crossbreeding aimed to produce a smaller-built scent hound capable of tracking hares, foxes, and wild boars in the hilly terrain of Herzegovina. The Istrian Shorthaired Hound may have also played a role in the breed’s development due to their size in comparison to other local breeds. Looking further back in history, it is possible that the Barak is a descendant of the Molossus-type dogs that lived in the region centuries ago, as they still share some characteristics. However, due to the influence of other early breeds and a lack of documentation, this is purely speculative.
The Barak breed received recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1965. Later, in 2006, the United Kennel Club also included the Barak on their register.
🐕 Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Appearance
The Barak is a medium-sized dog with a height of 20 inches and an average weight of 45 pounds. Their shaggy exterior coat, which is typically a few inches long and occurs in colors of wheat-colored yellow, reddish-yellow, grey, and nearly black, sometimes with a darker saddle, is undoubtedly their most distinctive trait. They also have a velvety and thick underside. Their spherical skulls, modest stop, and rectangular muzzles that are somewhat longer than the skull itself are proportionate to the size of their bodies. A dark brown or black nose, a thick beard, mustache, and prominent eyebrows top off their heads. Their ears are somewhat high-set, wide, and comparatively long. Their eyes are round and dark brown. They have an overall largely squarish posture and a medium long neck that transitions into a somewhat sloping topline. The majority of their rather well-developed leg muscles are seen in the shoulders and thighs. One major factor in their ability to bark so powerfully is the fact that their chests are deep for their stature, extending as far as the elbow. They have long, somewhat curled tails that are hairy all throughout.
👀 Eye Color | Brown |
🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
🐕 Coat Color | White, Black, Gray, Red, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)
In that they have two personalities—one within the home and one outside—Baraks are descended from the traditional European concept of the scent hound. They are enthusiastic, devoted, and incredibly effective hunters who, when hunting, will stick their noses to the ground and keep moving for hours on end if necessary. They are often laid-back at home and will join the family in any activity, whether it be relaxing or performing chores around the house. Due to their history of pack hunting, they tend to get along well with other dogs and kids but can occasionally be apprehensive of strangers, which can also make them ideal watch dogs. When anything catches their attention, their initial inclination is to bark, much as when they are hunting. They are regarded as moderate to high frequency barkers when compared to other comparable breeds and will keep doing so until told differently. They will be less prone to create noise and will be more willing to tolerate strangers if they have had comprehensive training and socialization. Due of the Barak’s great intellect and tendency to be very obstinate, teaching them is unfortunately not always simple. It typically requires an owner with expertise, a firm hand, and perseverance to get the best behavior out of them. They often thrive with active families, those who have a big yard to run in, or those that live close to a dog park because of their high levels of energy.
🤝 Are Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)s Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Care & Maintenance
Baraks are still regarded as low care dogs even if they have a longer coat since they only moderately shed and only require brushing a few times each week to keep their coats clear of dead hair. Even after thorough cleaning, they will still seem a little untidy, therefore a firm bristle or slicker brush should be sufficient. They often keep themselves fairly clean and only require bathing after rolling in something exceptionally filthy or unpleasant; otherwise, they are capable of taking care of themselves. Their folding kind, size, and hairiness are all factors that together create the potential for a rise in moisture or wax, which can result in infections, making their ears a cause for worry. They should be examined frequently. Like any breed, their teeth should be brushed at least once a week to help maintain healthy gums and teeth, and their nails should be examined and trimmed on a regular basis.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.00 – $1.50 daily, or approximately $30.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 16 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
🤧 Important: Is Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound).
⚡ Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) a great choice for families with young children?
Is the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
How much exercise does a Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) require compared to other breeds?
Is the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) breed known for being good with other pets?
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)?
What are the common health issues that Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)s are prone to?
Are Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)s known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Are Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)s more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) that are suitable for people with allergies?
What sizes of dogs similar to the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Is the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) breed known to be good with children with special needs?
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound)?
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Barak (Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound) dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.