Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound, Hunting Dog

The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound also called the Barak, is a hunting dog breed developed in Bosnia. The dog breeds is a scenthound, originally used to hunt large game. The "Bosanski Oštrodlaki Gonič's" name is translated as coarse-haired, broken-haired, and rough-haired (among others), and refers to the texture of the shaggy coat (usually called broken-haired or hard in English.)


The Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound was first recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1965 under the name of "Illyrian Hound". The name was changed to more accurately describe its area of origin in Bosnia. The dog breeds is in Group 6, Scenthounds, Section 1.1 Large-sized Hounds, and is breed number 155. It is also recognised by the United Kennel Club (US) as the "Barak", in the Scenthound Group. The breed is not recognised by any other major kennel clubs in the English speaking world, although many minor kennel clubs, internet dog registry businesses, and rare breed registries promote and register it as a unique pet.

Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound Appearance

The most striking feature of the Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound is its shaggy, hard coat of yellowish (wheaten or red) or grayish colors, often with a white blaze on its head along with other white marks. The standard calls for a body length ten percent greater than height; these proportions are given to differentiate the Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound from other hounds of the area which are "a bit low on leg". Height ranges from 46-55cm (18-22in) at the withers, and weight is between 16-24kg (35-53lbs). The dog normally carries its tail curved slightly upward, and its face has a bushy mustache and beard.

Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound Temperament

The dog breeds standard describes its behavior as lively, as well as courageous and persistent. Unlike many other large hounds and hunting dogs, they are known to make good pets and companions.