What You Should Know Before Getting a Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound (Barak)

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is also known as the Barak, Bosnian Rough-haired Hound, or Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound. They originated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

If you're considering adopting this breed, knowing what to expect regarding temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements is essential. 

To help you out, I have compiled 12 things you need to know about them before making the life-changing decision! 

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is a hunting dog.

These dogs were initially used for hunting wild boar, deer, and other large game in the rugged terrain of the Balkans. Today, they are still used for hunting but also make loyal and protective family pets. 

They require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is a highly energetic and athletic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. 

Without adequate exercise and stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. They need daily walks, jogs, hikes, or other forms of physical activity. They also need brain training like playtime, obedience training, interactive games, and puzzles. 

Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is a medium-sized dog.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 35 and 65 pounds and standing 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their relatively small size, they are a tough and hardy breed capable of navigating rough terrain and withstanding harsh weather conditions from their country of origin. 

They require regular grooming.

Their thick, dense coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. It has two layers, a coarse outer layer that helps protect them from the elements and a soft undercoat that keeps them warm. 

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding periods in spring and fall. They need regular grooming to help to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy.

In addition to brushing, regular bathing, nail trimming, tooth brushing, and ear cleaning are also essential components of their grooming routine.

This breed is highly intelligent and trainable.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is an intelligent and trainable breed, but they can also be stubborn and sometimes independent. These are traits that are common for hunting dogs. 

Most Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak can sometimes have a mind of their own, making training a challenge for inexperienced owners. 

Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak has a strong prey drive.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is a natural hunting breed. This also means they are inclined to chase after small animals if not properly trained. This can include small animals like squirrels, rabbits, cats, and other pets, and wildfires outside.

Early socialization is vital for this breed.

Socialization for the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is critical to help them learn to interact with people and other animals positively. It must begin from a young age and continue throughout their life to help prevent fear or aggression toward unfamiliar people, animals, or situations. 

They may be prone to certain health issues.

Like all breeds of dogs, the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak may be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary checkups are important to help catch problems early on before they become severe. 

It's also important to provide your Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of fresh water to help maintain their overall health and well-being.

These canines are not suitable for apartment living.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is not recommended for apartment living because they need much space to thrive. 

A large yard or access to open spaces like parks or trails can also provide the ideal environment for this breed. Therefore, this breed is best suited for a home with plenty of space and a family that can provide them with the necessary exercise and mental stimulation.

Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is typically good with children.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak is typically good with children and can make a loyal and protective family pet. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature and enjoy being part of your family.

This breed is patient and gentle with kids and other family members. Additionally, they can protect their family and be trained to act as guard dogs if needed. 

However, you must still supervise interactions between children and dogs and teach children how to interact with dogs to prevent accidents or injuries.

They may be wary of strangers and tend to bark.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak may be wary of strangers and tend to bark, so early training and socialization are important to prevent excessive barking behavior. This breed is naturally protective of their home and family, and they may bark to alert you of any potential threats or perceived danger.

While this can be a desirable trait, excessive barking can become a nuisance and disrupt the peace of the home or neighborhood. 

These dogs are not for first-time dog owners.

The Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak may not be the best choice for someone new to dog ownership or who may not have the time or resources to provide this breed with the required exercise and attention. They require consistent training and a lot of exercises to stay happy and healthy. 

Summary

In summary, these canines are excellent companions. While the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic-Barak can make a loyal and protective family pet, this breed requires a lot of exercise, grooming, and training to stay healthy and happy. Understanding their unique needs and characteristics can help you determine whether the Barak is the right dog for you. So, what are you waiting for? Bring one home now!