Tyrolean Hound vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison

The Tyrolean Hound, also known as Tyroker Bracke or Tiroler Bracke originates from Tyrol, Austria. It seems the dog was developed in the late 1800s for hunting.

The first standard for the breed was published in 1896.

This is a scenthound that is thought to have descended from Celtic Hounds, Foxhounds and Bloodhounds in the late 1800s.

The dog is a member of the FCI’s scent hound group. The dog was recognized as its own breed in 1908, and in 2006 it was recognized by the United Kennel Club.

Fondly referred to as the Chessie, the ‘Labrador-look-alike’ Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s history extends to St. Johns Newfoundland pups which were rescued off a ship off the coast of Maryland in 1807. The Chesapeake is an American breed.

It is believed that the Newfoundland puppies as they grew, were bred with area dogs, with there being few records of the early dogs, but it is believed that spaniels and dogs were included.

In 1918 the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club and in 1964 the dog was declared the official dog of Maryland.

The Tyrolean Hound is a medium-sized to large dog. He stands at roughly between 43 to 50cm in height and can weigh between 20 and 27kg.

He is muscular, lean and compact. The double coat is short and smooth and can be red, tan, black or tri-colored. The ears are high set, are broad, floppy and long. The tail is long and is carried high.

Temperament:

Independent and intelligent the Tyrolean Hound is a hardworking dog, loving to be active. He has all the characteristics of a great pet and companion – loving, lively, intelligent, independent, easily trained and protective.

He’s the kind of dog that would suit a home with a large garden as opposed to living in the city. He is wary of strangers and has a loud bark to warn you of intruders. He has a friendly nature with his human family and makes a good playmate for children.

The Chesapeake is a large dog belonging to the Sporting breed group. Perhaps one of the more distinctive features of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the yellowish eyes.

This is a strong, well muscled dog that stands anywhere from 61 – 66cm and weighs between 30 – 45kg. The short, thick coat of the dog is waterproof and comes in colors ranging from brown to reddish yellow to chestnut shades.

The head of the Chesapeake is broad and roundish with medium length floppy ears. The tail is long. The toes are webbed which helps makes the dog an excellent swimmer as well.

Temperament:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a happy kind of dog with a bright, alert, intelligent expression. He loves water and is guaranteed to make a wonderful pet for any family.

With his wonderful characteristics, it is worth training him and socializing him as this training sets parameters for him so that he becomes a wonderfully obedient dog that gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

The Tyrolean Hound is a keen hunting dog loving to be outdoors and active, requiring large grounds to be happy.

Once he comes indoors he is able to settle down with his human family and have some quiet time with them.

He is loyal and loving, but you are going to have to be prepared for an active lifestyle with this skilled hunting dog of yours.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is ready to be your best friend and companion. This dog breed is highly active and he’ll fit easily into a family that is active and can ensure he is involved in all their activities.

He loves human companionship and is protective, making him a good watchdog.

The beauty about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is that he is generally an even tempered dog, and once trained and socialized, becomes a truly splendid pet, one that will be loving and loyal with his owners.

Because these dogs put everything into their hunting, injuries related to hunting can sometimes plague this energetic dog.

Apart from that, he is robust and can live to be 12 – 14 years of age. There are one or two common dog illnesses to look out for with this dog such as hip dysplasia or ear infections.

Ear infections:

The large, floppy ears of the Tyrolean Hound are prone to ear infections. Unlike with dogs that have erect ears, these dogs don’t have their inner ears aired and the dampness, wax and dirt cause bacteria to build up which ultimately leads to an ear infection.

Hip Dysplasia:

The hip joint forms abnormally, leading to chronic wear and tear together with inflammation. Sometimes the dog will squeal when he gets touched around his hips. The condition can worsen and sometimes the dog even becomes lame. He will need to get to the vet for something to control pain.

By taking good care of your Chesapeake, you can ensure his teeth remain strong, his nose is wet and his coat glossy and healthy. He is a robust breed as it is, but there are always some common dog diseases to watch out for -

Obesity:

Obesity is an ailment that is afflicting many humans and their pets. Being overweight can bring on a host of unwanted diseases. Obesity is a serious disease that can contribute to digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease and joint problems.

Instead of showering him with little treats to show him how much you love him, rather stroke him or play a game with him – it’s the ultimate treat for him – your attention.

Spay or Neuter:

Remember that if you aren’t going to let your Chessie become a parent, the best thing you can do for your male or female is to have them spayed or neutered. In fact, spaying or neutering can decrease the likelihood of your pet getting certain types of cancers as well as other illnesses. Speak to your vet and discover how these procedures can be very beneficial for your pet.

Grooming:

He has a short coat and will simply require a brush twice a week. Because of the fairly large, floppy ears, he will need to have the inside of his ears checked for redness and the possibility of an ear infection.

Exercise:

This dog has always been used to plenty of exercise. He won’t adapt to life in the city on a tiny property. The ideal place for this dog is on a large property, preferably a farm.

Walks, hikes, swimming, ball games, hide and seek – he is a dog that can’t seem to get enough action – he wants to be in on all the action. He is intelligent and will also need mental stimulation.

Diet:

If you were to buy your lean Tyrolean Hound some commercially manufactured food, you’d buy him food that was made for high energy dogs. You’d certainly want to make sure the food is of a high quality, packed with vitamins and minerals and natural ingredients.

He would also love some home-made food too. Raw meat occasionally would do him the world of good. This sort of food needs to be plain and simple such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Dogs should never be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry, quiet sleeping place.

Have the vet check him over if he is ill. Make sure his vaccines are up to date.

Grooming:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds fairly heavily throughout the year. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing is good for the dog too as it distributes the oils of the skin, making his coat shinier.

Because the Chesapeake has floppy ears, the ears will need to be checked on a weekly basis for signs of infection. This is of particular importance if your Chessie loves to spend time splashing around in water. The veterinarian can recommend and also advise on cleaners for your dog’s ears.

Diet and Exercise:

An excellent diet and plenty of exercise will ensure your Chessie can live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. You want to keep his diet of kibble, rice, vegetables and meat consistent so as not to upset his stomach.

Avoid giving him foods such as chocolates. Do research on the harm you can do to your pet when you feed him some human foods that are entirely not meant for a dog’s digestive system.

Make sure to always have a constant supply of fresh, clean water for him.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has always loved to be active - hunting for- and retrieving birds from rivers and lakes. He is used to being active and will require a good supply of exercise. Take him for long walks and let him join you on your runs or your cycling.