The hounds of Austria are the same general type and often of similar origin as the German hounds. They have the same sturdy, unexaggerated body type including the stopless face and high-set, smooth ear. Austrians also appreciate the fine tracking qualities of scent hounds and enlist them for blood trailing as well as hunting live game.

The Brandlbracke has the raciest body of the Austrian hounds, being leggier and lighter of bone than the Bavarian dogs to the north. He stems directly from the Celtic brackes of old, and is closely related to both the Belgian St. Hubert and the Jura Hounds of Switzerland. He has been recognized as a distinct type since 1884. His elegant head, carried high, is straight and wide, crowned with prominent eyebrows, and tapering to the muzzle. There should be no flew or hanging eyelids.

The Austrian Brandlbracke is usually of the black and tan pattern, with the tan actually being a rich shade of red. Brand is literally fire in German, and the diminutive Brandt indicates the little marks of fire red. The sleek, black body with the trace markings of bright red gave the breed its name. A small white ring may be around the neck, with a star on chest and white feet.

The Austrian Brandlbracke dwells exclusively in the hands of hunters, who appreciate it especially for silent trailing. While work on the cold scent is his specialty, he can also be utilized for hunting hare and fox, for which he gives tongue. Prized by Austrian hunters, he is unknown outside his native land.