The Alpine Dachsbracke dog is a small breed of dog of the scent hound type. It is also known as Alpenländische Dachsbracke. It was originated from Austria. And it was actually bred to track wounded deer as well as boar, hare and fox. It is highly efficient at following a trail even after it has gone cold.
The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs, as with the other Bracke, can be dated back to the middle of the nineteenth Century. They were bred down in size by crossing the larger dogs with Dachshunds. The breed was once a favorite of German royalty.
During the 1880s, the Alpine Dachsbracke dogs accompanied Crown Prince Rudolf of Hubsburg on hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey.
The only major kennel club in the English-speaking world to recognize the Alpine Dachsbracke is the United Kennel Club (US) in their Scenthound Group, but they use the Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed standard.
The Alpine Dachsbracke dog breed is also recognized by a number of minor registries, hunting clubs, and internet-based dog registry businesses.[1]
Alpine Dachsbracke Dog Characteristics
The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs are relatively smaller in size. It has a slight resemblance to a Duchshund, with short legs and a long body. Although, their legs are longer than a dachshund’s legs.
They have dense coat, which is short but smooth except for the tail and neck. Their eyes have a lively expression. Being very sturdy, the Alpine Dachsbracke dog is visibly robust and has a big boned structure.
Preferred colors in competition are dark deer red with or without black hairs lightly interspersed. Black with red-brown markings on the head, chest, legs, feet, and tail are also permitted, as well as a white star on the chest (according to the American Rare Breed Association).
The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs have strong limbs and feet, with black toenails and tight toes as well as strong elastic skin. Their top coat should be very thick, the undercoat is dense and both are close fitting to the body.
The Alpine Dachsbracke dog is often compared with the duchshund, as they are very similar in appearance. A mature Alpine Dachsbracke dog stands from 13 to 16 inches tall at the withers. And a mature dog weighs from 15 to 18 kg.
Temperament
The Alpine Dachsbracke dog has a fearless, friendly and intelligent personality. Most of the dogs of this breed are excellent with children and good with dogs and other pets. Although, they may exhibit a strong prey drive typical of many scent dogs.
The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs are effectively used to track wounded deer. They could work even in harsh terrain and high altitude. It makes a good companion. Although the breed is mainly a hunter, and therefore is kept mostly by the hunters.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Alpine Dachsbracke dogs is between 11 and 13 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs are a small to medium sized dog.
So choose a high-quality dog food formulated for other dogs of this size. You should also keep in mind that, this breed was developed for hunting, so an active or working breed might be more appropriate. Consult with your vet for better recommendation.
Caring
Taking good care of your animal is very important for raising Alpine Dachsbracke dog. It is a lively and hard-working breed that is born to hunt. As such, these dogs have fairly high energy levels and high needs for exercise. With their short legs, you may not expect this breed to achieve great speeds, but the Alpine Dachsbracke is a surprisingly fast runner with excellent stamina.
The Alpine Dachsbracke dog is intelligent, as you might expect from a hunting dog breed. This makes training fairly easy, although you do need to keep an eye out for independent or obstinate tendencies. These animals responds very well to positive reinforcement training and they love having a job to do, especially if it involves hunting.
Training is needed to control this breed’s strong prey drive, though they are generally not aggressive with people or other dogs. This breed does benefit from early socialization, especially if you plan to keep it as a family dog or household companion.
Health
The Alpine Dachsbracke dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions. Their common health problems include hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease and obesity. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Alpine Dachsbracke |
| Other Names | Alpenländische Dachsbracke |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 13 to 16 inches tall at the withers |
| Weight | 15 to 18 kg |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Preferred colors in competition are dark deer red with or without black hairs lightly interspersed. Black with red-brown markings on the head, chest, legs, feet, and tail are also permitted, as well as a white star on the chest (according to the American Rare Breed Association). |
| Lifespan | 11 to 13 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | Austria |
