Alpine Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke dogs originate from Austria, where they were bred for hunting in mountainous regions. Despite their small size, they are dogs with great endurance and agility, which allows them to cross rocky and steep terrain. Their friendly character and at the same time their strong hunting instinct stand out.

General details

The breed has a medium size and a robust structure. The weight ranges between 15 and 18 kilograms, while the height varies between 34 and 42 centimeters. Their life expectancy is 10 to 14 years. The Alpine Dachsbracke belongs to Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes scent hounds, tracking dogs and similar breeds.

Breed history in brief

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a scent hound originally from Austria. At the end of the 19th century, Prince Rudolf of Hasburg ordered his gamekeepers to use hunting dogs that looked very similar to today's Alpine Dachsbracke. Originally the breed was used for small game, such as hare and fox, and for tracking wounded deer. In addition, the dog was adapted to hunting in mountainous regions where difficult terrain abounded. Today, the Alpine Dachsbracke is still a popular hunting dog in some European countries and especially in Austria. Although its popularity as a companion dog has increased, largely because of its friendly and loyal personality.

Breed characteristics

The body of the Alpine Dachsbracke is rectangular in shape, its trunk is muscular and elongated, and its chest is deep and broad. Its body structure is robust and its bones are strong. The legs are straight, firm and short compared to the length of the body. The tail is set high and carried slightly upwards. The head is broad and slightly rounded, and the ears are long and drooping, rounded at the tips. The coat of this breed is characterized by being short, dense and close fitting. The coloring can be tan with or without black hairs interspersed. Although a black coloration with tan markings on the head, legs, chest and underside of the tail is also acceptable. Alpine Dachsbracke are noted for their strong hunting instinct, but also for their friendly and loyal personality. They are intelligent and trainable dogs, although they sometimes show a strong and independent character. The breed socializes well with children and animals.

Common health problems

As with other dog breeds, Alpine Dachsbracke can be susceptible to health problems. Some of the most common disorders and diseases are hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and cataracts.