Alpine Dachsbracke Dog Breed

Brown Alpine Dachsbracke
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  • Other names:
  • Alpenlandische
  • Alpenlandischer
  • Basset Des Alpes
  • Alpenlandische Dachsbracke
  • Alpenlandischer Dachsbracke
  • Dachsbracke
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Overview

The Alpine Dachsbracke, or Alpenlandischer Dachsbracke as it is called in Austria, was bred for hunting and tracking wounded prey such as hares and foxes. Although it is a hunting breed these are typically not aggressive dogs and instead are loyal, friendly and intelligent. The short coat makes them low maintenance as far as grooming, but they are naturally active and require daily walks.

Dachsbrackes are loyal dogs, will make good companions but are not necessarily family dogs or watchdogs. They can live in apartments as long as they receive enough exercise to burn off their energy. The Alpine Dachsbracke makes a good outdoor dog as long as the temperature is not too hot. This breed has no major health issues and has an expected lifespan of 12 years.

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Purebred8-12 yrs.13-16 in.33-40 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are breed specs and details for the Alpine Dachsbracke.

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed Description

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium size dog reaching 13-16 inches from ground to shoulder. They weigh between 33-40 pounds and are considered to be muscular and sturdy dogs.

This dog is still a dog owned for hunting and tracking purposes and therefore is not as popular with families. However, owners looking for a companion will be pleased with its loyalty and ease of training. This dog is non-aggressive and does well with children. They coexist well with other dogs but may have hunting and chasing tendencies with small pets. Members of this breed are somewhat friendly with strangers and do not make good guard dogs.

These are low maintenance and low grooming dogs. The coat is short and sheds little. A weekly brushing along with an ear and mouth check should suffice. Long daily walks are desirable as this breed has a high natural stamina and endurance.

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed History

The Alpine Dachsbracke originated around the mid 1800s when local Alpine Bracke hounds were crossed with Dachsunds from Germany. The breed was said to be established by 1881 and recognized in Austria by 1935. However, it was not recognized as a scent hound by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) until 1991, although they had recognized the breed's origination as Austria in 1975, and the UKC (United Kennel Club) soon after.As this breed originated in Austria, it was very popular with Austrian as well as German royalty. Prince Rudolf of Habsburg, crowned Austrian Prince in 1880s, brought them along on his hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey.

Alpine Dachsbracke Appearance

Members of this breed are of greater size than other Dachsund like dogs since they were bred with larger Alpine dogs. They are long and sturdy with strong shoulders, a thick neck and tail. The head is slightly arched with a highly positioned, straight nose. The legs are still short, however, this allows the breed to more accurately pick up scent during hunting. The Alpine Dachsbracke has a double layer coat consisting of a thick topcoat and dense undercoat. This coat is short everywhere but the neck and tail. Red, brown and black are the typical coat colors and some may have a white star on the chest.

Alpine Dachsbracke Coloring

This dog's coat is either red (which may have scattered black hairs), black, or brown and it has no specific markings. They may also have a white star on the chest.

Alpine Dachsbracke Size

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium sized breed. Big boned and study, they are 13-16 inches tall and weigh in at around 33-40 pounds.

Average Adult Height

13-16 in
*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.

Average Adult Weight

33-40 lbs

Alpine Dachsbracke Temperament

As a dog bred for courage, endurance, and power Dachsbrackes will need owners that make themselves the clear pack leader. Although they are of a hunting breed, they are typically non-aggressive; they are prized in hunting because they are able to retrieve the owner's kill without causing any further damage to the hide or meat of the game animal.

These dogs are sociable but can become shy sometimes. They are easily trained as long as they trust the trainer and respond best with gentle positive reinforcement.

Alpine Dachsbracke and Children

The Alpine Dachsbracke is still considered a dog owned for hunting and tracking purposes. It is not necessarily the best choice for families looking for a playmate for children.

Alpine Dachsbracke and Other Pets

This breed gets along well with other dogs. As a hunting and tracking dog it may be advisable to not bring them into a home with other small animals. Although they are non aggressive they still may have chasing instincts.

Alpine Dachsbracke and Strangers

Dachsbrackes are sociable and non-aggressive dogs. They will be good with strangers that are friendly once they get over the initial shyness. Although courageous, they will not make good guard dogs.

Alpine Dachsbracke Photos

Below are pictures of the Alpine Dachsbracke dog breed.

Dark Deer Red Alpine Dachsbracke
Red Alpine Dachsbracke
Brown Alpine Dachsbracke
Black Alpine Dachsbracke
Brown Alpine Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke Maintenance

Members of this breed are low maintenance and easy to train. Long daily walks are recommended for them. The coat is short and requires only weekly brushing.

Grooming Requirements

The hair is smooth and short so only weekly brushing is recommended. It is unlikely this breed will need regular bathing. The ears and teeth should be checked weekly and cleaned if needed. The nails should be monitored for trimming.

Exercise Requirements

Dachsbrackes are hunting dogs and bred for stamina and endurance. They will need plenty of exercise; long daily walks (not runs) are recommended. Don't expect this dog to keep up with you on your daily run, although it requires plenty of exercise its legs are short which makes it slow-moving and difficult to keep a high running pace. These pets would really enjoy mock-hunting exercise.

Living Requirements

Due to the amount of exercise this breed requires it makes a fine outdoor dog as long as the temperature is cool. Apartments (with AC in warm-hot areas) are fine and indoor pets will need daily exercise outdoors. If the living area is warm, it is advisable to exercise them early morning or late evening.

Temperature Range

This breed has a double layer coat to keep it warm in its' homeland in the Alps. Warm temperatures are not recommended for this dog.

Alpine Dachsbracke Health

The life expectancy of the Alpine Dachsbracke is around 12 years. No major health issues have been documented in this breed, so they will likely live a full, healthy life. The few minor reported issues include patellar luxation, disk degeneration, and possible ear and teeth issues if not appropriately maintained. In the case your pet needs surgery he/she may be sensitive to anesthesia.

Below are common health issues associated with the breed:

  • Drug Sensitivity
  • Ear Infections
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
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Alpine Dachsbracke Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Alpine Dachsbracke as a dog breed:

  • American Canine Registry
  • America's Pet Registry
  • Continental Kennel Club
  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • Federation Cynologique Internationale
  • National Kennel Club
  • American Canine Association, Inc.
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