The Alpine Dachsbracke is a skilled hunter with an outgoing temperament. This breed is relatively unknown outside of its region of origin, but many dog enthusiasts consider it to be one of the best hunting breeds that you can find.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed of dog, this article is for you. We’ll explore the history, physical traits, temperament, and health of the Alpine Dachsbracke to give you a complete understanding of the breed.
History and Origins of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a breed that has been around for hundreds of years. Its origins can be traced back to Europe, where it was bred as a hunting dog for tracking deer, boar, fox, and hare in the mountains.
The breed has undergone significant development over the years, with breeders carefully selecting traits to improve the dog’s hunting abilities and overall health.
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s Ancestry
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a cross between various Dachsbracke breeds and other scent hounds. Its ancestors include the Basset Hound, the Westphalian Dachsbracke, and the Dachshund.
Let’s take a look at the ancestors:
- Basset Hound: The Basset Hound was bred in France for hunting small game. It has long ears and short legs, making it a great tracker, as it can easily pick up scents close to the ground.
- Westphalian Dachsbracke: The breed originated in Germany to hunt game in the dense forests of the country. It is known for its keen sense of smell and its ability to work in difficult terrain.
- Dachshund: It was developed in Germany in the 17th century. It has a long body and short legs, which enable it to hunt small game, such as badgers.
This combination of breeds has created a dog with a unique set of abilities. The Alpine Dachsbracke is the right choice for hunters who need a dog that can track game through rough terrain.
Development of the Breed in Europe
The Alpine Dachsbracke was developed in the 19th century in Austria and other European countries where hunting was a popular sport. Breeders aimed to create a dog that was small, strong, and agile, with a keen sense of smell and good stamina.
During the development of the breed, breeders carefully selected traits that would make the Alpine Dachsbracke an excellent hunting dog. They focused on creating a dog that was small enough to navigate through dense forests and rough terrain, but strong enough to take down larger game.
Recognition by Kennel Clubs
Although the Alpine Dachsbracke has been around for hundreds of years, it was only recently recognized by major kennel clubs outside of its region of origin. In 1991, the breed was officially recognized by the FCI (World Canine Organization).
Today, the Alpine Dachsbracke is still primarily used as a hunting dog, although it has also become a popular companion animal in many parts of the world. Its unique appearance and excellent hunting abilities make it a favorite among hunters and dog lovers alike.
Physical Characteristics of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small to medium-sized dog with a distinctive head shape. The Alpine Dachsbracke’s legs are relatively short, which gives it a low, powerful stance that is perfect for navigating through rough and rocky terrain.
Size and Weight
Adult Alpine Dachsbrackes typically weigh between 33 to 30 pounds, and their height ranges from 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder. Females are typically slightly smaller than males, but both genders are still very compact and robust dogs.
Coat and Color
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a short, dense coat that is designed to keep it warm in cold mountain climates. The coat has a unique dark deer red color which can sometimes have streaks of black hairs.
Distinctive Features
In addition to its unique coat and head shape, the Alpine Dachsbracke has some other distinctive features that make it stand out from other dog breeds.
For example, this breed has a very muscular build, with a broad chest and strong legs. It also has a keen sense of smell, which is essential for hunting in the mountains.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The Alpine Dachsbracke is known for its friendly and loyal nature. This breed is excellent with children and other pets, making it an ideal family dog.
However, this breed does have strong hunting instincts, so it may not be suitable for households with smaller animals, such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s Hunting Instincts
As a hunting breed, the Alpine Dachsbracke has strong instincts that are deeply ingrained in its personality. This breed loves to track, chase, and hunt, and it will often pursue game, even if it means running for miles through rough terrain.
If you’re a hunter looking for a dog that can keep up with your pace and track game effectively, then the Alpine Dachsbracke is an excellent choice.
Socialization and Interaction with Other Animals
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a social and friendly breed that enjoys the company of both humans and other animals. This breed is particularly well-suited to households with other dogs as it is known to get along well with other canines.
Proper socialization and training are essential to ensure that your Alpine Dachsbracke interacts well with both humans and other animals, especially smaller pets which may trigger the breed’s hunting instincts.
Affection and Loyalty to Their Owners
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an affectionate and loyal breed that loves nothing more than spending time with its family. This breed is known to be particularly loyal to its owner, and it will often follow its owner around the house or garden.
Emotional bonds between owner and dog are important to this breed, so be sure to give your Alpine Dachsbracke plenty of love and attention.
Training and Exercise Needs
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an active and energetic breed that requires regular exercise. This breed’s hunting instincts mean that it needs regular opportunities to run and explore, so be sure to provide your dog with plenty of outdoor time.
You should also provide your Alpine Dachsbracke with plenty of mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or training exercises. Lack of stimulation causes boredom and destructiveness.
Training Techniques for the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a clever breed that learns quickly with the right training techniques. Positive reinforcement methods are generally the most effective, as they encourage your dog to learn and respond to commands in a fun and rewarding way.
Training exercises that focus on obedience, recall, and agility are all great ways to bond with your dog and improve their skills. The breed is also great in advanced training.
Exercise Requirements and Activities
The Alpine Dachsbracke requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, although they will often benefit from much more than that.
Long walks, hikes, and outdoor activities such as swimming or playing catch are all great ways to keep your dog healthy, fit, and happy.
Keep in mind that this breed can become bored easily, so be sure to mix up their exercise routine to keep things interesting.
Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an intelligent and curious breed that needs mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games are all excellent ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
You may also want to consider enrolling your Alpine Dachsbracke in activities such as agility, tracking, or obedience training to give them a fun challenge and boost their skills.
Health & Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Alpine Dachsbracke is 12 years. Common health issues in the breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia: An orthopedic condition in which the bones forming the hip joint do not fit properly, causing pain and mobility issues
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A spine disorder that is very common in dogs with short legs and long bodies
- Obesity: The breed is prone to weight gain and obesity, which is why you need to feed it a healthy and high-quality diet
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating dog breed, then you can’t go wrong with the Alpine Dachsbracke. This breed is known for its friendly temperament, hunting instincts, and distinctive physical characteristics, making it a favorite for hunters and pet owners alike.
With proper training, exercise, and attention, your Alpine Dachsbracke can be a loyal and loving companion that will provide you with years of joy and companionship.
