The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Austrian and German Alps. They have a distinctive appearance with a short, smooth coat that's a mix of brown and white.
Their body is relatively long and lean, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. They typically weigh between 33-44 pounds and stand between 15-17 inches tall at the shoulder.
In terms of temperament, the Alpine Dachsbracke is known for being friendly, outgoing, and energetic.
Physical Characteristics
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a sturdy breed with a robust build.
Their furrowed forehead is a distinctive physical trait. They have broad hanging ears and a long, elongated body. Short, strong legs complete their unique appearance.
The ideal height for dogs is 37-38 cm, and for bitches, it's 36-37 cm. Strong limbs and feet, with black toenails and tight toes, are features that judges look for in competition.
General Appearance
The Alpine Dachsbracke's general appearance is quite distinctive. They stand between 13 - 16 in tall at the withers, accounting for two-thirds of the overall length of the body.
Their trunk is sturdy, with a muscular, medium-long neck that leads to long, strong, sloping shoulders. Front legs are equally sturdy and straight.
The chest is deep, approximately half the height to the withers, but also broad, with a prominent forechest. The back should be straight with a slight curve up to the abdomen.
The breed has a slightly arched head with a distinct furrow between the eyes. The muzzle is 1/10 shorter than the overall length of the dog's head.
Their jaw is strong, with either a scissor or a level bite, and a pearly white, full set of teeth. The eyes should be dark brown and small in size.
The breed should have high-set ears that fold over and hang down over the cheeks, with rounded ends that nearly reach the end of the muzzle.
Here's a summary of the breed's ideal height and weight:
This sturdy build allows the Alpine Dachsbracke to cover difficult and challenging mountainous terrain with ease.
Weight
Your body weight is a vital physical characteristic that can impact your overall health and well-being. It's essential to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The average adult human weight is around 62 kilograms or 137 pounds, but this can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, sex, and muscle mass.
Body mass index (BMI) is a common measurement used to determine weight status, with a score of 18.5-24.9 indicating a healthy weight.
Temperament and Behavior
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a friendly and easygoing breed that makes a great companion for active individuals and families.
They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training, which makes training relatively simple.
This breed has a strong prey drive, so they may chase cats or other small pets if not socialized properly.
Early socialization is essential to control their strong prey drive and to establish good behavior around other animals.
Alpine Dachsbrackes are generally not aggressive with people or other dogs, but training is necessary to control their strong hunting instinct.
They are loyal and loving, making them great family dogs, and they get along well with children and other dogs.
However, they do have a tendency to be destructive if they don't get enough physical and mental exercise, so daily exercise and engagement are a must.
A fenced-in yard is also essential to prevent them from wandering off and following their noses, which can be a serious issue if not handled right away.
Despite their strong scent drive, Alpine Dachsbrackes are relatively easy to train, and with positive reinforcement, they can learn to behave well in social situations.
They are not prone to separation anxiety, but they should not be left alone for extended periods, as they can become bored and destructive.
Overall, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for active families and individuals who are willing to provide the necessary exercise and training.
History and Origin
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a rich history that dates back to the middle of the 19th century.
The breed was created by crossing larger dogs with Dachshunds, which bred them down in size. This made them highly efficient at following a trail, even when the scent had gone cold.
Their royal lineage is impressive, with Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg being a fan of the breed, especially for hunting. He even took them on hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey in the 1880s.
The breed's origins can be traced back to Austria, where it was recognized in 1932.
Here's an interesting read: Straight Back German Shepherds
History
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a rich history dating back to the middle of the 19th century.
This breed was created by crossing larger dogs with Dachshunds to produce a smaller hunting dog. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the Alpine Dachsbracke in Group 6 Scenthounds, Section 2 “Leash Hounds”.
Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg was a big fan of the breed, and it was often by his side on hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey in the 1880s.
The breed was originally bred to track wounded game, such as deer and wild boar, and to serve as a scent hound for foxes and hares. Its short stature and longer ears made it highly efficient at following a trail.
Austria recognized the Alpine Dachsbracke in 1932, and the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1996.
Breed Group
The Alpine Dachsbracke's breed group is a key part of its history and origin.
The Alpine Dachsbracke belongs to the Scenthound breed group.
If you're interested in discovering your dog's breed group, check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests.
Suggestion: Boston Terrier Group
They're Not Dachshund-Crosses
The Alpine Dachsbracke may look like a Dachshund-cross at first glance, but that's not the case. They're an established breed in their own right.
Their compact look is due to their unique body shape, which is a result of their original breeding. They were indeed crossed with Dachshunds at some point, but that's not what defines them today.
Health and Care
The Alpine Dachsbracke's coat is a thick double coat that consists of a top layer and a dense undercoat. Regular brushing is advised during shedding season to keep the amount of hair under control.
Alpine Dachsbracke require basic care, including regular teeth cleaning and bathing. Weekly ear checks can help prevent infections and bad odors.
Their nails need to be trimmed if you hear them clicking on the floor. To ensure your Alpine Dachsbracke stays healthy, get them from a responsible breeder who regularly checks their breeding dogs for inherited diseases.
Health and Conditions
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one of the conditions that can affect them.
Responsible breeders regularly check their breeding dogs to ensure their puppies are without inherited diseases. This can help you avoid some potential problems.
One of the issues that can affect Alpine Dachsbrackes is obesity, which can lead to a range of other health problems. If your dog becomes obese, they may be more likely to develop musculoskeletal issues.
For another approach, see: Pointer Dog Health Issues
Alpine Dachsbrackes can also be prone to back injuries due to their elongated backs. This can be a significant concern, especially if your dog is active or involved in hunting.
Here are some of the health conditions that can affect Alpine Dachsbrackes:
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Back injuries due to elongated backs
It's essential to work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs. They can help you prepare for your dog's lifelong care and identify potential health issues early on.
Explore further: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Issues
Grooming and Care
The Alpine Dachsbracke's coat is a double coat, consisting of a thick top layer and a dense undercoat. This coat type doesn't require special care, but regular brushing is advised during shedding season to keep the amount of hair under control.
Shedding season occurs twice a year, and during this time, the Alpine Dachsbracke will shed heavily. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair and dirt in their coat.
Their nails need to be trimmed if you hear them clicking on the floor, and weekly ear checks can help uncover any signs of infection or bad odor. Basic care also includes regular teeth cleaning and bathing.
Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind:
Overall, the Alpine Dachsbracke's grooming needs are relatively straightforward, but regular attention is necessary to keep their coat and overall health in top condition.
Food & Diet
Alpine Dachsbracke dogs need a protein-packed diet to support their moderate energy levels.
A diet of at least 25% crude animal-based protein is crucial for normal body functions.
Sport Dog Food is a great option since it's specifically formulated for tracking dogs.
Consult with your veterinarian for a more customized diet plan if you're unsure what other options your Alpine may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Alpine Dachsbracke rare?
Yes, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a rare scent hound breed. Its rarity is due in part to its limited popularity among dog enthusiasts.
What is dachsbracke in english?
The Dachsbracke is a type of scenthound, literally translating to "badger tracker" from German, referring to its hunting origins. It's a unique breed that originated from crossbreeding Dachshunds with long-legged Bracken scenthounds.
Featured Images: pexels.com