Discover everything you need to know about the Alpine Dachsbracke breed with our comprehensive guide. From its origins to its size and temperament, we reveal all you need to know about this fascinating breed.
Introduction
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium-sized breed of dog with a characteristic deer red or black coat that belongs to the scent hound group of breeds. Originating from Austria, this breed was developed to track wounded large game and smaller game, making it a versatile and skilled hunting companion. With its fearless, loyal character and big personality, the Alpine Dachsbracke also makes an excellent family dog, getting along well with children and other dogs.
Origins and Development
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s origins can be traced back to the middle of the 1800s, where it was developed by crossing larger dogs, such as the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, with Dachshunds. This resulted in a breed with a strong resemblance to the Dachshund, but with its own unique characteristics and abilities. The breed was a favorite of Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg for hunting, showcasing its hunting prowess and loyalty.
- Developed in the 1800s through crossbreeding
- Favored by Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg
- Resembles the Dachshund but with unique abilities
Physical Characteristics
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a well-proportioned breed with a thick, insulating coat that is low maintenance but does shed. It has a muscular, elongated body with strong legs and a high-set tail. The breed’s head is slightly arched, with dark brown eyes and high-set ears. With its ability to cover challenging terrain and travel long distances, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a capable and agile hunter.
- Muscular, elongated body with a thick coat
- Capable of covering challenging terrain
- Agile and capable of traveling long distances
The Origins of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke, also known as the Alpenländische Dachsbracke, originated in Austria and was developed in the middle of the 1800s. It was specifically bred to track wounded game such as deer and wild boar, as well as to track foxes and hares. The breed was formed by crossing larger dogs, such as the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, with Dachshunds, resulting in a medium-sized scent hound with a fearless and loyal character.
Development of the Breed
The Alpine Dachsbracke was a favorite of Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg for hunting, and its hunting abilities were highly valued. The breed’s development was focused on creating a dog that could track game in challenging mountainous terrain. This required a dog that was not only physically capable but also had a strong sense of smell and tracking ability.
Distinctive Features
The Alpine Dachsbracke is characterized by its medium size, dense coat, and fearless personality. It has a distinctive red or black coat, with the red variety being the most common. The breed has a muscular build, with strong, sloping shoulders, and a deep, wide chest. Its elongated body and sturdy legs allow it to navigate difficult terrain with ease.
List:
– Developed in Austria in the 1800s
– Bred to track wounded game and foxes and hares
– Crossed larger dogs with Dachshunds
– Favored by Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg
– Known for its fearless and loyal character
– Capable of navigating challenging mountainous terrain
Size and Physical Characteristics
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium-sized breed of dog, typically measuring between 34 to 42 cm in height at the withers. Its body length should be two-thirds of its overall body length, giving it a slightly elongated appearance. Despite its length, the breed should have a strong and muscular trunk, with a deep and wide chest, and sturdy, straight front and back legs. The back should be straight with a slight curve up to the abdomen after the ribs, and the tail is typically high set and carried low. The breed has a slightly arched head with a clear furrow in the forehead between the eyes. The muzzle should be nine-tenths the length of the head, with a sturdy jaw and a scissor or level bite. The eyes are dark brown and relatively small, and the ears are high set, folding over and hanging down over the cheeks with rounded ends.
Coat and Color
The Alpine Dachsbracke should ideally have a dark deer red colored coat, with or without black hairs interspersed throughout. It may also come in black with well-defined red-brown markings found on the head, chest, legs, feet, and tail underside. A small white star is permitted on the chest. The breed has a weatherproof, dense coat formed by two distinct layers, which is low maintenance in terms of specialist grooming, although it does shed. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent excessive hair loss around the house, especially during seasonal coat changes.
Exercise and Living Environment
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an active breed that requires around an hour and a half of exercise per day to keep it physically and mentally happy. It is best suited to a country environment where it can have plenty of space to run and play. This breed is not particularly well-suited to city living or apartments due to its need for regular exercise and space to roam.
Understanding the Temperament of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is known for its fearless and loyal temperament. This breed has a big personality, but it is also level-headed and sociable. They are good with children and get along well with other dogs. However, their hunting instincts mean they may be prone to chasing small animals if not properly socialized from a young age.
Characteristics of the Alpine Dachsbracke’s Temperament:
– Fearless and loyal
– Big personality
– Level-headed and sociable
– Good with children
– Hunting instincts
– Need for proper socialization
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s temperament makes it an excellent family dog, but it is important for potential owners to understand and address the breed’s hunting instincts through proper training and socialization.
The Alpine Dachsbracke as a Working Dog
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a versatile and hardworking breed that was originally developed for tracking wounded game and hunting foxes and hares. With its keen sense of smell and fearless nature, the Alpine Dachsbracke is well-suited for working in challenging mountainous terrain and is capable of covering large distances. Its compact size and muscular build make it an agile and efficient hunting companion.
Skills and Abilities
The Alpine Dachsbracke is known for its exceptional tracking abilities and is often used as a scent hound and tracking dog. It has the stamina and endurance to work for long hours in rugged environments, making it a valuable asset for hunters and gamekeepers. The breed’s keen sense of smell and determination make it well-suited for tasks that require precision and focus, such as tracking wounded game or locating elusive prey.
– Exceptional tracking abilities
– Stamina and endurance for long hours of work
– Keen sense of smell and determination
– Well-suited for tasks requiring precision and focus
Working Environment
The Alpine Dachsbracke thrives in a working environment that allows it to utilize its natural hunting instincts and physical capabilities. It excels in rural or country settings where it can roam freely and cover plenty of ground. The breed’s active and energetic nature makes it unsuitable for city living or confined spaces, as it requires ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. When given the opportunity to work in its natural environment, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a dedicated and reliable working dog.
– Thrives in rural or country settings
– Requires ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation
– Dedicated and reliable in its natural working environment
Care and Considerations for Alpine Dachsbracke Owners
Exercise and Activity
Alpine Dachsbrackes are an active breed that requires plenty of exercise. Owners should be prepared to provide around an hour and a half of walking per day, with as much time spent running free as possible. This breed is happiest in an active family living in a country area, so city living or apartment life may not be the best fit for them.
Health and Grooming
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a weatherproof, dense coat that requires weekly brushing to prevent excessive shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes. Additionally, owners should be aware of potential health issues such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining the health of this breed.
Conclusion
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a unique and versatile breed of dog with a rich history and a strong hunting instinct. Its fearless and loyal nature, combined with its intelligence and trainability, make it a great companion for active families in rural environments. However, potential owners should be aware of the breed’s specific exercise and grooming needs, as well as the potential health issues that can affect the Alpine Dachsbracke.
When considering adding an Alpine Dachsbracke to your family, it’s important to carefully select a healthy family line and provide the necessary mental and physical stimulation to keep the breed happy and healthy. Additionally, socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure that the breed gets along well with other animals and children. Overall, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a wonderful breed for those who appreciate its hunting heritage and are willing to provide the care and attention it requires.
Key Considerations
– The Alpine Dachsbracke has a fearless and loyal nature, making it a good guard dog and a great family companion.
– The breed requires around an hour and a half of exercise per day and is best suited to a country environment.
– Potential owners should be aware of the health issues that can affect the Alpine Dachsbracke, such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and obesity.
– Careful selection of a healthy family line and proper socialization from a young age are important factors to consider when choosing an Alpine Dachsbracke.
By considering these key points and providing the necessary care and attention, the Alpine Dachsbracke can make a wonderful addition to the right family.
In conclusion, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a unique and versatile breed with a rich hunting heritage. Their compact size and strong temperament make them well-suited for tracking and hunting in alpine terrain. With proper training and socialization, they can also make loyal and loving family pets.