Discover all you need to know about the Alpine Dachsbracke breed in our Ultimate Guide. Learn about their origins, size, and temperament and gain valuable insights into this unique breed.
Introduction to the Alpine Dachsbracke breed
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium-sized breed of dog that originates from Austria. It belongs to the scent hound group of breeds and was originally used for tracking wounded large game, as well as smaller game. The breed has a characteristic deer red or black coat and has features in common with the Dachshund, one of the breeds used to form it.
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a fearless, loyal character with a big personality, making it an excellent family dog. It is good with children and other dogs, but its hunting instincts mean it may chase small animals if not accustomed to them from a young age. The breed requires an active lifestyle with around an hour and a half of exercise per day and is best suited to a country environment.
Appearance
– Coat: Thick and insulating, low maintenance, sheds
– Color: Deer red or black with red-brown markings
– Size: 34 to 42 cm at the withers
– Body: Elongated, strong trunk, muscular neck, straight front legs, deep and wide chest, straight back, robust back legs, high-set tail
– Head: Slightly arched, furrow in the forehead, sturdy jaw, dark brown eyes, high-set ears
Character and Behavior
– Fearless, loyal, intelligent
– Good with children and other dogs
– Keen hunting instinct, needs socialization from a young age
– Requires mental stimulation and purposeful activity
– May be prone to obesity if not exercised adequately
It is important to carefully select a healthy family line when choosing a puppy, as the breed may be prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and obesity. Regular exercise, appropriate feeding, and grooming are essential for the well-being of the Alpine Dachsbracke.
The size of an Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium-sized breed of dog, typically measuring between 34 to 42 cm in height at the withers. This places the breed at a relatively small size compared to other hunting dogs, but their sturdy build and muscular physique make them well-suited for the challenging terrain they were originally bred to work in.
Physical Characteristics
The breed’s elongated body gives the impression of a shorter stature, but their strong, sloping shoulders and straight front legs contribute to their overall robust appearance. The chest is deep and wide, providing ample room for lung capacity, and the back legs are straight and robust, allowing for agility and endurance when navigating difficult terrain.
– Height: 34 to 42 cm at the withers
– Sturdy build with strong, sloping shoulders
– Deep and wide chest for ample lung capacity
– Robust and straight back legs for agility and endurance
Overall, the Alpine Dachsbracke may be small in size, but their physical characteristics are well-adapted for their original purpose as hunting and tracking dogs in mountainous regions.
Exploring the temperament of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is known for its fearless and loyal temperament. This breed has a big personality and is extremely brave, making it a good guard dog despite its small size. It is also intelligent and generally gets along well with other dogs and children. However, its hunting instincts are strong, so early socialization is important, especially if the dog will be living with smaller animals like cats. The breed does not tend to suffer from separation anxiety, but like any dog, it should not be left alone for long periods of time.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a calm and level-headed dog, making it a great companion for families. It is known for its loyalty and intelligence, and it enjoys having a purpose in life, such as working or engaging in activities that keep it mentally stimulated. However, if not properly stimulated, the breed can become troublesome and disobedient. It is also important to note that the Alpine Dachsbracke is a scent hound, so it may be prone to picking up scents and following them, making off-lead exercise more challenging in urban environments.
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s temperament makes it well-suited for an active lifestyle in a country environment. It requires around an hour and a half of exercise per day to stay physically and mentally happy, and it is happiest when it has the opportunity to run free. This breed may not be well-suited for city living or apartment life due to its need for space and exercise. Additionally, the breed’s weatherproof, dense coat requires weekly brushing to prevent excessive shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes.
The origins of the Alpine Dachsbracke breed
The Alpine Dachsbracke breed originates from Austria and was developed in the middle of the 19th century. 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 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. The breed’s development was focused on creating a dog capable of tracking game in challenging mountainous terrain. It was also important for the breed to have a big personality and be able to work over large distances. The resemblance to the Dachshund is still evident in the breed, and it has been recognized by the United Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Characteristics and recognition
The Alpine Dachsbracke should ideally have a dark deer red colored coat, although black with red-brown markings is also acceptable. It has a muscular build, with strong and straight legs, and a slightly arched head with dark brown eyes. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and fearlessness, and it is capable of covering difficult terrain. Despite its small size, it has a big personality and is an excellent companion and family dog. The breed is recognized for its hunting abilities and is still used as a tracking dog.
Understanding the unique qualities of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a unique breed with several distinctive qualities that make it a beloved companion for many dog owners. This medium-sized scent hound has a fearless and loyal character, making it an excellent guard dog and a great family pet. Its big personality, intelligence, and sociable nature make it a joy to have around, especially for families with children. The breed’s hunting instincts, while strong, can be managed through proper socialization and training from an early age. Additionally, the Alpine Dachsbracke’s ability to cover challenging mountainous terrain and its preference for an active lifestyle make it a perfect fit for families living in the countryside.
The Alpine Dachsbracke’s physical characteristics also contribute to its uniqueness. With a thick, weatherproof coat and a compact yet sturdy build, this breed is well-suited for its original purpose as a tracking and hunting dog. Its elongated body, strong legs, and high set ears all contribute to its agility and capability to cover large distances. Furthermore, the breed’s dark deer red or black coat with well-defined markings adds to its distinct appearance.
In conclusion, the Alpine Dachsbracke’s combination of physical attributes, temperament, and unique hunting abilities make it a one-of-a-kind breed that is well-suited for active families in rural environments. Its loyalty, intelligence, and sociable nature make it an excellent companion, while its fearless and brave character adds to its appeal as a guard dog. With proper training and socialization, the Alpine Dachsbracke can thrive as a beloved family pet.
Size and weight of the Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a medium-sized breed, with males typically standing between 34 to 42 cm at the withers, and females slightly smaller. This height should be two-thirds of the overall length of the body. Despite its length, the trunk should be strong and the breed should have a muscular, medium-length neck leading to long, strong, sloping shoulders and equally sturdy and straight front legs.
Weight
The weight of the Alpine Dachsbracke can vary, but they generally weigh between 33 to 40 pounds for males and 28 to 35 pounds for females. It is important to monitor the weight of the breed to prevent obesity, as excess weight can lead to various health issues and exacerbate conditions such as hip dysplasia.
Proportion
The breed should have a well-proportioned body, with a deep and wide chest that is about half the overall height to the withers. The back should be straight and there should be a slight curve up to the abdomen after the ribs. The back legs should be robust and straight, and the tail should be high set and generally carried low.
Conclusion and recommendations for potential Alpine Dachsbracke owners
If you are considering getting an Alpine Dachsbracke, it’s important to understand that this breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited to active families living in a country environment where they can have plenty of space to run and play. Potential owners should be prepared to commit to at least an hour and a half of exercise per day to keep the breed physically and mentally happy.
Health Considerations
When choosing a puppy, it is crucial to carefully select a healthy family line to reduce the risk of inherited health problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper weight management are also important to ensure the overall health and well-being of the Alpine Dachsbracke.
Socialization and Training
Early socialization and training are essential for the Alpine Dachsbracke, especially in households with smaller animals like cats. They have a keen instinct to hunt, so proper socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure they get along well with other animals and children. Additionally, their intelligence and working nature mean they require plenty of mental stimulation and purposeful activities to keep them engaged and obedient.
In conclusion, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a small yet sturdy breed with a rich hunting history. Their loyal and alert nature makes them great companions for active individuals or families. With a medium size and adaptable temperament, they thrive in various living situations. Overall, the Alpine Dachsbracke is a versatile and loyal breed with a strong hunting instinct.