Alpine Dachsbracke

Other names: Alpenländische Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a rare breed of dog that was first bred in the 1880s to assist Austrian aristocrats on alpine hunts. The Alpine proved a useful companion not only due to its size but also its exceptional ability to track scent. Its quarry was (and still is) deer, boar, hare and fox.

Key facts about the Alpine Dachsbracke

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

It was during the reign of Emperor Francis Joseph I (1848 – 1916) that the Alpine came into being. Rumour has it that the emperor’s son Crown Prince Rudolf ordered his gamekeepers to come up with a dog that was nimble, resilient and tenacious, and small enough to follow small game into burrows. It wasn’t until 1932 that the breed became officially recognised and was categorised as a scent hound.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 2 : Leash (scent) Hounds

Physical characteristics of the Alpine Dachsbracke

  • Alpine Dachsbracke
    Alpine Dachsbracke
  • Alpine Dachsbracke
    Alpine Dachsbracke
  • Alpine Dachsbracke
    Alpine Dachsbracke
  • Alpine Dachsbracke
    Alpine Dachsbracke

    Adult size

    Female : Between 14 and 15 in

    Male : Between 15 and 15 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 33 and 40 lb

    Male : Between 33 and 40 lb

    Coat colour

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    A robust and sturdy dog is the Alpine. It is a short-legged dog of dignified stature. Its tail is thick, set high and carried pointing towards the ground. Its ears are also set high and are broad and rounded. The Alpine’s jaw is strong and square; its overall appearance expresses intelligence.

    Good to know

    If given the opportunity to do so, the Alpine Dachsbracke will adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Its doing so may suit those who do not have the time or will to take their dog for walks. However, this dog will quickly gain weight if not exercised.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      Make no mistake, this is a hunting dog and as such it is fearless and confident. However, when brought up well and properly trained the Alpine can be an affectionate companion.

    • 100%

      Playful

      An active, lively and energetic dog, the Alpine likes to play and interact but it can also be mischievous and domineering.

    • 33%

      Calm

      The Alpine needs to be kept busy to prevent its behaviour from becoming antisocial.

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      The Alpine is reasonably intelligent but is better known to be tenacious to the point of absurdity.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      This dog desires to chase other animals. Once ‘locked’ on a scent it will not give up the hunt easily.

    • 66%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Alpine tends to be standoffish. It takes a while for this dog to mingle.

    • 33%

      Independent

      This is not an independent dog.

      Behaviour of the Alpine Dachsbracke

      • 33%

        Tolerates solitude

        This dog will tolerate a short period of solitude.

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        To train the Alpine requires the owner to deliver consistent and confident learning. This is a dog that will attempt to lead lessons whenever it can.

      • 100%

        Barking

        This dog has a tendency to bark to excess; training and socialisation may stem the dog’s habit of barking.

      • 100%

        Tendency to run away

        The Alpine is hard to recall and is incredibly reluctant to give up a scent. It may not hear your command if it is focused on a particularly interesting scent.

      • 66%

        Destructive

        The Alpine can be destructive if left on its own for long periods of time.

      • 100%

        Greedy / Gluttony

        Alpines will eat food if it is on offer. A strict dog food diet is what is required for these dogs. Alpines need two meals a day of high-quality dog food.

      • 100%

        Guard dog

        This dog is alert and vigilant but is not particularly territorial. However, it will bark incessantly if it feels threatened.

      • 66%

        First dog

        The Alpine Dachsbracke is a suitable first dog but it is strong willed. Patience, confidence and consistency are required of the new owner.

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        Lifestyle

        • 33%

          Alpine Dachsbracke in a flat

          A well-fenced garden is an excellent provision for this dog. The Alpine Dachsbracke is content to live a sedentary life in a flat but this will not do: an Alpine that is kept in a flat should be exercised outdoors regularly.

        • 100%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          The Alpine needs a good deal of exercise every day (for both its body and mind).

        • 100%

          Travelling / easy to transport

          Once trained, the Alpine Dachsbracke is reasonably comfortable with travel. To house the dog in a crate is a sensible course of action.

          Compatibility

          • 33%

            Alpine Dachsbracke and cats

            The Alpine Dachsbracke is not overly tolerant of other animals, even those with which it has been brought up. It cannot shake its tendency to chase smaller non-canines.

          • 66%

            Alpine Dachsbracke and dogs

            Generally speaking, the Alpine gets on with other dogs and tries to avoid confrontation.

          • 100%

            Alpine Dachsbracke and children

            On the whole this breed is good with children and reasonably tolerant of boisterous play.

          • 33%

            Alpine Dachsbracke and the elderly

            The Alpine Dachsbracke is not the right dog for people of senior years; it does not suit a sedentary lifestyle and will become troublesome if not interacted with and exercised regularly.

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            Price

            We do not have enough data to set an average price for an Alpine Dachsbracke. You’re also looking at between £80 to £110 per month to care for this dog.

            Grooming

            This dog requires little grooming. Brushing regularly (two or three times a week) with a bristle brush will remove dirt and lint from the dog’s coat. Bath this dog only once a month or when absolutely necessary.

            Shedding

            The Alpine sheds moderately.

            Nutrition of the Alpine Dachsbracke

            It is always worthwhile to feed an Alpine a high-quality and specially formulated dog food.

            Health of the Alpine Dachsbracke

            Life expectancy

            11 to 13 years

            Strong / robust

            This is a strong, active and energetic dog. The Alpine is happiest when outdoors and following a scent.

            Withstand heat

            The Alpine Dachsbracke is not especially tolerant of hot temperatures. This dog is prone to heatstroke.

            Withstand cold

            The Alpine is weather resistant and will adapt to cold and wet climes. It is a popular choice of dog for the alpine hunter.

            Tendency to put on weight

            He is an active dog who is not overweight, if his meals are balanced and his needs met.

            Common illnesses

            No hereditary pathology is recognised for this breed. His dangling ears must, however, be given special attention.

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