Alpine Dachsbracke

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.

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

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

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

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

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

This is not an independent dog.

This dog will tolerate a short period of solitude.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.