Westphalian Dachsbracke

Despite being bred to hunt in alpine climes, in other parts of the world this dog has comfortably transitioned to the role of ‘affectionate companion’. The well-adjusted Westphalian is not quick to anger and makes a loyal friend.

An active dog that likes to play and interact; the Westphalian can be mischievous.

A stable and confident dog, the Westphalian needs to be kept busy to prevent its behaviour from becoming antisocial. This dog sleeps on average 14 hours a day.

The Westphalian is reasonably intelligent. It is happiest and most responsive when it knows it is in favour with its owner.

This dog desires to chase other animals. Once ‘locked’ on a scent it becomes a skilful and tenacious hunter.

The Westphalian tends to be very welcoming of new people and is renowned for its friendliness.

These dogs are still bred by hunters to hunt. They work as a pack and are dependent on each other and their masters.

This dog will tolerate a short period of solitude.

To train the Westphalian Dachsbracke requires the owner to deliver consistent and confident training. This is a dog that is easily distracted and quick to boredom.

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

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is sometimes hard to recall. It may not hear your command if it is focussed on a particularly interesting scent.

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

To own an active Westphalian does not preclude someone from administering a strict dog food diet. Westphalians need two meals a day of high-quality dog food.

This dog is alert and vigilant but is not particularly territorial; it is too laid back to make a worthwhile watchdog.

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a suitable first dog. However, the inexperienced dog owner should take their time to learn about the breed. This dog does not respond well to harsh criticism and can be stubborn.

A well-fenced garden is an excellent provision for this dog. The Westphalian Dachsbracke is content to live in a flat if it is regularly exercised.

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

Once trained, a Westphalian Dachsbracke is comfortable with travel. To house the dog in a crate is a sensible course of action; make sure the dog is properly crate trained first.

The Westphalian 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-canine animals.

Generally speaking, the Westphalian gets on with other dogs.

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

The Westphalian 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.