German Hound
Other names: Deutsche Bracke
Known mostly by her German name in the UK, the Deutsche Bracke or German Hound is a three-coloured, medium-sized hunting dog. While she still finds work as a hunting dog (her pointer heritage seems to suggest dalliances with beagles, greyhounds, and bloodhounds along the way) she also makes a sturdy family pet. It is to be noted that neither the UK nor US Kennel Clubs recognise this breed.
Key facts about the German Hound
Origins and history
First described by German artists and scholars in the 18th century, it is believed the ‘German Hound’ existed for some time before that. She was apparently brought into existence by ongoing experimentation to create a ‘utility’ hunting dog capable of multiple tasks in multiple conditions in the field. The beagle, English pointer, and bits of different foxhounds may have been thrown in the pot, along with the greyhound and the bloodhound. Although she hails from the Sauerland and Westphalia regions of Germany, she has become popular across that country as both a hunting and a family dog, but has struggled to make a name for herself outside of her homeland and especially beyond mainland Europe.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the German Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 16 and 21 in
Male : Between 16 and 21 in
Weight
Female : Between 42 and 44 lb
Male : Between 42 and 44 lb
Coat colour
Red-yellow, black, and white.
Type of coat
The German Hound's hair is short and dense.
Eye colour
The German Hound's eyes are brown.
Description
Light and nimble yet noble and strong, the Bracke looks something like a svelte beagle. She has a long, arched body, deep chest, and long slender snout. Her long, silky, rounded ears pair with soulful eyes to give the Bracke a deluxe look, even if she is well-suited to outdoors adventures and hard work. Her three-coloured fur is formed from a reddish-yellow, over which appears to be thrown a black ‘blanket’ or ‘saddle.’ The look is completed by white ‘bracken’ marks on her chest, legs, brow, and the tip of her tail. The splash of flesh-colour on her snout is her trademark.
Good to know
She is not currently recognised by the UK Kennel Club and her number is low across these cursed isles.