Alpine Dachsbracke
Temperament:
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a pure hunting dog. Although it is also often kept as a family dog, it is actually only suitable as a working dog for brackish and rummage hunting. Without hunting, this intelligent and powerful dog is not fully utilized.
Characteristics
With a height at the withers of only 37 centimeters and short legs, the Alpine Dachsbracke looks quite small. But the dog's stature should not be underestimated. It has a lot of strength, stamina and tenacity.
Its physique is characterized by a strong bone structure. The mostly deer-red coat consists of dense hair and undercoat. A brown fringe can be seen on the head, occasionally with black markings. A white breast star can also occur.
In general, Alpine Dachsbracken are very friendly dogs. At the same time, they are very independent and headstrong. This is why they need consistent and loving training from an early age.
Good training makes the Alpine Dachsbracke a sociable and balanced dog. This calmness and strong nerves are also necessary for the Dachsbracke to fulfill its function as a sighthound. As a sighthound, it retrieves sick or shot game by barking, among other things.
This requires courage, strong nerves and a certain intelligence. The Dachsbracke is therefore able to assess situations independently. The Dachsbracke is also suitable for water work and retrieving.
Due to its calm disposition, the Dachsbracke is good with families and children. However, this presupposes that they are well exercised in hunting. It is not satisfied with simple games.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When hunting, the Alpine Dachsbracke consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, a high-energy diet with sufficient carbohydrates and fats should be ensured. Suitable meats include muscle meat from beef, horse, sheep or game.
It is best to adapt the diet to the dog's energy requirements. If he is not very active for a while, give him less fat. During longer periods of activity, a high-fat food mix helps to cover energy requirements.
Vegetables, cereals, wholemeal bread and fruit are also part of a hunting dog's diet. Trace elements, minerals and vitamins are also essential.
Alpine Dachsbracke Care
The coat of the Alpine Dachsbracke does not require any special care. As a rule, it is sufficient to brush the coat regularly. In addition, leaves, needles etc. should be removed from the coat after spending time in the forest.
The claws need to be trimmed from time to time. They do not grind down sufficiently on the soft forest floor. Therefore, check your dog's claws and paws regularly.
Suitable accessories
You can keep the dog busy with retrieving toys, but this is not a permanent substitute for hunting. Signal collars and signal bands can help to find the hunting dog better in the forest. Signal vests serve a similar purpose. Hunting can also be dangerous. A protective vest protects against attacks.
The Dachsbracke is always happy to receive treats. Tracking powders, tracking belts and tracking collars are suitable for training. As the Alpine Dachsbracke is very robust, it does not necessarily need a warm coat in winter. However, you can do them a favor with warm coats and heated dog mats.
Origin & History
The origins of the Alpine Dachsbracke lie in the Alpine region, more precisely in Austria. It is assumed that today's Dachsbracken are descended from the Celtic Bracke, also known as the "Segusier". The Roman historian Arrian mentions this Celtic Bracke in his works.
Dachsbracken forms that resemble today's Bracke have been known since the Middle Ages. Over the course of time, they developed from high-legged Bracken to dwarf Bracken. In the 19th century, there were various types of Alpine Dachsbracke in parts of Graubünden in Switzerland.
These species were also found in the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. The first international Dachsbracken Club was founded in 1896. This club disbanded in 1908 and in 1910 the Austrian Club for Dachsbracke was founded.
The Austrian Kennel Club officially recognized the Alpine Dachsbracke in 1932. Breeding declined sharply during the world wars. It was not until 1975 that the FCI recognized the Dachsbracke. Since 1991, it has been officially recognized as a welding dog.
