Dog Breeds: Alpine Dachsbracke

Also known as the Alpenlandischer Dachsbracke, Alpenländische Dachsbracke, and the Basset des Alpes, the Alpine Dachsbracke resembles an ancient hunting dog. More recently (if you can call the 19th century recent), Prince Rudolf of Habsburg made his gamekeepers include Alpine Dachsbracken (plural version of the breed) on his hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey in the 1880s. In the 20th century, the breed actually started to gain some recognition. In 1932 the top canine organizations in Austria recognized the Alpine-Erzgebirgs-Dachsbracke as the third scenthound breed. But it wasn't until 1975 that the name was formally changed to Alpine Dachsbracke and its country of origin was declared to be Austria by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale, sometimes referred to as the World Canine Organization). Finally, in 1991, the Alpine Dachsbracke was added to Section 2 of Scenthounds in the FCI nomenclature.

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a hardy and sturdy hunting dog with short legs and a strong bone structure. These dogs have a dense coat and firmly defined muscles. The nose and lips should be black. The lips themselves should be close fitting and have a moderate curve. The neck of this dog breed should be strong but not too long and the back is straight. The chest should be deep and the shoulders are strongly muscled. The tail should be set high and is fairly thick. When at rest, the tail of the Alpine Dachsbracke dog is carried slightly downward and doesn't quite reach the ground.

With a thick top coat and a dense undercoat, the Alpine Dachsbracke can stay warm even when wet, but they don't do well in truly cold weather. Ideally, the perfect dog should be a dark deer red and may or may not have black hairs lightly interspersed. A black dog with clearly defined red-brown markings on the chest, head, feet, legs, and the underside of the tail is also permitted. A white star on the chest is allowed by not generally preferred.

The temperament of the Alpine Dachsbracke is similar to many other hunting breeds. They are friendly, loyal, and fearless. This dog breed is used to working, usually in the mountains at a hunter's side, so they are hardy, sturdy, and adaptable. They do like daily walks, but they can also adapt to life in an apartment. They are not large, not usually weighing more than 40 pounds and generally not any larger than 16 inches at the shoulder. But they are powerful and solid, so be prepared for a strong dog, especially for its size.

If you're looking for a dog that's generally low maintenance, the Alpine Dachsbracke might be the dog you're looking for. The coat is smooth, short, and sleek, so it doesn't require much care. Brush your dog once a week or so to remove any dead hair and dry shampoo four times a year (unless the dog is truly dirty), and you're basically done. You do need to watch the ears, however. These dogs are prone to ear infections due to their large drooping ears.

The Alpine Dachsbracke makes a good companion dog for many people around the world. They do enjoy exploring and hunting, so you should make an effort to indulge your dog's desire for the new and exciting.