Alpine Dachsbracke

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33-40 lbs
13-16"
Austria
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Alpine-Erzebrigs – Dachsbracke, Alpenlandischer Dachsbracke, Alpenländische Dachsbracke, Basset des Alpes, Alpine Basset Hound

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a rather unusual looking hound. He has short legs and a long body, similar to that of a Dachshund, but with a heavier bone, a broader head and chest. He is a scent hound and will use his nose at home to search out any goodies that have been left within his reach. He is a rather mischievous character and likes to spend time with his family playing games. Because of his elongated back, it is not recommended that he be allowed on furniture, although that is where he will prefer to be when he is home. The Alpine Dachsbracke does well with children and other dogs, but does need to be closely watched when smaller pets are in the home.  
Purpose
Track Wounded Game
Date of Origin
1800s
Ancestry
Westphalian Dachsbracke and Dachshund

Alpine Dachsbracke Health

Average Size
Male Alpine Dachsbracke size stats
Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 33-40 lbs
Female Alpine Dachsbracke size stats
Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 33-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Obesity
Occasional Tests
  • Yearly Physical Examination
  • OFA on hips and elbows

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed History

The Alpine Dachsbracke became a part of Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg’s hunting dog kennel in between 1881 and 1885. The Alpine Dachsbracke is thought to date back to ancient times however; there is no solid documentation to support this evidence. His first appearance in history is when he joined Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg on many hunting expeditions throughout Austria. Because his origins are not documented very well, it is speculated that the Alpine Dachsbracke developed from crossing larger Austrian hounds with the short-legged Dachshund. It is thought that only royals or those within the royal court were allowed to own the Alpine Dachsbracke until the early 1900s. The Crown Prince used the Alpine Dachsbracke to trail the scent of wounded animals, mainly deer, rabbit and fox, through thick underbrush. The Alpine Dachsbracke was exceptionally useful in tracking over rough terrain where other long-legged, larger scent hounds could not track. He is most famous for being part of Crown Prince Rudolf’s hunting expeditions in Turkey and Egypt. The Alpine Dachsbracke is depicted in painting and photographs with the royal while on these hunting excursions. In 1932, canine organizations and registries within Austria recognized the Alpine Dachsbracke as the third scent hound breed. At that time he was known as the Alpine-Erzebrigs – Dachsbracke. Then in 1975, the Federation Cynologique Internationale officially declared the country of origin as Austria and renamed the breed Alpenlaedische Dachsbracke. The FCI then included the Alpenlaendische Dachsbracke into section two of its scent hounds in 1991 at the same time he was renamed once again to the Alpine Dachsbracke. The United Kennel Club is the only English speaking kennel club to officially recognize the Alpine Dachsbracke. 

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed Appearance

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a rather robust and sturdy dog with short legs and a thick body. He is similar in looks to the Basset Hound and Dachshund with his noble looking face, hanging ears and elongated body. His nose, lips and eye pigment are black; his lips should also be close fitting to his mouth. He is supposed to have a scissors bite. A self-colored nose is a disqualification. The Alpine Dachsbracke has a thick tail that is set high and barely reaches to the ground. His double coat has a very dense, close fitting undercoat that keeps him warm in the Austrian alpine and his top coat is short and thick. He is a dark red color and may or may not have black hairs that are lightly interspersed throughout his coat. He can also be black with a clearly defined red head and red on his legs, feet, chest and underside of his tail. White is not desirable, although he may have a small white patch on his chest. 
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Alpine Dachsbracke eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Alpine Dachsbracke nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
red Alpine Dachsbracke coat
Red
black Alpine Dachsbracke coat
Black
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Alpine Dachsbracke straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Alpine Dachsbracke Breed Maintenance

The Alpine Dachsbracke should be brushed once a week using a natural bristle brush or a soft slicker brush. He has a very dense coat that will shed seasonally. During times of seasonal shedding, he may need to be brushed daily and a deshedder may be used to help remove all the loose hairs. He is not hypoallergenic. The Alpine Dachsbracke does not have a strong doggy smell and only needs to be bathed once every eight weeks or so depending on whether he has been out hunting in the underbrush. When bathing him, be sure to use a mild shampoo and rinse him thoroughly. A dry shampoo can be used on him between baths if he finds something smelly to roll in. He does not drool excessively, although there may be instances such as when he takes a long drink that he will drool. Be sure to check his ears regularly and clean them when necessary. Trim his nails as needed to ensure they do not grow too long. 
Brushes for Alpine Dachsbracke
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Alpine Dachsbracke requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Alpine Dachsbracke Temperament

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a friendly, smart dog with a big personality. He loves people, especially children, and is relatively easy to train. Although, he can be a stubborn dog and does need a strong leader to keep him from developing undesirable behavior issues. He does well with other dogs and is not usually aggressive. Be sure to watch him around smaller pets such as rabbits, hamsters, ferrets or guinea pigs. He should never be left alone with these small pets. While he is lively and energetic on the trail, he is more sedate at home, especially if he has had proper training. He does require daily exercise or playtime to keep him happy and healthy. He also needs a task to do that will keep his mind sharp, interactive toys are a great way to keep him occupied when you are busy. If he is not given enough human interaction, he can become rather barky and a pest. 
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Alpine Dachsbracke

Similarly Sized Breeds to Alpine Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.2 cups
Daily Cost
$1.2 - $1.4
Monthly Cost
$34 - $45

Alpine Dachsbracke Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at six months
Height: 10 inches Weight: 17 lbs
Female Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at six months
Height: 10 inches Weight: 17 lbs
12 Months
Male Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at 12 months
Height: 13 inches Weight: 24 lbs
Female Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at 12 months
Height: 13 inches Weight: 24 lbs
18 Months
Male Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at 18 months
Height: 14 inches Weight: 36 lbs
Female Alpine Dachsbracke size stats at 18 months
Height: 14 inches Weight: 36 lbs

Alpine Dachsbracke Owner Experiences

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