Alpine Dachsbracke

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Alpine Dachsbracke
Alpine Dachsbracke
Alternative names
Alpenländische Dachsbracke
Country of origin
Austria
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 6 Section 2 #254	Stds
UKC:	Scenthound Breeds	[? Stds]

The Alpine Dachsbracke, known in its native country of Austria as Alpenlandische Dachsbracke, is a small breed of dog of the scent hound family, bred to track wounded deer as well as boar, hare, and fox. It is highly efficient at following a trail even after it has gone cold. Its ancestry can be dated back to the middle of the 19th century. It contains the blood of very old strains of hounds including the Austrian black and tan hound as well as that of the Standard smooth haired Dachshund. It once was a favorite of German royalty.

[edit] Appearance

This small dog has a slight resemblance to a Dachshund, with short legs (although longer than a dachshunds) and a long body. The coat is dense, short but smooth except for the tail and neck. The round eyes have a lively expression.

Valid colors are black and tan, brown, with the most popular being red with or without black.

It weighs from 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 lb) and stands from 34 to 42 cm (13 to 16 in) at the withers.

[edit] Temperament

Used effectively to hunt wounded deer, this breed could work even in harsh terrain and high altitude. It makes a good companion, although it is primarily a hunter and therefore is kept mostly by hunters. It has a fearless, friendly and intelligent personality. Most Alpine Dachsbrackes are excellent with children and good with dogs and other pets, though they may exhibit a strong prey drive typical of many scent dogs.