{"id":53737,"date":"2014-11-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-10T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=53737"},"modified":"2026-08-06T09:18:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T06:18:22","slug":"alpine-dachsbracke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-alpine-dachshund-badger-dog","title":{"rendered":"Alpine Dachsbracke"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Alpine Dachsbracke<\/strong> is an ancient and esteemed hunting breed originating from the mountainous regions of Austria. Bred specifically for its stamina in the demanding conditions of the Alpine forests, this dog embodies courage, intelligence, and incredible loyalty. Its compact size, robust build, and unparalleled sense of smell make it the ideal tracker for following wounded game, including deer, wild boar, and foxes. However, behind its tough hunter’s exterior lies a gentle and friendly companion, capable of becoming a cherished family member. If you can meet its needs for activity and earn its respect, you will gain not just a dog, but a loyal friend for life. To find out more about the nuances of this unique breed’s character, care, and upkeep, read on at Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alpine Dachsbracke: Key Breed Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Alpine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Official Name<\/strong><\/td>Alpine Dachsbracke (Alpenl\u00e4ndische Dachsbracke)<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Austria<\/td><\/tr>
Date of Origin<\/strong><\/td>19th century<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 6 (Scenthounds and Related Breeds), Section 2 (Leash Scenthounds). With a working trial.<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>34-42 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>15-18 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-14 years<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Tracking wounded game, hunting fox, hare, and wild boar.<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Intelligent, fearless, loyal, friendly, persistent.<\/td><\/tr>
Other Names<\/strong><\/td>Alpine Bracke, Alpenl\u00e4ndische Dachsbracke.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History and Origin of the Alpine Dachsbracke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Alpine Dachsbracke is inextricably linked with the hunting traditions of the Alpine region. The need for a hardy, low-slung dog, capable of working in dense forests and on rocky terrain, existed for centuries. It’s believed that the ancestors of the modern Dachsbracke were stronger, larger Austrian hounds, which were crossed with Dachshund-type dogs to achieve shorter legs. This allowed the dogs to move more effectively through undergrowth and confidently follow a trail without building up too much speed, which was crucial when pursuing wounded game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Targeted breeding began in the second half of the 19th century. A pivotal moment in the breed’s history was the patronage of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary. As a passionate hunter, he highly valued the working qualities of these dogs. In the 1880s, he regularly took Alpine hounds hunting in Murau and Turkey, which helped popularise the breed among the aristocracy. It was thanks to this royal favour that the breed gained official recognition<\/strong> and began its journey towards standardisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1932, the Austrian Kennel Club officially recognised the “Alpine-Erzgebirgler Dachsbracke” as the third breed of leash scenthound, alongside the Bavarian Mountain Hound<\/a> and the Hanoverian Scent Hound<\/a>. In 1975, the name was shortened to “Alpine Dachsbracke,” and the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognised Austria as the country of origin. Its final inclusion in the FCI classification in 1991 cemented the breed’s international status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard and Appearance of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Alpine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a low-slung yet extremely sturdy dog with an elongated body and a powerful bone structure. Its appearance perfectly matches its purpose: every feature speaks of endurance and a readiness for prolonged work. Despite its short legs, the dog has a harmonious and athletic look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Head:<\/strong> The skull is slightly arched with a distinct furrow. The stop is gentle. The muzzle is strong, with well-developed jaws and dark pigmentation of the lips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Eyes:<\/strong> Dark brown, with an intelligent and calm expression. The eyelids are tight-fitting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Ears:<\/strong> High-set, broad, smooth, and pendulous, without folds. They are rounded at the ends and of medium length (reaching the corners of the lips).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Body:<\/strong> Long and muscular. The neck is strong, without a dewlap. The withers are well-defined. The back is straight and strong. The loin is short and broad. The croup is slightly sloped. The chest is deep and long, with well-sprung ribs, ensuring a large lung capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Tail:<\/strong> High-set, thick at the base, and tapering to the tip. It hangs downwards when at rest. The underside has a brush of longer hair. When in motion, it is carried slightly raised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Limbs:<\/strong> The forelegs are short, straight, and sturdy. The hind legs are muscular, with good angulation, providing powerful drive. The paws are firm, compact, with tough pads and black claws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Coat and Colour:<\/strong> The coat is very dense and short, with a thick undercoat that provides reliable protection from the weather. The ideal colour is a rich stag red<\/strong>, possibly with a slight black overlay. Black with clearly defined tan markings on the head (the “four-eyed”), chest, legs, and tail is also acceptable. A small white patch on the chest is allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    Body Part<\/th>Description According to FCI Standard No. 254<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    General Appearance<\/strong><\/td>A low-slung, sturdy hunting dog with an elongated, powerful body and strong bone structure.<\/td><\/tr>
    Proportions<\/strong><\/td>The ratio of height at the withers to body length is approximately 2:3.<\/td><\/tr>
    Nose<\/strong><\/td>The nose leather is black.<\/td><\/tr>
    Bite<\/strong><\/td>Scissor or level bite. Full dental formula (42 teeth).<\/td><\/tr>
    Movement<\/strong><\/td>Free and ground-covering. The preferred gait is a walk.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Character and Temperament: Hunter and Companion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Alpine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Alpine Dachsbracke has a dual personality. When hunting, it is a fearless, persistent, and incredibly hardy worker<\/strong>. It can pursue quarry for hours without losing concentration or enthusiasm. Its bark is loud and ringing, allowing the hunter to locate the dog. It is intelligent and capable of making independent decisions, which is vital in complex terrain. This independence can sometimes manifest as stubbornness, so the owner needs to have a firm but fair character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At home, the Alpine Dachsbracke transforms into a calm, friendly, and devoted companion. It is very family-oriented and forms a strong bond with its owner. This breed generally gets along well with children, provided they respect its personal space. It is cautious with strangers but not aggressive, making it a good watchdog that will always alert you to the arrival of guests. It’s important to understand that this is not a lap dog. Even in a companion role, it needs regular and lengthy walks where it can expend its energy and satisfy its natural curiosity for scents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to getting along with other animals, its hunting instincts can create certain difficulties. It may perceive small pets (cats, rodents, birds) as prey. Early and proper socialisation can help mitigate these instincts, but full control is difficult to achieve. It usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if it was raised with them. Similarities in purpose and temperament can be found in breeds such as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne<\/a> or the Petit Basset Griffon Vend\u00e9en<\/a>, which are also low-slung hunting dogs with a pronounced independent streak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Care and Upkeep of the Alpine Dachsbracke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Care<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Caring for an Alpine Dachsbracke doesn’t require extraordinary effort, but it has its own quirks related to its anatomy and lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n