Wälderdackel

The origins of the Wälderdackel are closely interwoven with the history of the Black Forest region itself. The breed has deep roots in practical application yet has not received broad international recognition as a separate breed to this day, remaining a local treasure of German gamekeepers. Within the large family of German dachshunds, it is just one of many varieties that has preserved its authenticity thanks to the region’s isolation.

About thirty years ago, in 1987, a specialised society was founded to promote the breeding of the Schwarzwälder Bracke. The organisation’s goal was to preserve the unique genotype of the “forester’s dog”. Interestingly, since white markings often appear in the Wälderdackel’s coat (which is considered a fault in standard dachshunds), cynologists see the ancient Celtic Bracke among its ancestors. This links them to other ancient European breeds.

Selection was carried out rigidly and pragmatically: weak dogs, unable to withstand hours of traversing mountainous terrain or working in cold weather, were weeded out. Only the most resilient remained. Unlike the situation with the show Dachshund, which is often bred as a sofa-dwelling pet, the Wälderdackel avoided decorative degeneration. Today, the local distribution of the breed does not limit its representatives solely to the role of a four-legged hunter. The Wälderdackel has established itself as an excellent family dog for active people, though it is still greatly loved and valued by rural gamekeepers.

The specific appearance of the dachshund, thanks to which it cannot be confused with any other dog, has its own peculiarities in the Black Forest variety. These four-legged helpers were bred for centuries for combined hunting: both above ground and in burrows. Consequently, the Schwarzwälder Bracke is a lively, low-stature dog with short but sturdy limbs and an elongated muscular body.

Here are the main exterior characteristics:

• Head: Oval shaped, proportional to the body. The muzzle is elongated, providing the excellent sense of smell necessary for tracking work.
• Ears: Soft, broad, hanging down, fitting closely to the cheekbones. This protects the ear canal from debris and branches whilst working in thick undergrowth.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, dark, revealing an intelligent, attentive and sharp gaze.
• Tail: Long, thick at the base and tapering towards the end. The dog carries it happily, but does not curl it over the back.
• Coat: Short, dense, fitting closely to the body, with a well-developed undercoat that protects against bad weather.

The colouring can be very diverse, distinguishing them from the strict standards of other clubs. Chocolate, honey, and red colours are permitted, often with white markings on the chest, paws and muzzle (a “mask”), as well as brindle and black-and-tan variants.

The Wälderdackel’s character is a complex cocktail of hunting passion, boundless loyalty and innate stubbornness. They tend to bond strongly with one master (usually the one who hunts or walks with them), yet they happily welcome guests and the rest of the family.

Relations with family and children

These dogs get on well with other household pets, especially if raised together. They are inquisitive and interested in everything new. However, they are not often recommended for families with very small children. The reason lies in their wilful behaviour and the vulnerability of the dog’s long spine – a child’s careless play could cause the animal pain, to which the dachshund might react aggressively in self-defence.

Guard qualities

This hunting breed fears nothing and is ready to courageously enter a fight even with an opponent that exceeds it in size. Of course, this is no Kunming Wolfdog, created for serious service work and detaining intruders, but the Wälderdackel can fulfil the duties of a “doorbell”: an observant watchman with a loud voice. Their ringing bark can be heard at the slightest, even insignificant excuse. The dog is distrustful of strangers and reacts loudly to any suspicious noise behind the door.

It is on the hunt that this dog truly reveals its full potential. In the dense forests of the Schwarzwald, versatility is required of a dog. If the Hanoverian Scent Hound specialises exclusively in the blood trail of ungulates, then the Wälderdackel is a jack of all trades (or rather, paws).

This dog works “with voice” (spurlaut), which is critically important for dense woodland. The hunter always knows where the dog is and in which direction the game is moving.

The dachshund’s hunting purpose implies robust health and stamina. However, anatomical features dictate their own conditions. The Schwarzwälder Bracke can suffer from the same ailments that traditionally befall its relatives in the achondroplastic breed group (dogs with long bodies and short legs).

• Discopathy (IVDD): The greatest threat to the Wälderdackel is the displacement of intervertebral discs and, consequently, the pinching of the spinal cord. At first, the dog is tormented by periodic pain and refuses to jump, and eventually, paralysis of the hind limbs may occur.
• Ophthalmology: Cataracts and retinal atrophy can be hereditary. It is important to check the eyes of breeding stock.
• Colour problems: In parents with marble colouring (merle), incorrect breeding (merle x merle) often results in albino puppies with congenital deafness and blindness.
• Obesity: Dachshunds are prone to rapid weight gain, which catastrophically increases the load on the compromised spine and joints.

Preventing serious problems is within the power of an attentive owner, and a veterinary surgeon or therapist can help cure ailments at an early stage.

At work, the Schwarzwälder Bracke adapts easily to any terrain, and in domestic life, it proves to be a fairly undemanding, “Spartan” dog. However, it cannot be called a classic flat-dweller for whom a 15-minute walk is sufficient. Unlike calmer, exotic breeds such as the Cretan Hound, the Wälderdackel requires active work for its nose and muscles.

Hygiene and coat

The short coat of this active pet is cleaned just once a week with a special mitt or brush. This helps remove dead hair and massage the skin. Ears require regular inspection and care: cleaning the visible part of the ear canal with a lotion recomended by a vet. Hanging ears are poorly ventilated, so fungal infections often develop there.

It is important to trim the Wälderdackel’s claws every fortnight if they are not worn down naturally on asphalt or stones. Long claws lead to improper paw posture, which in turn ruins the gait and strains the joints.

Safety at home

In the family circle, the Wälderdackel displays its playful nature, but it is important to ensure the dog does not overexert itself with vertical jumps. The peculiarities of the Wälderdackel’s spine may react with disc displacement to a sudden jump from a sofa. Therefore, it is best to place a special inclined plank – a ramp – next to a high armchair or bed that the dog is allowed to climb on.

One should not take the education of a Wälderdackel lightly, thinking that the dog’s small size makes it harmless. The breed has good potential for coexisting with humans, but developing this will require persistant effort from the owner. Training sessions with the pet should be conducted regularly, not just on occasion.

Representatives of the Wälderdackel breed respond to training in a specific way. They are clever but have no desire to obey blindly. A hunting dog, accustomed to making independant decisions in a burrow face-to-face with a predator, will rely more on its own instincts than on mechanical commands from the master.

Tip: If it is not possible to entrust the dog to a professional breed-specialist cynologist, you will have to find strong motivation. The positive reinforcement method works best. Harshness with a dachshund will only lead to the dog withdrawing into itself or starting to snap.

When the owner runs out of patience, it is better to perceive the pupil’s behaviour with humour rather than irritation. Remember that the dachshund’s stubbornness is the flip side of its courage.

All dachshunds are great lovers of food, and “foresters” are no exception. In some puppies, juvenile cellulitis may be noticed, but in no adult dachshund will you see a lack of appetite. Such a pet is catastrophically prone to gaining excess weight, especially if its hunting instincts are confined to the four walls of a flat.

Therefore, the calorie content of the daily menu must strictly correspond to the activity level. It is not worth feeding the dog directly before a walk – this risks gastric torsion (bloat), although in small breeds the risk is lower than in large ones. Besides, a full dog will be lazy. After lunch, any leftovers remaining in the bowl should be thrown away – otherwise, the cunning dachshund will make “puppy eyes” and won’t resist the temptation to fortify itself once again.

Before getting a Wälderdackel, it is worth weighing up all the pros and cons, as this dog will not suit everyone.

Pros:

• Compactness: Convenient size for transport and keeping in the house.
• Health: With proper care, they live a long time (up to 15-16 years).
• Intelligence: Very sharp and inventive dogs.
• Versatility: An excellent companion for hikers, mushroom pickers and hunters.

Cons:

• Loudness: They love to bark, often without serious cause.
• Stubbornness: Difficult to train for novices.
• Hunting instinct: May run off after a cat or squirrel, ignoring commands. They dig holes in the garden.
• Back health: Require caution and prevention of spinal problems.

1. Name: The word “Bracke” in the name indicates a relationship with hounds, although outwardly the dog looks more like a dachshund. It is a unique hybrid of functionality.
2. Weather: Unlike smooth-haired standard dachshunds, which get cold, the Wälderdackel is better adapted to snow and rain thanks to the denser undercoat and harsher coat characteristic of this type.
3. Singing: Many owners note that these dogs don’t just howl, but “sing”, changing the pitch of their voice when they hear music or a siren.

Is the Wälderdackel suitable for a flat?
Yes, but only on the condition of long walks (minimum 1.5 – 2 hours a day) and active games. Without exercise, the dog may start spoiling furniture.

Do they shed?
Yes, shedding is moderate and seasonal (spring/autumn). The hair is short but sharp like needles, so it can get stuck in furniture upholstery.

Can they be let off the lead in the city?
It is categorically not recommended. Upon seeing a hunting object (even a plastic bag flying in the wind), the dachshund can “turn off its ears” and run straight under a car.