German Hound

The history of the German Hound dates back to ancient times. Its distant ancestors are believed to be the ancient Celtic Hounds (Segusian), which accompanied the Celtic tribes during their migrations across Europe. These dogs were famous for their exceptional sense of smell and their ability to tirelessly pursue quarry. Over time, regional types of hounds, known by the general name “Bracke,” were developed in what is now Germany. They were indispensable helpers in hunting various types of game.

By the 19th century, there were countless varieties of these dogs, differing in size, coat colour, and certain working qualities. Two types were particularly common in the Westphalia region: the heavier and more massive Sauerländer Holzbracke and the lighter, more elegant Steinbracke. These two breeds formed the foundation of the modern German Hound. The goal of the breeders was to combine the best traits of both types: the endurance and strength of the Holzbracke with the excellent scenting ability and speed of the Steinbracke. This combination can also be seen in a similar breed, the Westphalian Dachsbracke.

A key date in the breed’s history was 1896, when the “Deutscher Bracken-Club” was founded. Thanks to the efforts of its members, the breed was standardised, uniting the different variations under a single name — the Deutsche Bracke. This ensured the preservation of the unique working qualities and characteristic appearance of these dogs. The German Hound remains the only representative of the Westphalian hounds to have survived to this day. Today, it is a valuable national treasure of Germany and is highly esteemed by hunters throughout Europe. The breed was officially recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1954.

The German Hound is a medium-sized scent hound that combines elegance with a robust build. Its appearance reveals it to be a tireless hunter, capable of covering long distances over rough terrain. It gives the impression of a nimble, long-legged yet powerful dog with a noble head and a confident stance.

• Head: Lean, elongated, and light. The skull is slightly wider than the muzzle. The stop is smooth but noticeable. The muzzle is not pointed.
• Ears: Very long (reaching the tip of the nose) and broad, set high. They lie flat against the cheeks, have rounded ends, and a smooth surface. This is one of the breed’s most distinctive features.
• Eyes: Dark, clear, with a friendly and intelligent expression.
• Body: Slightly elongated. The neck is of medium length and strong. The back is straight, sloping slightly towards the rump. The chest is deep and long, providing ample room for the lungs and heart. The belly is moderately tucked up.
• Tail: Long, set high, thick at the base and tapering towards the tip. It is covered with dense fur, creating a “brush” effect. The dog carries it like a sabre or slightly lowered.
• Coat: Short, very dense, and harsh to the touch, almost bristly. The fur on the belly and the inside of the thighs is softer. A well-developed undercoat provides reliable protection from bad weather.
• Colour: Classic for hounds — tricolour. The main colour is red to fawn-yellow with a black saddle or blanket. The obligatory white “Bracken markings” include a blaze or patch on the head, a white muzzle, a white ring around the neck, a white chest, white legs, and a white tail tip.

Interestingly, there is a great variety of “Bracke”-type breeds among European hounds. For instance, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound has a similar purpose but is distinguished by its solid black coat with tan markings.

The character of the German Hound is a harmonious blend of two opposites. On the hunt, it’s a passionate, persistent, and relentless pursuer, while at home, it’s a calm, gentle, and loyal companion. This duality makes it unique but also places high demands on the owner.

Dogs of this breed are very people-oriented. They form strong bonds with their owner and family members, eager to spend as much time with them as possible. The German Hound gets on brilliantly with children, especially if raised with them, showing remarkable patience and gentleness. However, as with any dog, their interactions should be supervised.

At the same time, one should not forget its hunting roots. The instinct to pursue is in its blood. This means that during walks in unsecured areas, it should not be let off the lead. Upon catching an interesting scent, the hound can instantly forget all commands and set off in search of “prey.” This trait makes it unsuitable for keeping in urban environments without a secure fence.

German Hounds are smart and clever, but they can show a certain independence and stubbornness, which is typical for hounds trained to make decisions at a distance from the hunter. They are not prone to unprovoked aggression towards people or other dogs and get on well in a pack. However, small pets (cats, rodents, birds) may be perceived as potential prey.

Caring for a German Hound does not require complicated procedures, but it has its own peculiarities related to its purpose and high energy level. This is not a dog for a flat and not for inactive people.

Physical Exercise and Activity

This is the most important aspect of caring for the breed. The German Hound needs at least 1.5-2 hours of intense physical exercise daily. Simple walks on the lead are not enough for it. The ideal option is the ability to run freely in a large, securely fenced area. Long hikes in the woods (on a long lead), running alongside the owner’s bicycle, or dog sports like agility or lure coursing are also excellent. Without sufficient activity, the dog becomes restless, may exhibit destructive behaviour at home, and suffers from boredom.

Grooming and Coat Care

The German Hound’s short and harsh coat does not require complex grooming. It is enough to brush it 1-2 times a week with a rubber brush or a grooming glove to remove dead hairs and maintain a healthy appearance. Shedding is moderate throughout the year and increases seasonally in spring and autumn. The dog should only be bathed when absolutely necessary, as frequent washing can damage the skin’s natural protective layer.

Special attention should be paid to the ears! Their pendulous shape prevents proper ventilation of the ear canal, creating a favourable environment for the development of infections and inflammations (otitis). It is necessary to regularly, at least once a week, check the ears for redness, dirt, or unpleasant odour and clean them carefully with a special lotion. Also, regularly check the paw pads after walks and clip the claws as needed.

Training a German Hound requires the owner’s patience, consistency, and understanding of its hunting nature. They are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, but their innate independence can complicate the process. They were bred to make their own decisions while pursuing game, so blind obedience is not in their character.

The key to success is positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and games for motivation. Harsh methods and punishment can lead to a loss of trust and stubbornness. Training sessions should be short, interesting, and varied so that the dog does not lose interest.

From an early age, attention should be paid to socialisation: introducing the puppy to various people, sounds, places, and other dogs. This will help to raise a confident and well-balanced dog. The most important command for any hound is the recall command, “Come!”. You should start practising it from a young age in a safe place, gradually making the conditions more challenging. However, even a perfectly trained hound may ignore the command if it catches the scent of game.

Many German Hounds, like their relatives, for example, the Westphalian Dachsbracke, need not only physical but also intellectual stimulation. Games of finding objects, tracking, or specialised hunting training will help to satisfy their natural needs. Similarly, the Petit Basset Gascon Saintongeois also needs a lot of stimulation.

The German Hound is generally a very healthy and hardy breed with a strong immune system. Thanks to the fact that breeding was primarily focused on working qualities rather than extreme appearance, they have managed to avoid many of the hereditary diseases common among other breeds. Their average lifespan is 10-13 years.

However, there are certain health issues to which they are prone:

1. Ear infections (otitis). As mentioned, this is the number one problem for the German Hound due to its long, pendulous ears. Regular preventative cleaning is mandatory.
2. Hip dysplasia. Although this disease is not widespread in the breed, it can occur in medium and large dogs. It is important to choose a puppy from a reputable breeder whose parents have been tested.
3. Hunting injuries. Like any working dog, the hound is susceptible to cuts, sprains, and other injuries sustained while working in the woods or fields. It’s important to always have a first-aid kit with you.
4. Bloat and gastric torsion. This life-threatening condition can occur in deep-chested dogs. To minimise the risk, feed the dog small portions 2-3 times a day and do not allow active play immediately after eating.

An important component of good health is prevention: annual veterinary check-ups, timely vaccinations, and parasite control (fleas, ticks, worms).

The diet of the German Hound must fully meet its high energy needs. The owner can choose between ready-made dry food and a natural diet. The main thing is the quality of the products.

When choosing a dry food, you should opt for premium or super-premium brands designed for active medium-sized dogs. The main ingredient should be meat (not meat meal), and the protein content should be no less than 25-30%, with fat at 15-20%. During periods of intense activity (the hunting season), the calorie requirement can be met by switching the dog to a more energy-rich food.

For a natural diet, the basis of the diet (about 60-70%) should be lean meat and offal (beef, turkey, chicken, tripe, heart). The rest consists of:

• Grains: buckwheat, rice, oatmeal.
• Vegetables and fruits: carrots, pumpkin, courgette, apples (as a source of fibre and vitamins).
• Fermented dairy products: low-fat kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese.
• Supplements: fish oil, vegetable oils, vitamin and mineral complexes (on the recommendation of a vet).

Regardless of the type of diet, the dog should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Before getting such a serious dog, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons. A similar approach is important when choosing other hunting breeds as well, such as the Petit Basset Gascon Saintongeois.

• The German Hound is the only hound breed originating from Westphalia that has survived to this day.
• The characteristic melodious and ringing voice during the pursuit of game (the so-called “Spurlaut”) is one of the main breed traits, to which great attention is paid during breeding.
• The typical white markings on the head, neck, chest, legs, and tail have their own name — “Bracken markings” (Brackenmarken) and are mandatory according to the standard.
• Despite its popularity among hunters in Germany and neighbouring countries, the breed remains quite rare outside of them.
• The name “Bracke” comes from an old German word meaning “a hound that works by scent.”

Is the German Hound suitable for flat living?
Categorically no. This dog needs space to move. The ideal option is a house with a large, securely fenced garden where it can run freely.

Does the German Hound get on with children and other animals?
It generally gets on excellently with children, especially if it has grown up with them. It usually does not conflict with other dogs either. However, serious problems can arise with small pets (cats, rabbits, hamsters) due to its powerful hunting instinct. Their cohabitation is not recommended.

Does the German Hound shed a lot?
Shedding is moderate throughout the year and increases twice a year during the seasonal coat change. Regular brushing helps to keep this process under control.

Can you own this dog if you are not a hunter?
Yes, but only on the condition that you are prepared to dedicate a lot of time to active pursuits with your pet. This could include long daily runs, hikes, cycling, or dog sports (for example, canicross or tracking). A simple walk in the garden will not be enough for it.