{"id":53756,"date":"2014-11-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-10T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=53756"},"modified":"2026-08-06T09:18:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T06:18:22","slug":"alpine-dachsbracke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-alpine-dachshund-badger-dog","title":{"rendered":"Alpine Dachsbracke"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Alpine Dachsbracke<\/strong> is an ancient and revered hunting breed that hails from the mountainous regions of Austria. Bred specifically for its stamina and skill in the demanding conditions of the Alpine forests, this dog is the embodiment of courage, intelligence, and incredible loyalty. Its compact size, sturdy build, and unmatched sense of smell make it the perfect tracker for following wounded game, including deer, wild boar, and foxes. However, behind its rugged hunter’s exterior lies a gentle and friendly companion, capable of becoming a full-fledged family member. If you can meet its needs for activity and earn its respect, you won’t just get a dog\u2014you’ll gain a faithful friend for life. To learn all about the nuances of this unique breed’s character, care, and upkeep, read more on 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 (13.5-16.5 in)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>15-18 kg (33-40 lbs)<\/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 intertwined with the hunting traditions of the Alpine region. For centuries, there was a need for a hardy, low-slung dog that could work in dense forests and on rocky terrain. It’s believed that the ancestors of the modern Dachsbracke were larger and more robust Austrian hounds that were crossed with Dachshund-type dogs to achieve shorter legs. This allowed the breed to move more efficiently through the undergrowth and confidently follow a trail without gaining too much speed, which was crucial when pursuing wounded game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

In 1932, the Austrian Kennel Club officially recognized 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) recognized 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<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Alpine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a low-set but very sturdy dog with an elongated body and a powerful bone structure. Its appearance perfectly matches its purpose: every feature suggests endurance and a readiness for long workdays. Despite its short legs, the dog has a harmonious and athletic look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Head:<\/strong> The skull is slightly domed with a distinct furrow. The stop is smooth. The muzzle is strong, with well-developed jaws and dark lip pigmentation.<\/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 tips and of medium length (reaching the corners of the mouth).<\/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 wide. The croup is slightly sloped. The chest is deep and long, with well-sprung ribs that provide a large lung capacity. The belly is moderately tucked up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Tail:<\/strong> High-set, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. It hangs down 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, which provides powerful propulsion. The paws are firm, compact, with tough pads and black claws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Coat and Color:<\/strong> The coat is very dense and short, with a thick undercoat that reliably protects from the elements. The ideal color is a rich stag red<\/strong>, possibly with a slight black overlay. Black with clearly defined tan markings on the head (often called a “four-eyed” look), chest, limbs, 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-set, sturdy hunting dog with an elongated, stocky body and a 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-flowing 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 tireless worker<\/strong>. It can pursue prey for hours without losing concentration or drive. Its voice is loud and ringing, allowing the hunter to pinpoint the dog’s location. It is intelligent and capable of making independent decisions, which is vital in challenging conditions. 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, as long as they respect its personal space. It is cautious with strangers but not aggressive, which makes it a good watchdog that will always alert you to the arrival of guests. It’s important to understand that this is not a couch potato. 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

    As for getting along with other animals, its hunting instincts can create certain difficulties. It may see small household pets (cats, rodents, birds) as prey. Early and proper socialization can help temper these instincts, but complete control is difficult to achieve. It usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them. Similarities in purpose and temperament can be found in breeds like 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 unique needs related to its anatomy and lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n