Alpine Dachsbracke

The Alpine Dachsbracke (Alpenländische Dachsbracke) is a robust and ancient scent hound breed originating from Austria, with a history closely tied to the hunting traditions of the Alpine regions. Developed in the mid-to-late 19th century, its lineage is believed to trace back to older, larger Austrian hounds which were then crossed with Dachshunds to create a smaller, tenacious dog capable of working in challenging mountainous terrain. The goal was to produce a “Schweisshund” – a specialized blood-tracking hound – that could reliably follow the cold scent trail of wounded large game such as deer, chamois, and wild boar, often working on a long leash.

These hardy hounds were also used for hunting smaller game like hare and fox. Their sturdy, low-slung build, keen nose, and unwavering determination made them invaluable to hunters in the high altitudes of the Austrian Alps. Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg was known to take Alpine Dachsbracken with him on hunting expeditions in the late 1800s. The breed was officially recognized by the Austrian Kennel Club in 1932 and later by the FCI. While still primarily a working hunting dog in its native region and parts of Europe, its loyal nature also makes it a devoted companion for active, experienced owners.

The Alpine Dachsbracke possesses a temperament perfectly suited to its demanding role as a scent hound in difficult conditions. They are intelligent, fearless, and exceptionally determined when on a scent trail, showcasing incredible focus and stamina. This single-mindedness on the trail means they can be quite independent and may not always be instantly responsive to commands if a compelling scent is present. Away from work, they are generally calm, good-natured, and can be very affectionate and loyal to their primary handler and family.

While devoted to their own people, they can be reserved or wary of strangers, a trait common in many working hounds. Early socialization is important if they are to be family companions, to ensure they are well-adjusted around different people and situations outside of their working environment. They are not typically aggressive but are alert and will use their voice to announce anything unusual. They require an owner who understands and respects their strong hunting instincts and independent nature.

The Alpine Dachsbracke has a short, dense, and harsh double coat that provides excellent protection from harsh weather and rough underbrush encountered during tracking work. The undercoat is thick and substantial. This type of coat is very low-maintenance.

A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a firm bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair and keep their coat healthy and looking its best. They are considered average shedders. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay relatively clean and does not typically have a strong “doggy” odor. As with all hounds, regular ear care is important. Their drop ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Alpine Dachsbracken are energetic dogs with considerable stamina, bred for long hours of tracking over challenging terrain. They require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and, crucially, mentally stimulated through scent work. They are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle or for owners who cannot provide an outlet for their powerful noses.

Daily long walks or hikes, especially in natural environments where they can explore scents, are essential. If not used for their traditional purpose of tracking wounded game, they benefit greatly from activities that engage their exceptional scenting abilities, such as:

• Scent work trials or nose work games.
• Tracking exercises (even non-competitive).
• Off-leash exploration in a very large, securely fenced, and safe area (though their strong scent drive means extreme caution is always needed, and recall can be a lifelong training challenge).

They are not typically high-speed sprinters over long distances but possess incredible endurance for methodical tracking. Without sufficient exercise and mental challenges that utilize their natural talents, they can become bored or frustrated.

The Alpine Dachsbracke is generally considered a hardy and robust breed, having been developed primarily for working ability and resilience in demanding conditions. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Due to their relative rarity outside of specific hunting circles in Europe, comprehensive genetic health data may be less extensive than for more globally popular breeds. Potential concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many active breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Due to their slightly elongated back and shorter legs, they can be at some risk for spinal disc problems, though typically less so than more exaggeratedly long-backed breeds.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Their drop ears can trap moisture, making regular cleaning important.
• Eye Conditions: While not widespread, general screening for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or cataracts would be prudent for breeding stock.
• Hunting-Related Injuries:** If used for their traditional purpose, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, and other injuries sustained in rugged terrain.