Westphalian Dachsbracke

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a short-legged scenthound that originated in Wesstphalia region of Germany. It is the ancestor of Swedish dog, the Drever. Also known as Westphalian Hound, it is a smaller, short-legged version of Deutsche Bracke which was developed by crossing German Hound (Deutsche Bracke) with Dachshund. This old breed got its first mention in 1886 as a variety of German Hound though dogs of similar type are seen in very old European paintings. Development of this breed is the result of need of a short legged dog who could penetrate burrows, caves and dens to flush out game. This is a tireless hunter breed which can effectively hunt rabbits, hares and foxes as well as wild boar. Its courageous nature allows it to stand unintimidated before game much bigger than its size. Its short legs, though, hamper its hunting skills in deep snow.

This is a sturdily built dog that stands between 12-15 inches. Very similar to its descendent, Drever, the dog has long and narrow head. It has a long muzzle with slightly arched nose bridge. The dark pigmented nose has flesh colour strip in the center. Dark eyes have friendly expression. Ears are medium length, broad at base and rounded at tips. Thick and long neck has some loose skin but no dewlaps. This dog's moderately long body is strongly supported by forelegs and comes with slightly arched back that has slight dip behind the shoulders. The broad lion is well developed and belly is slightly tucked-up. Tail is thick at the root, set on relatively high and is carried in saber fashion. Dense and coarse coat covers the whole body uniformly. The coat is usually tricolour with red to yellow colouring, a black saddle and white markings, referred to as Bracken Marks, on head, neck, chest, legs and tip of tail.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.

Color

The Westphalian Dachsbracke comes in tri-colouring. The coat is red to yellow with a black saddle. White markings are present on head, neck, chest, legs and tip of tail. Bi-coloured or dogs with black markings on head are unacceptable.

Coat

This dog has a short, dense and coarse coat that entirely covers its body. It is shorter and finer on head, ears and lower legs while longer on back, neck and underside of the tail.

Personality

Though developed as hunter, the loyal, alert and friendly nature of this excellent scenthound makes it a very suitable family companion. This dog is known to be very friendly, gentle and playful with children as well as with other dogs. Being a typical hound, this breed is very obstinate and needs a firm handler who can show the dog its place at the bottom of its pack. Early socialization and training, thus, becomes that much important to mold this dog into a well balanced and obedient family pet. As a working dog, it has high exercise demands and needs to be provided with ample opportunities to run, play and take part in different activities which will allow this dog to use its high energy levels.

Care

Short size as well as short coat of this breed means low maintenance and grooming. A weekly brushing should be enough to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean. Bath only when necessary.

Training

Training this dog will demand consistency and firm yet gentle handling. This is an obdurate breed that can be molded into an obedient dog by consistent positive training methods, starting early in the dog's puppyhood.

Activity

This dog is for active families or individuals. As a working dog, the Westphalian Dachsbracke has high energy levels and consequently high exercise demands. This dog loves to be involved in some sort of activity. Daily walking is a must but this breed will also need a yard to play and run as it likes.