

The Alpenländische Dachsbracke is a robust, steady-nerved Schweißhund (scent hound) — bred for the enduring tracking of wounded game in rugged high-mountain terrain. A true thoroughbred worker that lives for the cold trail and will wither away without a real job to do.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein Dachsbracke e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Alpine Dachsbracke fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Shoulder height
36–38 cm
Weight
15–20 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Alpine Dachsbracke, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Alpine Dachsbracke — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
An Alpenländische Dachsbracke is like a highly specialized mountaineer: on flat ground or in a purely family-oriented daily life, it often seems out of place, but in rough terrain on an old trail, it shows its true genius. If you cannot offer it this world, you will have a permanently frustrated, stubborn dog on your leash — but if you provide it with species-appropriate work, you will get the most loyal and composed companion you can imagine.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small but robust dog. She is characterized by her strong and powerful stature, which is ideal for working in the mountains. The body is slightly longer than it is tall and built low to the ground – typical of a bracke that tracks game calmly and with endurance on the scent trail. The head is powerful, with a broad nose and medium-sized eyes that are dark and vivid. The ears are medium-sized, set high and hang close to the head. She belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes scent hounds and bloodhounds. This breed has a special ability to track the scent of game, even over long distances and difficult terrain. This makes them a valued hunting companion dog. There are no different lines within this breed as their focus is always on work and not looks.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is known for its tireless work ethic and lively, energetic temperament. They are known as loyal and reliable dogs who are very attached to their caregivers and always strive to please their owners. Although they were bred for hunting, they also have a very loving and people-oriented nature that makes them wonderful companions. They are intelligent and capable of learning and adapt easily to different situations. Therefore, in the right environment and with the right training, they can also be kept as a family dog. However, they are primarily working dogs and need something to do to be happy. Simply living in an apartment without sufficient employment is not in keeping with their nature. The Alpine Dachsbracke shows a strong hunting behavior, which is due to its breeding and its origins as a hunting dog. They have a strong hunting instinct and tend to follow their noses. Therefore, it is important that they receive good training and guidance to channel this behavior. They are not particularly alert dogs as they react more to smells than sounds or movements. They rarely bark unless they are hunting or they notice something unusual. They can stay alone well as long as they get enough physical and mental exercise.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Alpine Dachsbracke is one of the few dog breeds used for hunting in both flat and mountainous areas? Their versatility and adaptability are truly remarkable!
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a persistent and hunting-passionate dog, especially used in the mountains. It is characterized by its excellent sense of smell and strong hunting instinct. Despite its strong work drive, it is friendly and easy to train, but requires consistent leadership and sufficient exercise. The Alpine Dachsbracke is well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a very active dog and needs a lot of exercise and activity, which is why it is not necessarily suitable as a pure city dog. She feels most comfortable in a rural environment with plenty of space to explore and run around. They can be kept in a household with children, but a supervisor should always be present as they can be a bit boisterous due to their hunting instincts. Their compatibility with other pets, especially cats, can vary and depends largely on individual characteristics and socialization. In some federal states, this breed is considered a listed dog and special requirements must be observed.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an intelligent and willing to learn animal that is easy to train. She benefits from consistent but loving training and positive reinforcement. It's important to accommodate her hunting instincts so she doesn't feel bored or frustrated. Therefore, activities such as tracking or games of fetch that use their natural instincts are ideal. It is important that the dog learns to tolerate frustration and develop impulse control. They can learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, it is important to note that they can have strong wills of their own and therefore require consistent leadership. The Alpine Dachsbracke can quickly become a “ball junkie” due to its natural hunting behavior. It is therefore important to offer her a balanced mix of physical and mental stimulation to keep her busy without overwhelming her.
The diet of the Alpine Dachsbracke should be tailored to its high energy requirements, especially if it is kept as a working dog. A balanced diet with a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals is essential. Overfeeding should be avoided as being overweight can affect their health and lead to further problems. When it comes to grooming, this breed is relatively easy to care for. It has short, dense fur with an undercoat that requires easy maintenance. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean and healthy. Despite the undercoat, the Alpine Dachsbracke copes well with the climate in Germany and does not shed excessively.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the Alpine Dachsbracke, there are genetic risks for hip dysplasia (HD), cauda equina syndrome (DLSS), and the severe neurological disease neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). For breeding approval, the Verein Dachsbracke e.V. mandatorily prescribes X-ray examinations for HD (limit HD A–B) and DLSS (grade 0–1), as well as a genetic test for NCL. A responsible breeder additionally tests breeding animals for spinocerebellar ataxia to further minimize the risk. Ask to see the official certificates of both parents before buying a puppy; in the case of NCL and spinocerebellar ataxia, carrier animals may only be mated if the partner is verifiably free.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should strictly monitor your dog's weight and ensure that you avoid frequent jumping in daily life to protect its long back.
Responsible breeders have parent animals mandatorily tested for hip dysplasia (HD), cauda equina syndrome (DLSS), and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), as well as additionally for spinocerebellar ataxia.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Verein Dachsbracke e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Verein Dachsbracke e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Alpine Dachsbracke costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €320, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,610 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (12 years) it comes to about ~€26,970.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,610
Across the dog's life
~€26,970
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,000 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
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Illustrative imageThe Alpenländische Dachsbracke is a traditional Austrian hunting dog breed with roots deeply embedded in the history of alpine hunting culture. Short-legged hunting dogs were highly valued in the Alpine regions as far back as antiquity and the Middle Ages. Targeted breeding of the modern breed began in the 19th century, specifically developed for the demanding work in high-altitude terrain. As a robust and weather-hardy scenthound, it is primarily used for tracking wounded game as well as for hunting hare and fox. Contrary to some misconceptions, it is used exclusively for surface hunting as a scenthound and is not suitable for earthdog work. In the 1880s, Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg explicitly requested Dachsbracken for his hunting expeditions, which testifies to the high esteem the breed held among the Austrian nobility. Cynological registration began at the end of the 19th century. In 1932, the breed was officially recognized by the Austrian Kennel Club as the third scenthound breed under the name 'Alpenländisch-Erzgebirgler Dachsbracke'. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) confirmed this recognition and finally changed the name in 1975 to the current designation 'Alpenländische Dachsbracke'. To this day, it remains an indispensable companion for professional hunters in alpine territories.
The Alpenländische Dachsbracke was bred for tracking wounded game and for hunting in mountainous terrain.
Austria
1800
Owners describe the Alpine Dachsbracke as a very affectionate and loyal family companion that is remarkably calm indoors. Many stress how closely the dog bonds with its main person and how friendly and patient it is with family members, as long as it gets enough mental and physical exercise. At home it rarely barks without reason and enjoys being close to its people.
At the same time, experienced owners and breed clubs point out that this is no all-purpose companion dog for just anyone. If the breed isn't given work that suits it, they say, its strong tracking instinct quickly turns into everyday problems: some owners report escape attempts from the yard, or dogs that disappear completely into a world of scents on walks and tune out everything around them. Owners occasionally also report a certain readiness to defend resources, prey or their own territory against other dogs, which needs careful management in daily life.
Sources:forum.wildundhund.depetbook.dezoomalia.delandtreff.de
In training, many owners run into the typical scent-hound temperament: people who work with the Alpine Dachsbracke describe it as very independent and at times willful to the point of stubbornness. Unlike biddable working breeds, it likes to question commands or weigh up whether obeying is worth it at that moment, especially when there's a fresh game trail under its nose. Owners see a reliable recall off-leash as one of the biggest challenges; it often takes years of intensive long-line training, and in areas with lots of wildlife it remains a pipe dream.
Despite this persistence, owners explicitly warn against excessive harshness or rough pressure. The Dachsbracke is described as a sensitive dog that shuts down or loses trust when treated unfairly. Owners succeed with unshakable calm, clear consistency and leadership built on trust. For dogs living with non-hunters, such as rescue dogs, owners stress that the dog must get challenging substitute work like intensive mantrailing or tracking, because otherwise its inborn drive to find things can't be kept under control.
In owner accounts and among hunters, the Alpine Dachsbracke is mostly seen as a very robust, weather-hardy and long-lived working breed, selected for tough mountain terrain. Owners appreciate that the dense stock coat needs hardly any grooming and sheds dirt and thorns well. Serious hereditary diseases aren't a big concern for most owners, because strict breeding for hunting performance has largely spared the breed from extreme fashion trends.
Because of the breed's typical short-legged, relatively long build, though, owners and breed experts point to risks for the musculoskeletal system. Discussions mention hip dysplasia (HD) and disc or back problems as issues that call for responsible breeding selection and moderate exercise in the first year of life. For dogs used in hunting, owner reports focus more on the risk of injury in rough undergrowth, from thorns or in direct contact with wild boar that fight back.
Sources:petbook.deforum.wildundhund.dedogorama.appsabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.netklub-dachsbracke.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Alpine Dachsbracke is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Alpine Dachsbracke grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Alpine Dachsbracke can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Alpine Dachsbracke comes in these colors: Red, Sable, Black and tan.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Alpine Dachsbracke.