Discover Everything About Alpine Dachsbracke
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Alpine Dachsbracke overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Alpenländische Dachsbracke is a robust hunting breed with generally good overall health. Nevertheless, breeders must keep a close eye on hip dysplasia (HD) and specific sacral issues that can affect the musculoskeletal system. Since mandatory health tests exist for these conditions, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by checking the health status of the parents.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
36–38 cm
Weight
15–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, shiny
- Origin: Austria
Typical coat colors
- Black
- red
- fawn with a smaller or larger amount of white fur
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 →Is the Alpine Dachsbracke right for you?
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.
Perfect for you if:
- You are an active hunter or can provide professional-level stimulation through demanding tracking and mantrailing work — this dog needs a real, challenging job.
- You live in a rural area, ideally close to forests and mountains, where it can live out its robust, weather-resistant instincts every day.
- You appreciate an independent dog that makes its own decisions while focused on a trail, rather than constantly looking to you for commands.
- You are looking for a companion that is extremely calm and unobtrusive at home, releasing its immense energy exclusively outdoors during tracking work.
Less ideal if:
- You are looking for an uncomplicated companion dog for casual walks — it was bred to follow a trail with focus for hours, not to trot along beside you in a relaxed manner.
- You live in the middle of the city or in an apartment without direct access to vast nature and proper training grounds.
- You expect a dog with a strong 'will-to-please' that will immediately drop everything at a whistle when it spots game or a fresh trail in the woods.
- You plan to exercise it primarily with fast ball games or agility — this completely contradicts its deeply ingrained, calm, and enduring way of working.
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.
Breed Profile
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, which is typical of dogs bred to hunt in fox dens and other confined spaces. 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 running dogs 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.
| Height | 36 - 37 cm (Female), 37 - 38 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 15 - 18 kg (Female), 16 - 20 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, diligent, tireless |
| Coat | Short, dense, shiny |
| Coat Color | Black, red, fawn with a smaller or larger amount of white fur |
| Price | 1000 - 2500 € |
History
The 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
Character & Temperament
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.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| 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!
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & Care
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.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
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. become. It is therefore important to offer her a balanced mix of physical and mental stimulation to keep her busy without overwhelming her.
Nutrition & Care
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 Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Alpenländische Dachsbracke is a robust hunting breed with generally good overall health. Nevertheless, breeders must keep a close eye on hip dysplasia (HD) and specific sacral issues that can affect the musculoskeletal system. Since mandatory health tests exist for these conditions, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by checking the health status of the parents.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly monitor your dog's weight and ensure that you avoid frequent jumping in daily life to protect its long back.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' spines, hips, elbows, and eyes checked and pay attention to a healthy bite to reduce risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Alpine Dachsbracke
Thomas M., Halter aus der Eifel (Rüde, seit 2018)
Wir haben unseren Rüden damals aus dem Tierheim geholt – vermittelt wurde er uns als harmloser Mischling. Erst unsere Tierärztin klärte uns auf, dass wir uns da eine waschechte Alpenländische Dachsbracke ins Haus geholt haben. Ich hatte vorher jahrzehntelang Schäferhunde, aber so etwas wie diesen Hund habe ich noch nie erlebt. Er ist extrem intelligent und trickst uns regelmäßig aus, bricht zum Beispiel mit Vorliebe aus dem Garten aus.
Sein Jagd- und Fährtentrieb ist einfach gigantisch. Normale Spaziergänge reichen ihm überhaupt nicht, er braucht extrem viel geistige Auslastung. Wir machen jetzt spezielle Fährtenspiele und Suchaufgaben mit ihm, um seinen Kopf müde zu bekommen.
Man darf nicht vergessen, dass diese Hunde sehr selbstständig arbeiten und das auch immer wieder versuchen. Sie sind unglaublich sensibel – mit der harten Hand eines klassischen Gebrauchshundes kommt man hier absolut nicht weiter, man braucht extrem viel Feingefühl.
Christian B., Jäger aus Oberbayern (Rüde, seit 2019)
In unserem Haushalt leben noch eine Dogge und ein Schäferhund, aber unsere Dachsbracke ist mit Abstand der cleverste und wachsamste von allen dreien. Er lässt sich von anderen Hunden absolut nicht die Butter vom Brot nehmen. Zu Hause ist er ein unglaublich lustiger, alberner Kerl, aber sobald es ans Arbeiten geht, wird er sofort todernst und hochkonzentriert. Seine Schweißarbeit ist ein absoluter Selbstläufer, er will unbedingt Beute machen.
Allerdings hat er auch eine enorme Schärfe. Unsere eigene Hauskatze akzeptiert er im Gegensatz zu den anderen Hunden überhaupt nicht – er würde draußen alles kleinmachen, was er zu fassen kriegt. Man darf sich von seiner etwas schwerfälligen Statur auch nicht täuschen lassen: Er ist extrem agil, bewegungsfreudig und hat manchmal ein recht aufbrausendes Gemüt.
In der Erziehung ist er zwar führerweich und will mir gefallen, aber man muss genau wissen, welche Knöpfe man drücken muss. Mit Druck oder Härte erreicht man bei ihm absolut gar nichts. Ohne rassespezifische Erfahrung ist dieser Hund definitiv eine enorme Herausforderung.
Sabine W., Jägerin aus dem Harz (Hündin, seit 2021)
Ich bilde gerade meine junge Dachsbrackenhündin für die Jagd aus. Was die Nasenarbeit angeht, ist sie ein absoluter Traum. Fährten mit dem Fährtenschuh arbeitet sie schon auf der Übernachtfährte überragend aus und zeigt einen enormen Finderwillen. Sie hat beim Spazierengehen eigentlich permanent die Nase auf dem Boden.
Die Kehrseite der Medaille ist momentan der allgemeine Gehorsam. Die Leinenführigkeit ist eine echte Geduldsprobe, sie hängt ständig im Riemen. Wenn ich sie heranrufe, um sie anzuleinen, quittiert sie das oft mit einem frechen, weiten Bogen um mich herum, sodass ich sie nur mit List und Tücke wieder an die Leine bekomme.
Auch bei Kommandos im Haus gönnt sie sich gerne mal eine Bedenkzeit, in der sie sichtlich abwägt, ob sich das Ausführen für sie lohnt. Man darf diese Hunde auf keinen Fall mit zu viel Druck oder Härte verderben, aber man braucht eine enorme Konsequenz, um sich nicht von ihrer sturen, selbstständigen Art austricksen zu lassen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Alpine Dachsbracke
Is a Alpine Dachsbracke the right dog for me?
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.
How long does a Alpine Dachsbracke live?
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.
How much grooming does a Alpine Dachsbracke need?
Alpine Dachsbracke grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Alpine Dachsbracke good for families with children?
The Alpine Dachsbracke can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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