The
Alpine Dachsbracke, known in its native country
of Austria as Alpenländische Dachsbracke, is a small breed
of dog of the scent hound family, bred to track wounded deer
as well as boar, hare, and fox. It is highly efficient at following
a trail even after it has gone cold. Its ancestry can be dated
back to the middle of the 19th century. It contains the blood
of very old strains of hounds including the Austrian black and
tan hound as well as that of the Standard smooth haired Dachshund.
It once was a favorite of German royalty. During the 1880s,
Alpine Dachsbrackes accompanied Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg
on hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey.
Appearance
This small dog has a slight resemblance to a Dachshund, with
short legs (although longer than a dachshunds) and a long body.
The coat is dense, short but smooth except for the tail and
neck. The round eyes have a lively expression. Valid colors
are black and tan, brown, with the most popular being red with
or without black. It weighs from 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 lb) and
stands from 34 to 42 cm (13 to 16 in) at the withers.
Temperament
Used effectively to hunt wounded deer, this breed could work
even in harsh terrain and high altitude. It makes a good companion,
although it is primarily a hunter and therefore is kept mostly
by hunters. It has a fearless, friendly and intelligent personality.
Most Alpine Dachsbrackes are excellent with children and good
with dogs and other pets, though they may exhibit a strong prey
drive typical of many scent dogs.