Additonal Breeds Starting
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COUNTRY:
Germany
HEIGHT:
12-15 inches
COAT:
Short, smooth, hard and dense
COLOR:
Tricolor, as the Deutsche Bracke, or red
with the described white markings
OTHER
NAMES: Westfalische Dachsbracke, Sauerlander
Dachsbracke
REGISTRY:
FCI
GROUP:
Hound
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Just as the French developed their bassets for closer or slower hound work,
the Germans created their dachshunds and dachsbrackes. Short-legged versions
of the bracke have been known for a very long time in the western German
areas of Westphalia and the Sauerland. Modern authorities feel his development
included short-legged mutations of the larger brackes, as well as crosses
to the dachshunds of the time. Cynol-ogists Ludwig Beckmann and Otto Grashey
first officially described and named the breed in 1886, although
portraits from the Middle Ages show the little dog. The Westphalian Dachsbracke
was recognized by the German Kennel authorities in 1935, and is fostered
and protected today under the umbrella of the Deutsche Bracken Club.
This Dachsbracke
has been recruited for hunting hare, fox, wild boar and rabbit in the
central high mountains. Hunting in the mountain woods is impossible without
dogs. He searches for game, is especially good for the "circle chase"
with rabbits and is employed for blood-trailing as well. Often the prey
is not as fearful of the smaller Dachsbracke and allows the dog to approach
closer before fleeing.
This short hunter
performs well unless the snow is very deep. He must be willing to give
tongue, but only when sure of his quarry. This vocal attribute is highly
desirable, and silent dogs are neutered. The "loud" hunting
is utilized only for short distances, often when he chases the quarry
around in a circle and back to the waiting hunter. More and more, the
Westphalian dog is also used for schweisshund trailing work. This is a
pleasant and companionable dog.
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