Let's talk Westphalian Dachsbracke dogs
The charming Westphalian Dachsbracke has loads of curb appeal. Their coat comes in an almost exclusively chestnut and white colouration, a combination that just adds to their warm character. The breed became a trusty sporting companion, their long, low-slung bodies and short legs enabling them to burrow deep into the earth. Dog owners now value the Westphalian Dachsbracke for their affability and the ease with which they live among family once they have been trained. They typify dogs in the scenthound group, with long ears and pleading eyes, not to mention a kind, agreeable manner.
Official name: Westphalian Dachsbracke
Other names: Westphalian Hound
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? | |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| *Energy Level | Moderate | *Friendly pet? | |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
*Can stay alone? | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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30 - 38 cm
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15 - 16.5 kg
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30 - 38 cm
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13 - 15 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Westphalian Dachsbracke
All you need to know about the breed
There’s something instantly charming about a petite dog with a low-riding body. The Westphalian Dachsbracke doesn’t disappoint where enjoyment is concerned: They possess a hugely genial demeanour and, despite a working and sporting background, have now adapted to domestic life well. This is a great choice for first-time owners who desire an easy-going, frisky breed.
That said, the Westphalian Dachsbracke is super with children, once they’re trained of course, and with most every member of the family. The only possible exceptions? Cats and other small creatures since this is a dog bred to chase after their junior counterparts. The breed definitely warms up to fellow canines though.
Back to the body: The Westphalian Dachsbracke breed is said to have initially been cross-bred with their fellow German breed, the Dachshund (although that history is murky) and the Deutsche Bracke. The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a good size for a household pet. They’re easy to train, maintaining an affable temperament in almost all they do.
There’s very little downside with a no-drama dog like the Westphalian Dachsbracke, save for the fact that they’re not the best watchdog out there. Let’s just say their strengths lie in other places.
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2 facts about Westphalian Dachsbracke dogs
1. From another mother
Look-alike breed, the Drever, is a direct descendant of the Westphalian Dachsbracke - bred from them in fact, then brought to Sweden in the early 20th century. The two are nearly identical, except the Westphalian Dachsbracke is slightly heavier, two to three inches taller, has a flat coat as opposed to the Drever’s coarse one, and is absent the Drever’s temperamental qualities.
2. Oldies but goodies
They say those who have pets live longer, and a dog like the Westphalian Dachsbracke may be a great choice for senior citizens. Certain breeds are just too energetic and can either wear an older person out or be too much dog for them to handle. With their small size and laid-back manner, the Westphalian Dachsbracke is often just right.
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History of the breed
The very pleasant Westphalian Dachsbracke hails from the northwestern German region of Westphalia, a cross breed of the taller Deutsche Bracke, or German Hound, and the Dachshund, although the jury is still out on the latter and where exactly they came into the breeding process along the way.
The Westphalian Dachsbracke was bred as a scent hound, since this is a dog with an incredibly adept sense of smell. Their long, low body and short legs aided in pursuit and helped them to forage deep underground. The Drever, a Swedish breed who emerged from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, has now taken their place in large part in the field, with the Westphalian Dachsbracke taking their place by the hearth.
The Westphalian Dachsbracke dog breed was recognised by the German Kennel Club in 1935, by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1954, and the United Kennel Club finally in 2006.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Westphalian Dachsbracke dogs
1. Ears
Medium-length, close-lying ears with rounded tips.
2. Body
Long, heavy-boned, low-slung body, short legs, sturdy feet.
3. Coat
Tight-fitting, short, dense single coat.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Westphalian Dachsbracke
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Caring for your Westphalian Dachsbracke
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Westphalian Dachsbracke isn’t a lot of work when it comes to grooming. Their single coat may be thick but doesn’t mat and requires only weekly brushing. An occasional bath will be sufficient, too. Brush their teeth often (daily if possible) and clean their eyes and ears to avoid infection. Check paw pads for debris and trim nails as needed. Given their sporting background, it goes without saying that the breed likes to run so exercise for the Westphalian Dachsbracke should be a good time all around. Make sure your yard is fenced so they don’t give in to their high prey drive. They’re playful but excess energy can be worked off with games or on walks. The Westphalian Dachsbracke breed is known to be a bit headstrong so training them can be a challenge. Despite their diminutive appearance, firm and repetitive commands are the kind to lay down in order to reap the best results. The breed is food-motivated so training with treats can work, but only take them from their daily kibble allotment.
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All about Westphalian Dachsbracke dogs
The Westphalian Dachsbracke breed enjoys an official classification in the scenthound group, long used in their native Germany to accompany hunters in the field as a result of their tenacity. Today’s Westphalian Dachsbracke is a trusted companion and pleased to be at their owner’s side, whether outside or in.
Families will find the Westphalian Dachsbracke a top-notch choice. Their small-yet-sturdy build and agreeable temperament form the right combination when it comes to getting along with everyone on the homefront, which they do, including children, once trained of course. As with any breed however, they should be supervised around children so everyone plays together nicely.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/