The Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is friendly but driven. He is a German scenthound who was created to be a smaller version of the German Hound (Deutsch Bracke).
The breeding experiment was a success. The Westphalian Dachsbracke was everything the breeders had hoped for.
He is also a wonderful family dog when placed with the right family.
16 Westphalian Dachsbracke Temperament and Personality Traits
1. Intelligent
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a bright dog who learns quickly.
2. Stubborn
He is a hunting dog that was bred to be independent. Stubbornness is part of the package. This can be controlled with firm early training.
But you may not to be able to eliminate it completely.
3. Loyal
The Westphalian Dachsbracke forms strong bonds with his human family. He makes a good companion dog.
4. Friendly
Friendliness is one of the traits the Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is known for. He gets along well with people (including children), other dogs, and non-threatening strangers.
5. Calm
When he is well exercised, the Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is quiet and relaxed. He’s happy to be inside with his family.
6. Gentle
He has a kind, sweet disposition. He is good with children.
7. Playful
The playful Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament will delight your children. He will happy to play outside with them. This is a good way to exercise both the dog and the kids.
8. Mischievous
This can be charming or it can be annoying. If he is not well exercised, his mischief is likely to be the destructive kind.
9. Energetic
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a high-energy breed. He loves to be busy and needs plenty of exercise.
10. Hard-working
He is a very enthusiastic hunter who loves his job.
11. Robust
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is stronger than he appears. He has great stamina for a dog his size.
12. Fearless
The Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is courageous and confident. This little guy hunts boar for a living, a fierce animal that is more than twice his size.
13. Alert
The Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is watchful. He is not aggressive in any way, but he will bark to alert you that a stranger is nearby.
14. High Prey Drive
Not surprisingly, this hunting breed has a high prey drive. If he is raised with other household pets, he may be fine with them. You will want to supervise until you’re sure of him.
15. Adaptable
The Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is able to adapt to indoor living. He can adapt to city or apartment living too.
In both cases, though, this only applies if he gets enough exercise.
16. Social
The Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament is very sociable and he gets along well with people and with other dogs.
He will need to be socialized to other pets such as cats and rabbits. And while he may get along well with yours, but he will definitely want to chase the neighbors’ pets.
Westphalian Dachsbracke History
The Westphalian Dachsbracke originated in the Westphalian region of Germany. The breed is thought to date back to the 17th century.
This dog was once known as the Sauerlander Bracke. German royalty once prized this breed as both a hunting and companion dog.
Many dog historians believe that the Westphalian Dachsbracke is the result of a cross between the Deutsch Bracke and the Dachshund (once called badger dogs.) In fact, the word Dachshund means “badger hound.”
Some believe that the Westphalian Dachsbracke is a mutation of the Deutsch Bracke that happened naturally over time.
In any event, the Westphalian Dachsbracke has the superior hunting skills of the Deutsch Bracke and the shorter legs of the Dachshund. The shorter dog is better suited to following game into the low-lying brush of the region.
It is also a tenacious hunter with excellent scenting skills.
The German Kennel Club (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen, or VDH, in German) recognized the breed in 1987.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) did so in 1987 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has not yet recognized the Westphalian Dachsbracke. It is considered a very rare breed.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Training
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is intelligent enough to learn quickly and easily. However, he can be stubborn.
He needs firm and consistent training. Otherwise, he will quickly decide that he should be the boss.
If he doesn’t respect your leadership, you will probably have obedience problems.
Obedience training needs to be gentle, however. He should respond well to positive reinforcement. Seeing that he gets enough exercise will help to ensure his cooperation.
If you’re planning to hunt with your Westphalian, training for this should be easier. Hunting comes naturally to him.
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Westphalian Dachsbracke Appearance
General Appearance
The Westphalian Dachsbracke looks much like his ancestor the Deutsche Bracke, only smaller.
His coat is coarse and dense. The length is short.
He is a tricolored breed. His color is yellow to red with a black saddle and white markings.
His head is narrow, and his muzzle is long. He has hanging ears, medium length. His large round eyes are amber or brown, and they have a gentle expression. The nose is dark.
He has a thick, strong neck and a deep muscular chest, but it is narrower than the Deutsch Bracke’s. He has the long body and short, sturdy legs of the Dachshund.
His tail is set high. It’s long and carried upward.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Size
Average Westphalian Dachsbracke weight is 30 to 35 pounds. Westphalian Dachsbracke height averages 12 to 15 inches. There is no real difference between males and females.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Must-Knows
Other Names
- Sauerland Basset Hound.
- Sauerlander Dachbråacke.
- Westfälische Dachsbracke.
- Westphalian Basset.
Close Relatives
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is not to be confused with the Swedish Bracke (Drever) or the Alpenländische Dachsbracke (Alpine Dachsbracke).
Westphalian Dachsbracke Hunting
The Westphalian Dachsbracke was designed to fill a specific hunting need. He is low enough to the ground that he can fit into places the larger Deutsche Bracke cannot.
This dog tracks small animals that live in burrows and dens. He also hunts deer and boar, animals that are much larger than he is. This little guy is tougher than he looks.
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is also a determined and persistent hunter. It’s interesting that his probable ancestor the Dachshund was once called a badger dog. Badgers are one of the most tenacious creatures on earth.
It’s easy to see why so many believe that he has the Dachshund in his lineage.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Must-Knows
Westphalian Dachsbracke Lifespan
The life expectancy of the Westphalian Dachsbracke is 10 to 12 years.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Health Issues
The Westphalian Dachsbracke has no major breed-specific health conditions. Like all dogs, though, he is prone to a few conditions.
Like the Dachshund and the Deutsche Bracke, his long back makes him vulnerable to spinal injuries.
Less common conditions in this breed are ear infections, eye problems, and obesity.
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Caring for the Westphalian Dachsbracke
Westphalian Dachsbracke Grooming
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is an easy dog to care for. His coat is coarse and dense, so it only needs to be brushed once a week. He does shed, so there may be times when he needs a little more.
This dog should not be given regular baths, only when needed. Use a mild shampoo made for dogs to maintain the natural oils in their coat and protect the skin.
Many Westphalians enjoy bath time and think it’s time to play. Some won’t, though, so start your Westphalian Dachsbracke puppy early to get him used to it.
He will also need his nails trimmed regularly and his teeth brushed. Again, you should start getting him used to a grooming routine right away.
If he struggles at first, try exercising him before grooming time to tire him out a bit. He may be more cooperative.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Diet
This dog should do well on any high-quality food. He has no special dietary needs.
If he is hunting or very active with other things, you may want to use a food formulated for active dogs. You will need to watch his weight carefully to be sure he’s not getting more calories than he needs.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Exercise
As a hunting breed, it’s no surprise that this guy needs a lot of exercise. At the very least, he needs daily walks. Ideally, he would also have an enclosed outdoor space where he can run freely.
If he doesn’t get enough exercise, he will let you know. He will become bored and restless, and he will create his own excitement.
You may then have to deal with some unwanted Westphalian Dachsbracke behaviors. He is likely to bark excessively, chew, or be destructive in other ways.
Like all intelligent dogs, the Westphalian Dachsbracke also needs mental stimulation. If you can give this guy a job to do, he will be a happy dog.
Of course, hunting would be best, but any type of outdoor activity would work. Training and participating in canine sports would be great.
Obedience training also counts. Make it fun. This should be a bonding experience for the two of you.
He would also love family outings such as hiking. But be mindful that if you exercise him off-leash, he may run off to chase interesting smells. You might have a difficult time getting him to come back.
Finding a Westphalian Dachsbracke
Buying a Westphalian Dachsbracke from a Breeder
Finding a Westphalian Dachsbracke for sale may be difficult. This is a rare breed. A good place to start your search for a Westphalian Dachsbracke puppy is the German Kennel Club.
They keep lists of breed clubs for all German breeds. They also keep a directory of Westphalian Dachsbracke puppies.
Their web site has an English-language version. Not all pages are included in the English version. Those that are not can be translated with Google.
They would be a good source for information about Westphalian Dachsbracke breeders.
Another possible source would be online forums and user groups (such as those found on Facebook). These exist for nearly every breed.
You may be able to find Westphalian Dachsbracke owner groups who can help you find a good breeder. These are also great places to ask questions about living with a Westphalian.
YouTube is another possible option. Many dog owners and breeders post videos on YouTube. Some will also publish their contact information.
Vetting the Breeder
If you are lucky enough to find a breeder, proceed cautiously. You will want a trustworthy recommendation before purchasing a puppy you find online.
Be sure you’re not buying a from a puppy mill or “backyard breeder.”
These so-called breeders often keep their dogs in horrendous living conditions. They are kept in cages with no exercise or health care.
The mothers are forced to have litter after litter until they are worn out.
These dogs are bred with no concern for the health of parents or puppies. The “breeders” give no thought to the genetic soundness of the breed.
A responsible breeder will screen potential parents and breed only healthy dogs. This is to prevent passing a serious health condition on to the next generation.
Their dogs, both parents and pups, are given proper health care. They will have a medical exam and have all immunizations before they are sold. You will get a health guarantee.
Reputable breeders will also offer to take the dog back if you ever need to surrender it.
Also expect a good breeder to ask you questions. They will want to be sure they place their dog in a home that’s a good fit.
Westphalian Dachsbracke Rescue/Adoption
If you would prefer to find a Westphalian Dachsbracke for adoption, you have a challenge ahead of you.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, we were not able to find any Westphalian Dachsbracke rescues online. You are also unlikely to find one at your local shelter.
You could try the online sources mentioned above. They may also be good sources for information about Westphalian Dachsbracke rescues.
Is the Westphalian Dachsbracke the Right Breed for You?
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is an adorable small dog who makes a lovely companion dog for the right family.
He is a hunting breed, so he needs a family that can deal some stubbornness and high energy.
If you can commit to firm training and meeting his exercise needs, the sweet and loyal Westphalian Dachsbracke temperament may be exactly the right choice for you.
Paula is an experienced writer who loves dogs and had many of them through the years. Her family always had large dogs—Border Collies, Labs, and Golden Retrievers. When her beloved Golden died of cancer, she decided to practice what she preached and do some research before choosing her next breed. She now shares this knowledge with thousands of dogtemperament.com readers worldwide.