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Westphalian dachsbracke

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog westphalian dachsbracke!

Here, you will find all the useful information about westphalian dachsbracke. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a breed of dog that originated in Germany, more specifically in the historic region of Westphalia. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and its ancestors were hounds used to hunt big game in the region.

The precise origins of the Westphalian Dachsbracke are not well documented, but it is thought to be descended from crosses between local hounds and French or English Basset Hounds. These crosses were made with the aim of creating a shorter-legged hunting dog suited to hunting in the difficult, rugged terrain of the Westphalian region.

The Westphalian Basset's morphology is typical of bassets, with a short, elongated body, short legs, a strong muzzle and a well-developed nose. The average height is 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 inches) at the withers, and the average weight is around 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 pounds). This morphology gives it a robust, compact appearance, ideal for hunting in wooded and mountainous areas.

The character of the Westphalian Dachsbracke is described as gentle, friendly and determined. They are affectionate and loyal to their families, and generally get on well with children and other pets. As a hunting dog, they have an exceptional sense of smell and are able to follow a trail with perseverance and tenacity.

The German Kennel Club (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) was the first dog club to recognise the breed in 1935.

The Westphalian Dachsbracke was definitively recognised by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) under the name "Westphalian Dachsbracke" in Group 6 (Hounds, Bloodhounds and related breeds) on 29 November 1954. This recognition enabled the breed to gain international recognition and popularity as a companion and hunting dog. Not widely known outside Germany, the first Kennel Club to recognise the breed was the German Kennel Club (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) in 1935.

In conclusion, the Westphalian Basset is a versatile and devoted hunting dog, with a distinctive morphology that makes it an excellent tracker in difficult terrain. Its gentle, friendly character also makes it an ideal companion for family life. Thanks to its recognition by the FCI, this breed has gained international recognition, and its future looks promising as a dog appreciated as much for its hunting qualities as for its companionship.

Origins

The Westphalian Dachsbracke, also known as the Westfälische Dachsbracke, is a dog breed that originates from Germany, specifically in the region of Westphalia. This breed was developed from crossbreeding local dogs with bassets from France, with a clear goal: to create a dog capable of hunting in the dense and mountainous terrain of the region. The first records of the breed date back to the 17th century, but it was not until the late 19th century that the breed was officially recognized and standardized.

History

Over the centuries, the Westphalian Dachsbracke has been mainly used for hunting small game such as hares and foxes. Its small size allowed it to follow trails in dense forest areas where larger dogs could not pass. Despite its popularity among local hunters, the breed has always been relatively unknown outside of Germany. It was only with globalization and the increase in international cynophilic exchanges that the breed began to gain recognition beyond its original borders.

Standard

The standard of the Westphalian Basset breed describes a small, sturdy and well-proportioned dog, measuring between 30 and 38 cm at the withers for a weight that generally varies between 15 and 20 kg. The body is longer than it is high, which is characteristic of bassets. The coat is short, dense and can vary in color, although shades of red and black with white markings are the most common. The skull is wide and the ears are long and drooping, typical of hunting dogs.

Physical characteristics

The Westphalian Dachsbracke has a solid and muscular body adapted for hunting in rough terrain. Its legs are short but powerful, allowing it to move with agility in various environments. Its eyes often show great intelligence and a certain gentleness, contrasting with its endurance and tenacity in the field. Its tail is generally carried high and slightly curved upwards.

Character

The Westphalian Dachsbracke's character is balanced with a good dose of tenacity. It is a loyal and affectionate dog with its family, but it can be reserved towards strangers, making it a good guard dog. Although independent and sometimes stubborn, it is also known for its intelligence and ability to learn quickly, which makes training easier.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of this breed is on average 12 to 15 years. Like all dogs, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care are essential to ensure a long and healthy life.

Exercise and activity needs

Despite its relatively small size, the Westphalian Dachshund is an energetic dog that requires a lot of daily exercise. Regular walks and play sessions are necessary to maintain its physical and mental health. Its hunting nature makes it an excellent companion for outdoor activities such as hiking.

Recommended diet

A high-quality diet adapted to its age, weight, and activity level is crucial. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to establish a personalized dietary plan. The monthly cost of food can vary between 40 and 60 euros, depending on the brand and type of food chosen.

Training and obedience

Training a Westphalian Basset should be started early and consistently. Although they are intelligent and eager to please, their independence can sometimes make training a challenge. The use of positive reinforcement techniques is recommended to achieve the best results.

Behavior with children

The Westphalian Dachsbracke, also known by its German name Westfälische Dachsbracke, is generally very good with children, especially when properly socialized from a young age. Its gentle and patient nature makes it an excellent companion for families. However, as with all breeds, adult supervision is recommended during interactions between the dog and young children. This ensures everyone's safety and helps establish respectful relationships.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Westphalian Dachsbracke, a natural hunter, can coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if raised with them or gradually introduced. However, its hunting predisposition can sometimes lead it to chase small animals like cats or rodents if they are not familiar to it. Early and continuous socialization is crucial to reduce this behavior.

Grooming needs

The grooming needs of the Westphalian Dachsbracke are moderate. Its short coat requires regular brushing, ideally once a week, to remove dead hair and maintain healthy skin. This regular brushing also helps reduce the amount of hair that sheds on furniture and clothing.

Health

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is generally considered a robust breed with few specific health problems. However, like all dogs, they may be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and some heart disorders. Special attention should be paid to their diet to avoid obesity, a common problem that can worsen other health conditions.

Average price

The price of a Westphalian Basset puppy can vary considerably depending on its pedigree, conformity to breed standards, and the breeder. On average, the price can range from 800 to 1,200 euros. Factors such as the rarity of the breed in certain regions can also influence the price.

Expenses

The annual cost to maintain a Westphalian Basset, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories can range from 1,000 to 1,500 euros. Converted to dollars, this is approximately 1,100 to 1,650 USD. These costs can increase in case of health issues requiring special veterinary treatments or surgical interventions.

Name ideas

Names such as Bruno, Fritz, Gretel, Hans, Heidi, Lotti, Max, Otto, Sigi, and Zelda would be suitable for a Westphalian Basset, evoking its German origins. These names are both traditional and easy to pronounce, which is beneficial for training.

Legislation and regulation

In general, there are no specific regulations regarding the ownership of Westphalian Bassets, as they are not classified as a dangerous breed. However, owners must comply with local regulations regarding animal registration, vaccination, and leash holding in public places.

Official recognition

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is recognized by major organizations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In Germany, the official club of the breed is the "Deutscher Bracken Club", which is responsible for maintaining the breed standards, organizing events, and providing resources to owners and breeders.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees are available for the Westphalian Dachsbracke through breed clubs and recognized registry organizations. These documents are essential to prove the purity of the dog's lineage, and are often required to participate in conformation competitions.

Destination and usage

Traditionally used for hunting, especially to track game on difficult terrain, the Westphalian Dachsbracke is also an excellent companion dog thanks to its friendly character and manageable size. It is still used in some environments for hunting game, but it also adapts well to family life.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions on the importation or ownership of the Westphalian Dachsbracke in most countries. However, as with all breeds, it is important to check local laws before importing or buying a dog from another country as regulations may vary.

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