Deutsche BrackeCharacteristics, history, training and care
Deutsche Bracke. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Deutsche Bracke (German hound) is an elegant, high-legged and strong hound from Westphalia. It is red or yellow, with a black saddle and the white markings typical of German hounds. It is strictly a hunting dog, used today mainly on roe deer, but also on hares and foxes.
Quick facts
| Common name | Deutsche Bracke (German hound) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Germany (Westphalia) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 28 January 1964 (group 6, small-sized scenthounds, with working trial; standard no. 299) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized hounds usually live 11–14 years |
| Size (males) | 40–53 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 40–53 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Long for a short-haired dog, very dense, harsh, almost bristly |
| Common colours | Red to yellow, with a black saddle and white markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | A tenacious hunting dog with a powerful voice |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that of the many varieties of Bracken that once existed in Germany, only the Westphalian Bracke survived, with its most important local variety, the tricoloured Sauerländer Holzbracke. By combining this type with local Steinbracken, a distinct type was formed, called the Deutsche Bracke since 1900.
Wikipedia says the German hound club was founded in 1896 in Finnentrop and moved to Olpe in 1911. Old regional names, such as “Olpe Bracke” or “Sauerländer Bracke”, were merged into a single breed. The club also preserves the traditions of hunting with hounds, including the use of the hunting horn.
How the breed developed
- 16th century – The “Brackade”, hunting with hounds and firearms, appears.
- 1896 – The Deutscher Bracken Club is founded in Finnentrop.
- 1900 – The local varieties are united under the name Deutsche Bracke.
- 1911 – The club moves to Olpe.
- 28 January 1964 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard and the Wikipedia description (strictly a hunting dog).
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a light, high-legged, elegant but strong hunting dog, with a fine, noble head, good ears and a remarkably thick, well-carried tail.
General appearance
The head is fine, clean and long, and seen from the front it looks narrow and long. The long ears hang down. Wikipedia says it has a rectangular body and a long, narrow tail. The harsh coat forms a moderate brush on the underside of the tail.
| Feature | Deutsche Bracke |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 40–53 cm |
| Coat | Dense, harsh, almost bristly |
| Head | Fine, long and narrow |
| Ears | Long, hanging |
| Tail | Thick, with a moderate brush |
The coat is red to yellow, with a black saddle or mantle and the white markings typical of German hounds: a white blaze on the head, white muzzle, white collar, white chest, white legs and white tail tip.
Training and socialisation
Wikipedia says the Deutsche Bracke is strictly a hunting dog and is rarely seen outside Germany. It follows game tenaciously, and its baying tells the hunter where the dog is and what game it is following.
Like any hound, it needs patience in training and a lot of recall practice.
Tips for effective training
- Practise recall. It follows game tenaciously.
- Work with its nose. Scent games make it happy.
- Think of the neighbours. It bays loudly on the trail.
- Check the puppy's background. Outside Germany, Wikipedia recommends checking the registers carefully.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a hardy hound that needs a lot of exercise every day. Wikipedia says that, for a pack, the breed club considers a hunting ground of at least 1,000 hectares necessary.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in nature | daily | Great stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Uses up energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
- The yard must be well fenced.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The harsh, dense coat is easy to care for, with a brushing once a week.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. Worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Ear infections | Infections of the long ears | Scratching, bad smell, tilted head |
Other care
- Check the ears after every outing.
- Check for ticks after hunting.
- Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion goes up during the hunting season.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Fresh water should always be available.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The first registered Bracke. It was the first German hound registered as a separate breed, in 1900.
- The hunting horn. Hunters still communicate with the dogs by hunting horn today.
- The word “Bracke”. In German, “Bracke” has come to mean hound.
- Typical white markings. The white blaze, muzzle, collar and tail tip are called “Bracken markings”.
- Rare outside Germany. It is used almost only by hunters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Deutsche Bracke?
A German hound from Westphalia, used for hunting roe deer, hares and foxes.
How big does it get?
It measures 40–53 cm at the withers.
What colour is it?
Red to yellow, with a black saddle and white markings.
Is it a family dog?
It is first and foremost a hunting dog and needs a lot of exercise.
