Mary Allen
The short legs of the Alpine Dachshund may not give you a direct idea, but it is a true hunting dog. It is very good at finding tracks, retrieving, or driving prey in the direction of the hunter. It is definitely not a lap dog. However, if kept in accordance with her nature, she is affectionate, friendly to children, and protective of her family.
Huntress from the Alps
As early as the 19th century, there were many dogs of the Alpine tax break type in the Austrian, German, and partly Swiss Alps. However, visually they are almost not similar to each other. In 1896, the first “International Dachshund Club” was founded in Munich, which set itself the task of starting purebred breeding of Alpine Dachshunds. The Alpine Dachshund has been recognized as an independent breed since 1975.
Alpine Dachshund: Temperament
The Alpine Dachshund is protective of its home and its people and bravely faces any danger. However, it is not enough for her to keep him as a watchdog. At heart, she is a hunter who wants to go with them. She loves smelling new scents, tracking games, moving through forests and grasslands, fetching, and sometimes doing water work near you.
They are only interested in games in the short term – this smart dog needs much more. He enjoys running, fearless on a leash. However, if the Alpine Dachshund undergoes conscientious training, it proves to be a loyal, energetic, independent, and willing companion on four legs.
Training & Maintenance of the Alpine Dachshund
This dog wants to hunt because hunting is in its genes. Therefore, the Alpine Dachshund needs to go in the forest or in the mountains, in the presence of experienced people. If you are a hunter or a forester, you will be able to offer your dog everything necessary for life. If you want to keep him as a companion dog, know that he will require you to walk for many hours and, if necessary, seek hunting moments on his own. If he also lacks meaningful work, he may develop behavioral disorders in the long run.
The Alpine Dachshund is not a dog for beginners – the animal needs to be experienced by human guidance. From an early age, a sensitive but consistent upbringing or hunting training is required. Something this dog learned once, it will never forget. However, it may take some time before the first learning successes become apparent. If you let the Alpine Dachshund get away with the little things, he won’t take you seriously (anymore). Even worse, if you cross her boundaries, she will never forget. In addition, Alpine Dachshunds are often stubborn and, due to their great self-confidence, are not always obedient: they like to test their (and your) limits.
The Alpine Dachshund can be kept indoors or in a kennel. However, it is important that you offer her enough exercise. It should be in the form of a garden, take place on walks or, of course, while hunting. If you want your Alpine Dachshund to run freely on walks, it is recommended that you take him through anti-hunting training. She is generally friendly towards other dogs and gets along well with them.
It is kind to children. Do not forget, however, that this dog needs more physical and mental exercise than many other dog breeds. It is not enough for her to play with children or just play games. However, if you let your Alpine Dachshund do enough work, he will show himself to be a calm, outgoing dog that will always take care of you and your home.
Alpine Dachshund Care
Alpine dachshund fur is easy to care for as it repels moisture and dirt. You just clean the dried dirt from the fur. You should comb your dog from time to time to remove loose hair and loosen the undercoat. You don’t need to bathe him.
Alpine Dachshund:Features
The Alpine Dachshund is usually only sold to professional hunters, for whom you must present a hunting license to the breeder. If you want to have an Alpine Dachshund without professional experience in your home, look at animal shelters or animal protection services. There is also Bracken that is suitable for beginners. However, you should also pay attention to how strong the characteristics of the Alpine Dachshund are and whether the animal is really suitable for you and your life.