Mary Allen
Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the dog breed German Bracke in the profile.
Of the previously numerous Bracken breeds, only the Westphalian Bracke has survived in Germany. Their most important local breed was the three-colored Sauerland Holzbracke. By merging this breed with local stone hounds, a unit type was created which has been known as the “German Hound” since 1900.
General Appearance
According to the breed standard, the appearance is that of a light, tall, elegant but powerfully built hunting dog with a noble, relatively light head, good feathers, and a well-carried tail that is noticeably thick for the overall noble appearance of the dog; slightly raised body. The coat is short, very dense, and almost foxing, and can be red to yellow with a black coat and white hound markings. The fur is a dark deer red and can also show black hair tips. White markings are also possible.
Behavior and temperament
The German Hound is a typical hunting dog: It is extremely friendly and affectionate towards its people, is very calm in the house, and is also patient with children. The temperament of the dog shows itself in the forest: Here the Bracke is a persevering, brisk tracking dog that shows an iron “will to track” and can continue its work for hours.
Need for employment and physical activity
Bracken needs a lot of exercises and also want to be mentally occupied. It is ideal when both requirements are combined, such as when tracking. Long walks, during which training with the dog, must be with this dog, a short walk around the block is not enough here, even exceptionally. If you neglect this need, you risk that the animal’s character will develop negatively due to its dissatisfaction or that it will develop unloved quirks out of frustration. The Bracke has a wild temperament that she must be allowed to live out.
Upbringing
Keeping them busy is difficult, but raising them to be well-socialized and obedient dogs is very easy. As a rule, the German Hound does not strive for “pack leadership” and happily adapts to human requirements. Hard training methods are not necessary with this dog and are even counterproductive: Unnecessary hardness or drills change the friendly character of this dog rather negatively.
Maintenance
The fur needs to be brushed regularly. You should also pay particular attention to the length of the claws: If the dog mainly moves in the forest, the claws will not be worn down enough because of the soft ground and will have to be trimmed by the veterinarian.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
Like most hunting dogs, the German Hound enjoys robust health. There are no known hereditary diseases in this breed.
Did you know?
Colloquially in Northern Germany, the terms “Olper Bracke”, “Sauerländer Bracke” or “Westphalian Bracke” are still common for this breed.