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Deutsche Sauerlandbracke

History

Just as the French developed their bassets for closer or slower hound work, the Germans created their dachshunds and dachsbrackes. Short-legged versions of the bracke have been known for a very long time in the western German areas of Westphalia and the Deutsche Sauerlandbracke . Modern authorities feel his development included short-legged mutations of the larger brackes, as well as crosses to the dachshunds of the time. Cynol-ogists Ludwig Beckmann and Otto Grashey first officially described and named the breed in 1886, although portraits from the Middle Ages show the little dog. The Westphalian Dachsbracke was recognized by the German Kennel authorities in 1935, and is fostered and protected today under the umbrella of the Deutsche Bracken Club.

This Sauerlandbracke has been recruited for hunting hare, fox, wild boar and rabbit in the central high mountains. Hunting in the mountain woods is impossible without dogs. He searches for game, is especially good for the "circle chase" with rabbits and is employed for blood-trailing as well. Often the prey is not as fearful of the smaller Sauerlandbracke and allows the dog to approach closer before fleeing.

This short hunter performs well unless the snow is very deep. He must be willing to give tongue, but only when sure of his quarry. This vocal attribute is highly desirable, and silent dogs are neutered. The "loud" hunting is utilized only for short distances, often when he chases the quarry around in a circle and back to the waiting hunter. More and more, the Westphalian dog is also used for schweisshund trailing work. This is a pleasant and companionable dog.

Faults * * Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note *** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.