German Hound

FCI 299 . Small-sized Hounds

The first written traces of the German Hound date from the 18th century. German breeders wanted to create a versatile hunting dog., but it is very difficult to define precisely the ancestry of the breed. But, the German Hound was originally a descendant of Beagle, English Pointer and English Foxhound. Other breeds like greyhounds, the hounds, the “Westphalian Dachsbracke“, the “Holzbracke de Sauerland tricolor” (small hound for hunting in the forest) and “Steinbracken” locals may have contributed to the breed.

Multipurpose hunting and hounds were booming in Germany at the time, after the dismantling of large hunting grounds and the abandonment of traditional hound hunting methods in favor of stalking and stalking.

Over the years, the German Hound has come to be known by a large number of regional variants under different names. The Deutscher Bracken Club was founded in Olpe (North Rhine-Westphalia) in 1896 and included all the varieties of the northwest of the country. In 1900, were finally grouped into a single race called “Deutsche Bracke” (German Hound).

But, was not up 1964 that was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The standard currently in force dates from 1987.

Sometimes known as the “Braque d’Olpe” (the city where one of the variants of the breed was found and where the Deutscher Bracken Club), the German Hound still a very popular hunting dog in his native region, and even in the rest of Germany. But, its distribution outside of Germany remains highly confidential.

That does not prevent it from being recognized by the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) and the United Kennel Club (U.K.C.) in the United States, as well as by the Kennel Club (K.C.) From great britain.

Photo: hundeo.com

The German Hound it is a light hunting dog, tall and elegant that, However, it is of solid construction. The head is noble and rather light, with medium-sized pendulous ears and a well-carried but relatively thick tail in relation to the line of the body. The abdomen is slightly folded.

The teething of the German Hound is particularly strong and regular, with powerful pointed incisors. The eyes, that are moderately large, they are clear and bright. The head, dry and moderately long, and relatively strong neck (compared to the head) follow each other to achieve a slightly arched top.

The coat is long, very dense and hard, and even covers the belly. It is tricolor: red or fawn, black and white. The saddle and / or coat must be black and well defined. The characteristic white markings of the breed are a continuous list on the muzzle., the neck (a totally white collar is particularly appreciated), chest and limbs. The tip of the tail is also white.

The German Hound He is a medium-sized dog that exudes a great joie de vivre. Attached and endowed with a stable character, is happy when put to work and has plenty of outdoor space. Being able to live in complete freedom in a large fenced garden is essential if your master is regularly away, since he likes to live outdoors and exercise. In fact, you need to vent at least two hours a day to be balanced. If you do not allow your partner to use your energy, the master has every chance of ending up with a stressed dog, overexcited, aggressive or even destructive.

It also, even if you have enough opportunities to exercise, the risk of the dog escaping is high with the German Hound, who especially appreciates sneaking out of his house as soon as he gets the chance, whether to explore new environments or follow tempting smells.

The German Hound not at all a suitable breed of dog for apartment living. And unless you have a very large garden – and even then… – it is also not a suitable breed of dog for an elderly or sedentary person. You need an active owner, even sporty, to provide you with the exercise and outings you need.

Nice to live, It can be both a companion dog and a hunting dog, since it is able to adapt to many situations. But, although they love to wander in every corner of the garden, his great passion is still hunting, in which they excel thanks to their particularly developed sense of smell. The German Hound it is above all a tough tracking dog that needs to work hard and work hard. They excel in the pursuit of uninjured game and in the pursuit of wounded prey.

Due to his cautious behavior in front of strangers and his ability to be attentive and alert in any situation, also can, occasionally and as long as it does not last too long (your joviality is likely to regain control), occasionally assume the role of watchdog.

But, whatever your activity at that time, can be easily distracted from your mission by a pleasant smell, in which case it becomes difficult to attract your attention again.

These hunting dogs are passionate about stalking their prey, but they are also very sensitive. They are very close to their family and are very loyal to them. So, should be handled with care and never intimidated, although sometimes they are on guard. Particularly loyal, faithful and sociable, the German Hound proves to be the ideal companion for the whole family, and gets along so well with adults – whose authority and leadership you seek – as with small children, who likes to have fun with. But, should not be left alone with young children, since their overwhelming energy could inadvertently push them, knock them down or knock them unconscious.

Although the German Hound is generally friendly and balanced, meeting other dogs can be a problem in some cases. Although the German Hound has long been accustomed to living with other dogs due to its long use in hunting in packs, some dogs still tend to be dominant, especially when it comes to unfamiliar animals. For this reason, any outing synonymous with a possible dog encounter involves keeping your partner on a leash.

Regarding cohabitation with other pets, especially a cat, it can be hard too. In fact, unless you got used to it too soon, that is to say, created together, tends to regard other animals as potential prey. In other words, not really a recommended dog breed with a cat…

Finally, the German Hound is a noisy dog ​​whose voice extends far. This is a characteristic common to all hunting dogs., since they must communicate with their master at a distance. But this might not be to the taste of the neighbors, who might complain about the dog's barking. It is important to pay attention to this point when training the puppy, to prevent his barking from becoming a problem once he is an adult.

Although it is soft, stable and very nice, the German Hound not an easy dog ​​breed to train and obedient. So, requires a strong and early education, but of course without any brutality, as this could only backfire. To get the best of your partner, it is necessary to combine sweetness and firmness, and put special emphasis on the socialization of the dog.

Last, if it is to be used as a hunting dog, learning how to call your dog back is obviously of particular importance.

In any case, training sessions should be short and interesting enough, since the German Hound it can be annoying, especially if tempting smells distract your attention.

For all these reasons, should be reserved for experienced teachers: not a suitable breed as a first dog.

The German Hound it is a fairly robust and resistant dog.

But, you are particularly at risk of hip dysplasia, as well as the risk of inversion of the stomach (dilation-torsion).

Whatever the cause, a possible operation should be done with greater vigilance as this dog is very sensitive to anesthesia.

It also, as in any breed of dog with floppy ears, special attention should be paid to the risk of ear infections in the dog.

It also, the absence of descent of one or even both testicles into the scrotum (dog cryptorchidism) it is relatively frequent in this breed. Generally prevents the affected male from reproducing and makes it impossible to confirm the dog.

Finally, the German Hound are frequently found with eye problems, so it is advisable to also pay attention to this point.

The German Hound it is an easy breed of dog to keep. Its short coat requires only a minimum of grooming and regular maintenance.. Brushing your dog once a week should be enough to preserve the beauty of his coat.. It also, how the coat naturally repels dirt and water, bathing is not normally necessary.

It also, even during the molting period, loses very little hair.

It also, like any dog ​​with floppy ears, the inside of them should also be carefully monitored to reduce the risk of ear infections.

This may be an opportunity to inspect your eyes at the same time., to be able to intervene quickly if there is a problem in this area.

As the German Hound it is a fairly resistant breed, feeding your dog shouldn't pose any particular problems. A meat-based diet, vegetables and starchy foods, or quality croquettes, it will be perfectly adequate.

But, Be careful with the volume of the portions!! If used as a hunting dog, it may certainly be appropriate to increase them by 10 to 20% during hunting season, when you are more active than usual. But they must also adapt to the dog's energy needs when they decrease, to avoid any risk of the dog becoming overweight.

It also, it is important to avoid giving too much food before the dog goes hunting, At risk, for example, to throw up. A little pre-hunt snack is a good thing, but the bulk of the daily ration should be given in the afternoon.

Although they can be nice companion dogs, the German Hound It, above all and by its very nature, a hunting dog specialized more specifically in tracking hares, badgers and big game, whether or not they are injured. These fine hounds are experts in difficult terrain and can withstand all kinds of weather conditions.. They like to chase their prey for hours and hours. Its long snout and extremely sensitive nose are its best allies in this task.. Once the prey has been hunted, its loud and clear bark is highly appreciated by hunters, since it allows them to point out the exact position of the hunted animal.

Although the German Hound it is very suitable for hunting alone, also excels in pairs or small groups of individuals. This is how the breed was originally used.

The price to adopt a puppy from German Hound is between 700 and 900 EUR.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "German Hound" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

• FCI CLASSIFICATION: 299
• Group 6: Scent hounds, and related breeds.
• Section 1.3: Medium-sized hound-type dogs.. With proof of work..

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 6: Scent hounds, and related breeds. – Section 1.3: Small-sized Hounds. ⓘ
• – AKC – Hound ⓘ
• – ​KC – Houndy ⓘ
• – UKC – Scenthounds ⓘ

FCI - German Hound

1. Deutsche Bracke, German Bracke, Olper Bracke, Westphalian Bracke (English).
2. (deutsche bracke en allemand) (French).
3. Westfälische Bracke (German).
4. braco alemão, (em alemão: Deutsche Bracke) (Portuguese).
5. Sabueso de sangre de Baviera (español).