German Hound

The Deutsche Bracke is Germany's surviving native scent hound, gathered from several regional strains into one breed.

History

Germany once had many local bracken — Steinbracke, Sauerländer, Westphalian and others — and in 1900 the surviving strains were combined into a single breed based on the Westphalian type. It hunts hare, fox and boar, usually alone or in pairs rather than in packs, and it is bred by German hunting associations rather than for show.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, steady and persistent, sociable with people and dogs and thoroughly committed once it has a line, with a loud clear voice it uses on the trail.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy and the drop ears want checking.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.