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German Hound
Hound breed from Germany
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the German Hound
The German Hound, also known as the Deutsche Bracke, is a medium-sized scent hound originating from Germany. It has a short, tricolor coat and an athletic build. The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, calm, and confident. Its energy level is rated 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly high need for activity. Trainability is moderate (3/5), and grooming needs are low (2/5). Shedding is moderate (3/5). The German Hound is moderately suitable with children (3/5) and generally good with other dogs (4/5), but less suited to apartment living (2/5). Adult males and females weigh approximately 18–25 kg and stand 48–53 cm tall. Estimated lifespan is 10–14 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
German Hound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginGermany
Lifespan10–14 years
Male weight18–25 kilogram
Female weight18–25 kilogram
Male height48–53 centimetre
Female height48–53 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The German Hound was developed in the Westphalia region of Germany from various local Bracke types. These dogs were bred for hunting wild boar and deer, working in packs. The breed's history reflects a long tradition of scent hound use in German forests, with an emphasis on endurance and a keen nose. The official breed standard was established in 1900, following the merger of breed clubs in 1896 that aimed to unify the type. This consolidation helped define the German Hound as a distinct breed, though its exact earlier origins are not precisely documented. The breed remains relatively rare outside its native region, and its recognition status varies by kennel club.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
18–25 kilogramAdult weight48–53 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolorRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticcalmconfident
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No German Hound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
German Hound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight18–25 kilogramAdult female weight18–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a German Hound?
The German Hound is a medium-sized breed. Adult males and females typically weigh between 18 and 25 kg and stand 48 to 53 cm tall at the shoulder. Their estimated lifespan is 10 to 14 years. These figures are modelled estimates.
What is the temperament of a German Hound?
The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, calm, and confident. However, individual dogs may vary. They are moderately suitable with children (3/5) and generally good with other dogs (4/5). Early socialization is recommended.
How much exercise does a German Hound need?
The German Hound has a high energy level (4/5), so it requires regular, vigorous exercise. As a scent hound bred for hunting, it enjoys activities that engage its nose, such as tracking or hiking. Without sufficient exercise, it may become restless.
What are the grooming requirements for a German Hound?
Grooming needs are low (2/5). The short, tricolor coat requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Shedding is moderate (3/5). Bathing can be done as needed.
Is the German Hound suitable for apartment living?
The breed is less suited to apartment living (2/5) due to its high energy and need for space to roam. A home with a securely fenced yard is more appropriate.
Where does the German Hound originate from?
The German Hound originates from Germany, specifically the Westphalia region. It was developed from local Bracke types for hunting wild boar and deer.
Is the German Hound recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed has an official standard established in 1900, but not all kennel clubs may recognize it. Check with your local registry for current status.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.