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Westphalian Dachsbracke
Hound breed from Westphalia, Germany
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Westphalian Dachsbracke
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a medium-sized hound breed originating from Westphalia, Germany. It has a short, tricolor coat and is described as alert, intelligent, friendly, work-focused, and loyal. Its energy and trainability are both rated 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly active and responsive dog. Grooming needs are low (score 2), shedding is moderate (score 3). Suitability with children and other dogs is moderate (score 3 each), while apartment suitability is lower (score 2). Adult weight is estimated between 15 and 18 kg, height between 30 and 38 cm, and lifespan between 10 and 15 years. These measurements are modelled estimates, so actual individuals may vary.
Quick facts
Westphalian Dachsbracke at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginWestphalia, Germany
Lifespan10–15 years
Male weight15–18 kilogram
Female weight15–18 kilogram
Male height30–38 centimetre
Female height30–38 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Westphalian Dachsbracke was developed in the Westphalia region of Germany. According to one source, it was created by crossing the Deutsche Bracke with Dachshunds. The goal was to produce a short-legged tracking hound capable of working in dense terrain and tracking wounded game. This history is based on a single source and should be treated as plausible but not independently verified. The breed is recognized by some registries but not universally; its recognition status varies by registry. No specific dates or historical events are available in the supplied facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
15–18 kilogramAdult weight30–38 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolorRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Alertintelligentfriendlywork-focusedloyal
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
Typically responsive to training
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 Westphalian Dachsbracke-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
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- 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
Westphalian Dachsbracke 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 weight15–18 kilogramAdult female weight15–18 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 Westphalian Dachsbracke?
Based on modelled estimates, adult Westphalian Dachsbrackes weigh between 15 and 18 kg and stand 30 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan is estimated at 10 to 15 years. These figures are estimates, so individual dogs may differ.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as alert, intelligent, friendly, work-focused, and loyal. However, temperament can vary among individuals. They are not necessarily suited for every household; their work-focused nature may require a job or structured activity.
How much exercise does a Westphalian Dachsbracke need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, this breed is fairly active and likely needs regular exercise. As a hound developed for tracking in dense terrain, it probably benefits from activities that engage its scenting abilities. Specific exercise requirements are not provided, but moderate to high daily activity is reasonable.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are low (score 2 out of 5). The short coat requires minimal brushing, and shedding is moderate (score 3). Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are still recommended.
Is the Westphalian Dachsbracke suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, suggesting it is not ideal for small spaces. The breed's energy level and hound instincts may make a home with a yard more appropriate.
How does this breed get along with children and other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate tolerance. Individual temperament and socialization play a large role. Supervision with young children and careful introductions to other dogs are advised.
Where does the Westphalian Dachsbracke originate from?
The breed originates from Westphalia, Germany. It was developed by crossing Deutsche Bracke with Dachshunds to create a short-legged tracking hound for dense terrain. This origin information comes from a single source and is not independently confirmed.
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.