Westphalian Dachsbracke

Also called Westfälische Dachsbracke, Westphalian Hound

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Germany (Westphalia); the short-legged form of the German Hound.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height30 to 38 cm1 3 2

Sizesmall

loyal and friendly

serious and alert worker

compact and powerful for its size

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense, coarse short coat

A long-bodied, sturdy little hound on short legs with a high-set tail. The rough, dense coat is shortest on the head and ears and a bit longer along the back and under the tail.1 3

Coloursred to yellow with black saddle or mantle and white hound markings1 3

Personality what they are like

A faithful, friendly hound with a calm, serious side when working. It is alert and focused on scent, with a gentle expression.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working scent hound bred to track hare and fox, often in packs, so it enjoys regular walks and scent-based activities.1 2

The story where it all began

It was first described in 1886 as a short-legged variety of the German Hound and was recognised by the German Kennel Club in 1935. Swedish breeders used it to create the Drever, which has since become better known. It remains uncommon even in Germany.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the ancestor of the Swedish Drever, which is now more widespread than the Dachsbracke itself.2
2
The white face blaze, collar, chest and tail tip are called 'Bracken' markings.2
3
Under the FCI standard it must pass a working trial to become a champion.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 100, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.3 Small-sized hounds; standard dated 24.06.1987; working trial required.1
UKC: Scenthound Group; recognised 2006.3
VDH (German Kennel Club): Recognised in 1935 according to Wikipedia.2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Westphalian Dachsbracke. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Start a free diary

Drever

Alpine Dachsbracke

German Hound

Basset Hound

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard No. 100 Westphalian Dachsbracke fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
Wikipedia: Westphalian Dachsbracke en.wikipedia.orgused for history, Drever link, uses (secondary)
UKC: Westphalian Dachsbracke ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, expression

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.