The Posavac Hound is a scenthound from Croatia, and is an ancient breed whose origins are not completely known. There is speculation that he is represented in ancient texts (or at least resembles dogs from ancient texts) from as far back as the late 15th century. Official documentation started in 1929, and he was recognized by the FCI in 1955. In the United States he is recognized by the UKC but is almost never seen and is considered a rare breed. Created to hunt both hare and fox, he is said to have great stamina in the field as well as possess an excellent nose for tracking.

Posavacs have great hunting drives and are confident and lively – they need plenty of exercise to be happy. Without it, they can become nervous or overly excitable which makes them difficult to live with. When properly exercised they are docile and easy to keep in the home. This means they’re problematic for apartment life unless the owner is very dedicated to putting in lots of time every day with higher impact fitness routines such as biking. Remember – this is a high energy dog originally used for hunting all day! He is not a couch potato and will probably prove frustrating for low-energy owners.

The Posavac Hound can be obedient when trained as he is naturally agreeable. He is intelligent and enjoys learning. It behooves an owner to give him a job which will therefore help with mental stimulation – tasks such as search and rescue, tracking or nosework are right up his alley since he enjoys using his nose! As far as non-nose related jobs, agility and rally are both fun dog sports that he can enjoy as well.

The Posavac can make a good watchdog since he enjoys using his voice, but is also affectionate to his family and enjoys playing with children. The standard states he should never be aggressive nor nervous. This “melodic” hound, like many scenthounds, will bay/howl under many different circumstances – one of which is when strangers come to the door. While he probably won’t be any good as a guard dog, his vocal nature can be a deterrent to many would-be intruders.

Posavac Hounds are fairly healthy and not prone to any particular health issues although are more likely then other breeds to be hit by a car due to wandering off while following their noses. Make sure to keep this high-drive sniffer on a leash when off the property! When properly taken care of, the average life expectancy is 12-13 years. Given a large fenced yard supplemented with daily exercise, he will thrive both mentally as well as physically.

The Posavac is a loyal and devoted companion that forms very strong bonds with those they love. In fact, they are more prone to separation anxiety than some other breeds because of their strong will to stay near their “favorite person”. A savvy owner can minimize this problem with early training and behavior work, although this is probably not the best breed for people who spend all day at work.

Posavac Hounds are medium in size and any shade of red or wheaten, most often with white markings on the head, neck, chest, legs and tail. The coat is smooth yet dense and requires very minimal grooming – a weekly brushing and a bath when needed will keep him shiny and clean. Ears are thin and hang beside the head; they will require weekly cleaning. The tail is long and carried in a saber fashion, often with a brush of longer hair at the end. The white teeth that meet in a scissors bite will require regular brushing. Finally, make sure to keep the nails trimmed and that’s about it as far as grooming!

Photo By Strojovodjazg

Bred by the Stephens family as a strain of Mountain Cur, the Stephen’s Stock Cur eventually became distinct enough to warrant recognition as it’s own breed. Always dark in color (all black or mostly black), this is an American breed from Kentucky used to hunt squirrel and raccoon. Occasionally a pack of Stephens will even be used on larger game such as mountain lions or bears! They are excellent at tracking, even on cold trails, and are also known for their “good voices” (read: they can be loud when excited). The vast majority of “little blacks”, as they are fondly called, are kept in hunting homes. Curs are a sub-type of scenthound and are frequently high in prey drive since the majority of the population are still used for their original purpose.

While the Stephen’s Cur is too high-energy and has too strong of a hunting instinct to be kept solely as a family pet, he can be kept as a house companion by those who will take him hunting regularly. Indeed, he has many traits which makes him a wonderful companion to those who can meet his needs. He is affectionate and loyal, including with children. He has a happy demeanor and should never be aggressive as long as he is socialized correctly. He is a polite (although reserved) dog in public, a calm dog at home (when given exercise and a hunting job), and a brave dog in the field. Many Stephen’s Stock Curs get along well with other dogs. This is also one of the rarer breeds that can be ok with living outdoors as long as they have adequate shelter. Finally he also makes a good watchdog as he is suspicious of strangers coming onto the property and will sound the alarm when this happens.

The Stephen’s Stock can be easy to train for the most part although care should be taken around small animals that may be seen as prey. A prey animal nearby means all bets are off unless plenty of distraction-training has been completed. He does need firm leadership, early socialization and plenty of exercise as a baseline to compliment any formal obedience training for best results. As mentioned above, he needs a job and while obedience is important and recommended, he probably won’t be happy unless also allowed to hunt. For those owners who enjoy competition, coon hunting trials are a dog sport in which the breed enjoys and thrives!

While the Stephen’s Cur enjoys running off-lead when hunting in rural areas, he needs to be walked on leash when in an area with cars. Regular daily walks should always include a leash as he is apt to go running off at the first interesting odor. Prepare to exercise him for at least 90 minutes a day, especially on days when he isn’t hunting! This may come in the form of jogging, swimming, physically/mentally stimulating games, hiking, extended walks and/or sports that incorporate using his nose.

Stephen’s Stocks are small to medium-sized dogs with short double coats which may be solid black or with white markings that make up no more than 1/3rd of their total color. They require very little in terms of grooming although their hanging ears should be checked and cleaned regularly – particularly after they have been out hunting. Nail trimming must be done like with all dogs and a good brushing should be given once a week or so.

The Stephen’s Cur is a rare breed even in the United States, although is recognized by the UKC. Some of their rarity is due to their unsuitability for the majority of households – needing to live in more rural areas and requiring plenty of property to run around in. Their insatiable desire to work makes them both highly sought after by some, as well as highly avoided by others. Overall however, many American have never even heard of this breed unless they live in the south. In which case they can be said to be a well-kept secret by hunting enthusiasts.

The Finnish Hound’s first standard was drafted in 1932, and they have been recognized by the UKC since the 1990’s although are still a rare breed in the United States. In Finland, however, they are actually a very popular breed! They were developed from various Finnish breeds combined with European hounds to create a hunter that could work in Finnish-specific terrain (snowy and hilly). This scenthound has been traditionally used for hunting both fox and hare. They have an exceptional nose and are adept at tracking scents both airborne as well as on the ground. They hunt independently of the hunter, but will bark eagerly once they are engaged in a hunt to alert the hunter they are “on the track”.

Finnish Hounds are friendly and have relaxed temperaments – at least until they are engaged in a hunt! They are owned more often by hunters than the “pet community” as they have very high prey drives which can make ownership more difficult. Although they are more likely to be found with a hunter, it is not unheard of for them to be owned as pets. They have many great qualities as companions including their polite house manners, ease of traveling in cars, and obedient natures when trained. They get along well with children as well as other pets. This said, they may not be the best choice as a first dog for novice owners, as they can be extremely stubborn when they want to be. Also Finnish Hounds tend to bond very closely with their owners and can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.

While most Finnish Hounds are healthy, there are a few afflictions that plague the breed. Skin problems, cerebellar ataxia (a disorder of the nervous system), cancer, and Factor VII Deficiency (a clotting disorder) are unfortunately in many lines. Furthermore, behaviorally it is somewhat common to find excessive shyness in the breed. This means that potential owners must do their due diligence when looking for a puppy, and must seek out reputable breeders who are honest about their dogs and expectations for litters. The average lifespan is 11-12 years.

The Finnish Hound resembles a large Beagle, or many of the various Foxhound and hare-hunting breeds that the general public may be more familiar with. The coat is smooth, yet dense and harsh to the touch. The always-tricolor coat is a double coat that sheds a medium amount. The chest is deep with a visible forechest. The body is slightly longer than tall and while somewhat muscular, is not overly boxy. This medium sized breed is easy to groom and care for, rarely requiring baths. A good brushdown once a week is usually sufficient to keep the coat shiny.

The Finnish Hound does require plenty of exercise as he was bred to hunt for hours at a time, on consecutive days, without tiring. This energetic hound needs daily walks combined with time to run free in a fenced area – at minimum. Best case scenario is one in which the dog is also taken hunting on a regular basis! It should be obvious, but in case it’s not… this is not a breed for someone living in an apartment.

The Finnish Hound should be introduced to obedience training early in his life. While he can take well to training, like most scenthounds he can quickly lose interest if met with a prey-like distraction! For most novice owners he can be difficult in general to train, being independent and generally more interested in hunting than following commands. He also requires an owner/trainer who is firm (yet fair) while maintaining house rules. This doesn’t mean the task is impossible however, just that owners should be prepared to be patient. Off-leash training in particular can be extra difficult for this wanderlust-y hound.

Photo By EtäKärppä

The Schiller Hound (AKA the Schillerstovare) was developed by mixing Swiss Hounds with various British hounds (namely the Harrier), in order to create a fox and hare hunter. The breed is Swedish and was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in the early 1900’s – even declared as Sweden’s first native breed. They are rare in the United States although are recognized by the UKC. Unlike many scenthounds, this is not a pack hound and instead was used to hunt independently.

Schillers can make fantastic family dogs although they are more often seen as hunter’s dogs because of their reputation of being “the best fox hunting hounds”. They are good with kids but do best with older children as they can be too energetic and rowdy for toddlers. They have a strong, loud voice that is helpful during the hunt (although less so in city living. they do best in rural or country homes). Schillers can make good watch dogs as they will bark when something is amiss, although they are not really “guard dog material”. They are calm and polite in the home and have stable temperaments – being attentive and affectionate, and form strong bonds with those whom they love. They center the majority of their affection on one person in the family, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t still be enamored with other family members as well.

The Schiller Hound is an active breed that requires owners who are just as active and ready to give this life-loving dog all the exercise he needs. He requires daily exercise – and more than just a walk around the block. He needs extensive, varied workouts! Without such he can become destructive, loud and extra bossy. Keep in mind that all exercise should be done on-lead or in a fenced area as he has an above-average propensity for wandering.

Another plus for the Schiller is that he can be easy to train by an experienced dog owner or trainer. Because he may push limits, he is more difficult for novice owners. A good base of obedience is important to establish early on so that he won’t be too pushy with household rules. After a foundation for learning has been laid down, he can then be taught other skills such as nosework. Keep in mind that this scenthound has an independent nature when it comes to learning and traditional methods may need to be modified to keep his attention.  This intelligent dog doesn’t need any training when it comes to hunting, as those skills are built-in.

Schiller Hounds are medium to large in size, and are always tan with a black mantle (saddle) on the back. The coat is smooth and close-lying, yet harsh in texture. It requires only a brief brushing once a week in order to stay healthy, and only sheds moderately. The ears are high set, although hang close to the cheeks of the fairly long, triangular face. Legs are long and the overall picture of this hound is of an athletic, elegant dog. The Schiller is actually said to be the fastest Scandinavian hound!

Schillers require plenty of time and attention and won’t function well in homes where owners work all day. They can live well in homes with other dogs and enjoy having playmate, although this will not take the place of regular human companionship. Like most scenthounds they aren’t the best companions for small pets which can be mistaken for prey. They are very playful and enjoy having fun and playing games with their owners. When it comes to health, the Schiller is generally known to be a very healthy breed on the whole. Average life expectancy is 13-15 years. The issues that occasionally crop up include hip and elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder should hopefully be screening for these conditions, so make sure to ask!

Photo By Canarian

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a scenthound used for tracking wounded deer and hunting both hare and fox. He was at one point in history owned by German royalty. This Austrian breed dates back to the mid-19th century and was recognized in 1932 in Austria, and by the FCI in 1991. He is considered a rare breed in the United States, where he is recognized only by the UKC. Despite his small size, this is a hardy breed able to work in tough terrain and in high altitudes when necessary.

Alpines are super friendly to family/friends/strangers alike although are also quite brave and ready to “give it their all” when it comes to hunting! Because of their strong instincts they are often found in hunting homes rather than companion homes, although this is not to say that they can’t make great family dogs. Usually able to get along great with other dogs and children;  their biggest fault is the same as other hunting scenthound breeds – high prey drive. For instance they aren’t as good with smaller pets and can be cat-chasers if not raised with them from puppyhood. They do best with owners who understand the quirks of living with scenthounds. For those who can meet their particular needs, however, these are loyal and loving hounds with level-headed attitudes.

The Alpine Dachsbracke is easy to housebreak, intelligent and trainable although can also be easily distracted by interesting scents. He wasn’t bred to follow commands, he was bred to sniff out game. Like many scenthounds, off-lead training requires more work on the part of the owner/trainer. Making training sessions interesting and short will be more beneficial for this breed than long, drawn-out sessions. Although he doesn’t need as much mental stimulation as some breeds, he definitely needs his fair share of “brain games” to be happy. Obedience training can be one great way to stimulate that brain! Without some kind of mental exercise he can become stubborn, destructive and a general pain to live with.

It is clear to see the Dachshund lineage in the Alpine. He retains the long, low body and short legs that his ancestor also possesses although his legs aren’t quite as stubby. Although short in stature (14-15 inches at the withers), he is quite robust and weighs much more than similar dogs of his height (up to 40 pounds). The coat is short although thick and dense, with a double coat that makes him fully capable of living in cold temperatures. The preferred color of the breed is a distinctive “dark deer red” which may or may not include interspersed black hairs. The other acceptable color is black and tan with the traditional markings of other black/tan breeds (including the Dachshund).

The average lifespan of the Alpine Dachsbracke is about 12 years. While generally healthy, like other dwarf breeds he can have back issues. Keeping him fit and not letting him jump off of high furniture can help keep extra stress off his back and avoid injury. Regular exercise is also important to maintain a healthy spine. This is a very active dog that requires a fair amount of exercise! If he were larger he would likely need an extreme amount, although his short legs make the exercise requirement easier to maintain. Thirty minutes a day should be considered a good minimum to meet, in addition to free romping time in a (fenced) yard. This is not a good choice for apartments unless the owner is able to provide extremely substantial exercise every day.

Most Alpines make great watchdogs although they aren’t known as guard dogs. Not really aggressive nor intimidating in terms of size, they’ll bark but probably won’t do much beyond that. They are alert and interested in the world around them, and enjoy watching out the windows to see what’s going on! When their owners leave, most aren’t known for having separation anxiety issues for although they do love and appreciate having their owners around, they also can be independent.

The Hygen Hound is a scenthound from Norway. He got his name from his original creator Hans Hygen, who developed this breed in the 19th century. This hunting breed is known for his incredible stamina and ability to track and retrieve game in harsh arctic terrain. Prey usually consisted of rabbit, fox and hare. A medium sized hound, he is always either brown or red in color – often in combination with white (although not always), or black/tan (almost always with white markings). The coat is very short although dense enough to provide adequate protection in very cold weather.

Hygens are quite rare, and although they are recognized by the UKC in the United States are seldom seen here. One reason for their rarity is their extremely high energy, making them difficult to own for the majority of 9-5er’s. While they can be calm in the home, an extensive amount of exercise is necessary to get them to this state! Furthermore this is not a dog for a novice owner, and temperamentally can be very different than other scenthounds. While still possessing traits that make scenthound ownership difficult in general – such as needing to be kept on leash at all times due to high prey drive, they also have other difficult mannerisms. Many are possessive of resources and territorial of their properties – traits that should only be handled by knowledgeable dog owners.

Hygen Hounds are loyal and affectionate towards their families although act very differently towards strangers. At best, they are aloof. At worst they can be outright aggressive, particularly if they weren’t very well socialized as puppies. While these traits can make them good guard dogs it also means that they could be a liability in the wrong hands, and even having guests over might be a bit worrisome. They also aren’t known for getting along with small pets, sometimes including cats, because of their high prey drives.

Hygens like to learn and can be easy to train, but tend to do better when learning from a trusted owner because of their “stranger danger” tendencies. That said, because of this quirk their ability to be trained is especially dependent on the owner’s training skills. A complete novice will have a much harder time than an owner experienced with obedience training, as will a wishy-washy owner as Hygens won’t work for those they don’t respect. These hounds are intelligent but temperamental in this way. Establish a strict routine early on, and incorporate plenty of socialization opportunities in addition to obedience lessons.

The Hygen Hound typically lives between 11-12 years. Generally, the most common health issue in the breed is ear infections. Their floppy, hanging ears need regular cleaning and inspection as this type of ear is more likely to trap dirt and debris leading to issues. Other less-common health problems include a more-than-average tendency to bloat, some hip dysplasia and Von Willebrand’s Disease (a bleeding disorder). It’s very important to only buy puppies from responsible breeders who screen their dogs and keep track of health issues, making it more likely for their puppies to be clear of such issues.

While some Hygens are kept purely as companions it is very beneficial for them to be given opportunities to hunt! This helps give them mental stimulation as well as provides them with appropriate exercise, cutting down on potential behavior problems such as destructiveness, excessive barking and digging. As might be surmised, this breed should never be kept in an apartment setting. Hunting with the dog also enriches the bond between owner and hound! The Hygen requires lots of human interaction and attention every day. Hunting also will require little to no training on the part of the owner as these dogs have an innate instinct to track and go after prey.

Photo By Bjørn Konestabo

The Basset Artesien Normand is an active hound with a cheery disposition and an overall social nature. With the general appearance of a more “fit” and streamlined Basset Hound, this is indeed a breed unto itself although the two do share a common ancestry. While the more familiar Basset Hound developed in England, the Basset Artesien developed in France during the early 20th century. The legs of the BAN (the nickname given for this French breed) are slightly straighter and the overall body is much less heavy, however they share the same low-to-the ground, longer-than-tall features. This French scenthound has always been (and still is) a fantastic hunting companion however functions very well as a household companion as well. Tending to develop a strong bond with his owner, the breed is cherished by those “in the know”.

Basset Artesiens have soft temperaments and don’t enjoy living in high-stress environments. They do, however, enjoy playtime with humans of all ages! While strong-willed and courageous during hunting, they turn into gentle, stable hounds in the home. The breed is known for their stability and dependability, and can even live with cats as long as they have been socialized to them from puppyhood. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they’re generally great with other dogs as well.

BANs are not generally recommended for those who expect perfect obedience from their dog at all times. They are very headstrong and require plenty of patience from their owner when it comes to formal training. Luckily, these easy going hounds are usually laid-back to live with and don’t normally require extensive drilling in order to be good house dogs. Still, every dog needs some training and a consistent adherence to household rules, and the BAN is no exception. Just don’t expect “perfect scores” every time! It’s recommended to start training young for the best results.

The Normand does require daily exercise in the form of a walk or similar activity. Because of his short legs, he can’t go too fast and therefore isn’t the best choice for a jogging companion. Despite his slower speed, like most scenthounds he still requires a leash when off the property. His high prey drive and excellent nose means he’s likely to lope away if he catches the whiff of a prey animal!

While many BANs are less “barky” than their more familiar cousin, they will absolutely bark/howl in alert when guests come to the door – and their voices can carry far! The threat stops there, however. This social breed is way too friendly to be called a guard dog and guests are very likely to be given an enthusiastic greeting once through the door. Some can live easily in apartments, although thin walls may make neighbors frustrated if the dog is constantly “expressing his opinion”!

The Artesien is a low-maintenance breed in many ways. Despite being alert and attentive in the home, they also enjoy taking long naps throughout the day and require little exercise. This makes them easier for seniors and families who live a more sedentary life (take note – low exercise is not the same thing as no exercise!). They’re also pretty long-lived dogs, often living 13-15 years without many health issues to worry about. This said- do take note of hip dysplasia and disc problems in the lines before obtaining a puppy. Not all breeders are considered equal! Finally, grooming is simple. Brush the coat, trim the nails and clean the ears once a week and that’s about it. A low-maintenance hound with a fantastic temperament to boot!

Photo by Bernt Sønvisen

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a scenthound originally used to track wounded game and has been prized for his keen sense of smell. He is able to work both in flat terrain as well as mountainous areas, an adaptability that has given him popularity in Austria although he is relatively unknown here in the United States. He is thought to have been developed in the mid-19th century and may be a descendant of the Celtic Hound.

Austrian Black and Tans have easygoing personalities and can make great family pets in the right circumstances. A “melodic” hound… like many scenthounds they do enjoy howling and as such might do best in more rural-type settings. Otherwise they can end up annoying neighbors! Homes out in the country also afford plenty of space to run, which is something that these hounds thrive on. The best homes are ones in which they can be taken hunting, although even without this outlet many will attempt to “hunt” on their own property. You can take the hunting dog out of the hunt, but you can’t take the hunt out of the hunting dog! It is for this reason that most members of the breed are hunting dogs first and foremost, and companions second.

While the Black and Tan Hound can get along well with children as well as other dogs, he does tend to chase small pets. Other less-than-desirable traits include drooling and a high tendency to shed. Combine this with the fact that his ears need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis (anywhere from once a week to once a day), and one can see that he is not the most ideal dog for every owner. It’s so important to research before obtaining a dog, and the Black and Tan Hound is no exception!

Black and Tan Hounds also need regular, daily exercise. They have an immense stamina and aren’t easily tired out, so an owner must be athletic enough to keep up! Furthermore, daily walks are not enough. Jogging is a much better activity, combined with plenty of time to run and roam in a large fenced area. In addition, endeavors that stimulate both the mind as well as the body are paramount to keeping this hound healthy and happy!

Austrian Black and Tans can prove difficult to train, even for experienced trainers and owners. While they do have a great desire to work, they primary think that work equates to hunting and thus obedience training can seem pointless to many. This said, they do have an agreeable nature and can be taught if the trainer is persistent and consistent enough. Be prepared to be firm when needed, yet employ plenty of care and reinforcement for good behavior. These hounds are more likely to work with those whom they respect and have developed a bond with. Always remember that distractions which trigger their hunt drive will almost always trump their desire to follow commands. This is not to say that a hound cannot work when distractions are present – only that a trainer must start slow and gradually introduce the distractions through time, only after the hound has mastered the step before.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium sized breed, with medium-length hanging ears that round at the tips. As evidenced by his name, the color must always be black with tan markings. Tan must be appear particularly above the eyes but also on the legs, face and tail. The color and pattern are very important and distinctive features of the breed, and any variation is an instant disqualification. The smooth and shiny coat, combined with dark brown eyes, gives this hound a pleasing and gentle appearance.

Photo by Steffen Heinz (Caronna)

The Serbian Tricolor Hound was originally the same breed as the Serbian Hound, but split off and was considered it’s own separate breed in 1946. The standards are very similar except for the color. This is a medium sized scenthound breed with a smooth, obviously tricolored coat. Used to hunt a variety of animals – often hare, fox, deer and wild boar, they are adept at hunting in difficult terrain for long hours. This is a very rare breed, and although is recognized by the UKC in the United States, is rarely seen outside of Serbia and unfortunately may even be close to extinction.

Serbian Tricolors can be obedient as they are intelligent animals. That said, they do require plenty of patience to train, particularly if the owner is a novice, because they are headstrong and become bored by even the smallest amount of repetition. While they were bred to hunt alongside a hunter, it was to do so independently. As such, they aren’t as “hardwired” to follow orders as some other breeds. When training, they do best with plenty of motivation and fun, broken up into multiple short sessions a day. Long training sessions are almost guaranteed to bore them.

The Serbian Tricolor Hound is affectionate and loyal to his human family while also being friendly toward strangers. He can be playful and enjoys spending time with children just as much as he does with adults. As he is a pack hunting hound, he also usually gets along with other dogs. Smaller pets are the one exception to his good-natured attitude, as his hunting instinct means he can be a danger to cats and pocket pets.

While Serbian Tricolors can be calm in the home, this breed does require a lot of exercise as they have energy to spare that must be expelled regularly! While generally low maintenance in terms of health and grooming, they do require active owners who have the time and energy to exercise this hound – at least an hour a day. It is also for this reason that they don’t make good apartment dogs, or even for city living in general, as in addition to regular walks/jogs/bike rides they need to also spend time running outside. When not given adequate exercise, they can become very loud and destructive.

The Serbian Tricolor Hound has hanging ears which are thin and rounded at the tips. Deep chested with a long tail that is carried in a slight curve below the line of the back. The coat is thick (double-coated) yet very short in length, although may be slightly longer at the thighs and on the tail. It requires only a weekly brushing. As the name implies, the only color that is accepted is tricolor.

The best homes for many Serbian Tricolor Hounds are ones in which the owner takes the dog hunting, although this isn’t a deal breaker. When kept as a pet, he needs mental stimulation that will engage his brain the same way that hunting might. This stimulation should begin as socialization in puppyhood, but continue throughout his life in the form of obedience training and other dog sports.

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is the short-legged cousin of the German Hound and most likely a direct descendant of the Dachshund as well. The German translation for the name of this small breed is “short-legged badger scenthound”, and he was (and still is) used to flush small animals such as badger and fox from their dens. Westphalians are one of the primary breeds used in the development of the similar-in-appearance Drever from Sweden. Westphalians are a rare breed, recognized by the UKC in America and the FCI overseas yet seldom seen outside of Germany.

Westphalians are tricolored dogs, with the primary color being either red or yellow. White markings and a black saddle are preferred for the show ring, and while bi-color dogs (red and white) are seen, they are undesirable. Also a fault – chocolate colored dogs. The coat is dense yet short and low-shedding, and needs weekly brushing. Ears should be medium-length and hanging, with no black markings. The body should be strong and powerful, and very long in length.

The Westphalian Dachsbracke is loyal with adults, gentle with children and generally pleasant to be around, owing to his affectionate nature and big personality. Some have a bit of a naughty streak, but it’s usually in good fun! Although a hunting dog through-and-through, he can still make a very good pet in the right household – particularly ones that don’t also house small pets. This said, he can live with cats as long as he has been aptly socialized to them (although he may still enjoy a game of chase from time to time). He is generally good with other dogs, both in the household and outside of it. Finally, although this is an active breed, he can be calm in the home as long as his exercise needs have been met.

The Westphalian is attentive to the everyday goings-on of the world around him and does have enough energy to make him an active partner, willing to engage in all sorts of outdoor fun! He prefers hunting to most other engagements (and will use his nose whenever he gets the chance), although either way does need daily exercise and lots of it! This is a high-exercise breed that needs active owners and plenty of outdoor engagement so that he doesn’t become bored. He does best in a home with a fenced yard so he can stretch his legs on his own in addition to the consistent walks, daily training sessions and regular play time that he needs. In addition, this breed also greatly benefits from job-like tasks such as hunting or dog sports like agility. Although is he game for almost any situation, his short legs mean that while he is able to partake in long walks, extended jogging is a bit difficult as he’ll have a hard time keeping up.

Westphalian Dachsbrackes can be stubborn and may take longer to train than other breeds of dog. They will need a lot of repetition with obedience lessons and an owner who doesn’t baby the dog too much, as they will push their limits and may even try to take control of the household. As with some scenthounds, they can be less trustworthy off-leash which means off-lead training must be worked meticulously – and even then, they may never be 100% reliable in extremely distractible situations. This said, the breed is intelligent and can learn as  long as the owner/trainer is patient and persistent.

Westphalians are happy, social dogs who love all people. As such they make poor guard dogs but their balanced temperaments mean that they can work out well for first-time dog owners. They are fairly healthy and easy to take care of in terms of grooming, and they are also pretty quiet by scenthound standards. Prospective owners just must be willing to meet their high exercise requirements and be constantly aware of their hunting drives. They do best in cold climates but will be happy in most environments as long as there is plenty of space and fencing to keep them secure.

Photo by Stute.s