Apartment fit
Apartment life requires serious barking and exercise management.
HoundSmall
Germany
GermanyWestphalian Dachsbracke
Weight
30-40 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Dense Short
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a low German scenthound with a tricolor coat, long body, short legs, and strong tracking instinct.
Low German scenthoundTricolor short coatLong body and short legsStrong scent drive and voice
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Westfalische Dachsbracke
PersistentScent-drivenFriendlySteadyVocalHardy
Weight
30-40 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Dense Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a German scenthound bred to work close to the ground while following game trails. It is lower and longer than many hounds, but it is not a casual lapdog; it has real hunting drive and endurance.
The breed has a short dense tricolor coat, typically red to yellow with a black saddle or mantle and white markings. The long body and short legs mean weight control and sensible conditioning matter.
Westphalian Dachsbracken suit hound-aware owners who can provide scent work, walks, secure handling, and outdoor checks. Apartment life is possible only when voice and exercise are managed carefully.
Temperament & Personality
PersistentScent-drivenFriendlySteadyVocalHardy
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a persistent, scent-driven, friendly companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Dense
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Red yellow and black, Tricolor, Black saddle, White markings
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- hound-aware owners
- homes that enjoy scent work
- families that can manage weight carefully
- owners with secure walking areas
Not ideal for
- quiet apartments
- owners expecting toy-dog effort
- homes that overfeed
- off-leash wildlife areas
Common challenges
- hound voice
- following scent
- back strain
- weight gain
Barking & behavior
Hound voice is normal. Scent outlets and routine reduce frustration.
Training style
Use tracking games, food rewards, long-line recall, and secure boundaries.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat sheds moderately and is simple to brush. Ears and feet need checks.
Care Guide
Exercise
Give daily walks plus scent games, tracking, or hunting-style outlets. Short legs do not mean low activity.
Grooming
Brush weekly and check ears, feet, belly, and skin after outdoor work.
Training
Use rewards, scent games, and long-line recall. Avoid casual off-leash freedom around game trails.
Nutrition
Keep the dog lean to protect the long back and short legs.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Back strainEar infectionsIntervertebral disc disease riskObesityField injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Westphalian Dachsbracke like a Dachshund?
It is a low German scenthound and shares a long, low outline, but it is its own hound breed.
What color is it?
It is typically tricolor with red-yellow, black saddle or mantle, and white markings.
Does it bark a lot?
It can be vocal like many scenthounds, especially on trails.
How much exercise does it need?
Most need daily walks plus scent work or tracking games.
Is it good for apartments?
It can be difficult because of hound voice and exercise needs.
Does it need much grooming?
No. The short coat is easy to brush, but ears and feet need outdoor checks.
What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is managing hound drive while keeping weight off a long-backed dog.
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