This German fox hound was bred to hunt, usually hare and fox. They hunt best in small packs but can also work independently. The breed originated in the 1800s, and could be known locally as Olpe Hound or the Westphalian Bracke. The Deutsche Bracke, or Steinbracke, is a rare breed. Native to Germany, it’s rarely seen outside that country.
Recognized for its white spots on the head, chest and paws, the Steinbracke weighs about 35 pounds and grows to a height of 15 to 25 inches. The coat is short and coarse to the touch, featuring tri-coloring of white, black and red or yellow. This breed is characterized by low-set ears, tapered tail, oval-shaped eyes, narrow nose and rectangular-shaped body.
Personality
The Steinbracke will do anything to please its owner and is a very focused, agile hunter. This affectionate dog does well with children and other animals that it may encounter. When raised from an early age with other pets, this breed gets along extremely well with others. This dog is an active one and needs outdoor exercise daily. It loves to swim, too. With a headstrong attitude, the Steinbracke is committed to following a scent once it picks one up. Its determination and attention to detail is impeccable. Keep this dog in a fenced-in yard because if it picks up on a scent, it will stop at nothing to follow it. It’s not a guard dog by nature but it will bark if a stranger approaches its home. Loyal yet headstrong, these dogs make a great companion dog as well as a hunting dog.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11 – 13 years |
| Nicknames: | Deutsche Bracke, German Hound, Steinbrucke |
Steinbracke Build Information
Recognized for its white spots on the head, chest and paws, the Steinbracke weighs about 35 pounds and grows to a height of 15 to 25 inches. The coat is short and coarse to the touch, featuring tri-coloring of white, black and red or yellow. This breed is characterized by low-set ears, tapered tail, oval-shaped eyes, narrow nose and rectangular-shaped body.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Steinbracke will do anything to please its owner and is a very focused, agile hunter. This affectionate dog does well with children and other animals that it may encounter. When raised from an early age with other pets, this breed gets along extremely well with others. This dog is an active one and needs outdoor exercise daily. It loves to swim, too. With a headstrong attitude, the Steinbracke is committed to following a scent once it picks one up. Its determination and attention to detail is impeccable. Keep this dog in a fenced-in yard because if it picks up on a scent, it will stop at nothing to follow it. It’s not a guard dog by nature but it will bark if a stranger approaches its home. Loyal yet headstrong, these dogs make a great companion dog as well as a hunting dog.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
This breed’s grooming requirements are low thanks to its coarse coat. Once weekly brushing should be sufficient to maintain a healthy coat. Do this to remove dead hair and limit shedding within the home. Bathe only as needed to avoid dry, itchy skin that can develop as a result of frequent shampooing.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Steinbracke Common Health Conditions
This is a fairly hardy breed with no known commonplace health problems. That being said, it has been known to be afflicted with hip dysplasia, something that many breeds encounter. Regular vet visits are still recommended even though this is a generally healthy breed. Stay on top of any issues that may come up with regular checkups.
Steinbracke Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
This small hunting dog was bred primarily to hunt small game like fox and rabbit, as it was particularly adept at following prey unto small burrows. This breed is also commonly known as Deutsche Bracke and German Hound. You may even see alternate spellings such as Steinbrucke, owing to its German heritage. The life expectancy of the Steinbracke is between 11 and 13 years, depending on the general health of your dog.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
