Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison

They are aggressive enough for hunting and tracking large animals as well as small, but they are gentle enough to bring an injured animal back to the hunter without hurting it more.

At one time the breed was a crown favorite, accompanying Prince Rudolph of Habsburg on his hunting excursions. The Alpine Dachsbracke is still a favorite hunting breed but is now more often found as a family pet.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a short, stocky dog with a long body and short legs. It is big boned and robust with round eyes. It has black toenails and a short, dense red or black coat.

The bridge of his nose is straight with a strong muzzle. Its forehead has a well defined furrow and black lips and nose. He is muscular and his chest is broad and deep. He holds his tail high and has a trotting gait.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a very lovable family dog even though he was bred to hunt and scent. They are great with kids and at their size are still good apartment, inside dogs. Though they need daily exercise they don’t need a large fenced in yard.

They are brave, intelligent and with a lot of stamina for the hunt or the walk. Take them on a hunting trip and they will adore you for it. Though they have plenty of power and endurance, they are not aggressive. However they are fearless and proud and need a strong pack leader for their human companion.

Characteristics

Children friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

They were bred to hunt and so are active dogs needing daily exercise and long walks.

Back Problems

They are at risk for back problems being long-backed dogs. The most common type of back problem is Intervertebral Disc Disease. This can cause pain and paralysis and can be caused by jumping, obesity or intense exercise.

One of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

1. Distichiasis
2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
3. Legg-Perthes Disease
4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
5. Shoulder Dislocation
6. Causes pain and arthritis
7. Post-nasal Drip
8. Just annoying
9. Mast Cell Tumor
10. Cancer – could be fatal
11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

Whether a puppy or adult the breed is subject to obesity and needs to be fed a good, vitamin filled dry dog food. At the same time they need the calories if they are active or hunting.

Feeding puppies

About one quarter to one half cup twice a day.

Adults

About one half cup twice a day until they become seniors or less active then reduce to a fourth of a cup twice a day.

Points for Good Health

The Alpine Daschbracke was bred to work. He needs exercise at least a couple times a day.

Games and Exercises

This breed is playful and loves to find and retrieve. Daily exercise is essential.

Feeding the puppy

Feed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.