Alpine Dachsbracke is originated from Austria but Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Alpine Dachsbracke may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Australian Shepherd. Alpine Dachsbracke may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Australian Shepherd. Alpine Dachsbracke may live 3 years less than Australian Shepherd. Alpine Dachsbracke may have less litter size than Australian Shepherd. Both Alpine Dachsbracke and Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.
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 Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.
More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.
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.
Similar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.
There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.
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.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.
Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.
They were bred to hunt and so are active dogs needing daily exercise and long walks.
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.
Aussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.
This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.
These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.
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.
About one quarter to one half cup twice a day.
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.
The Alpine Daschbracke was bred to work. He needs exercise at least a couple times a day.
This breed is playful and loves to find and retrieve. Daily exercise is essential.
With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.
A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.
The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.
Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.