Pet Wiki

German Hound

Also called Deutsche Bracke, German Bracke, Olper Bracke, Westphalian Bracke, Sauerländer Bracke

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Germany (Westphalia / Sauerland)12

At a glance the quick version

Height40 to 53 cm12
Sizemedium
tireless tracker
good sense of direction
friendly expression
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, harsh

An elegant, rectangular hound with a long narrow head, hanging ears and a long tail. The coat is quite long for a short-haired dog, very dense and almost bristly, and the tail carries a light brush underneath.12

Coloursred to yellow with black saddle or blanketwhite blaze, muzzle, collar, chest, legs and tail tip12

Personality what they are like

A persistent, focused tracking hound that stays affectionate at home and thrives when it lives with the family rather than in a kennel.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to track deer, hare and fox on foot, so it needs long daily walks and scent work.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A quick weekly brush keeps the dense, harsh coat in order.1

Home where they are happiest

Happiest in a rural or active household with safe, fenced space.2

Company who they like around

Enjoys being part of family life and close to its people.2

The story where it all began

Germany once had many regional Bracke hounds, but only the Westphalian type survived. Around 1900 local Olpe, Sauerland and Westphalian hounds were merged into a single breed named Deutsche Bracke, and a breed club founded in 1896 later moved to Olpe.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was the first Bracke to be registered as a distinct breed, in 1900.2

  2. 2

    Its bushy tail helps protect it from knocks against trunks and branches in the forest.1

  3. 3

    The breed is seldom seen outside Germany.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Bracke' comes from an old Low German word 'Brack', meaning a coastal marsh periodically inundated by storm surges with salt water – the English word 'brackish'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

FritzGretaHeidiBrackeHansLieselOttoBrunoKlausElkeRudiTrudi

A day in the life told by a German Hound

My day starts with a long, sniff-filled walk through the woods. I put my nose to the ground, following a deer trail for ages, my tail wagging with every clue. At home, I'm a cuddly shadow, resting my head on my human's lap. After a good scent game in the yard, I curl up on the sofa, dreaming of the next trail. Life is best when it smells like adventure and ends with a snuggle.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 299, Group 6 (Scenthounds), Section 1.3 (small hounds), with working trial1
VDH
National breed standard2
UKC
Recognised breed2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a German Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my German Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult German Hound at least two meals a day, as their stomach empties within hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3

What should a German Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.4

How often should I bathe a German Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, or at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect its coat.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a German Hound need brushing?

A quick weekly brush keeps the dense, harsh coat in good condition. This is enough to remove loose hair and keep it looking tidy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a German Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a German Hound need?

This breed needs long daily walks and scent work, as it was bred to track deer and fox. Aim for daily exercise with playtime, and it will thrive in an active, rural household.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a German Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and debris, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a German Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years typically start around age 8. For a more specific estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a German Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is affectionate at home and thrives as part of the family. It enjoys being close to its people, but always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.21

Can a German Hound be left alone?

This breed prefers to live with its family and may not do well left alone for long periods. It is happiest in a home where someone is around, so consider your schedule carefully.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 299 Deutsche Bracke fci.beused for classification, height, coat, colour, history
  2. German Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, temperament, recognition
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.