Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Sicily.

MOST SUITED AS Harrier and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 40 - 53cm (15 1/2 - 15 1/2in).

COAT
The smooth-coat is hard to the touch. The colours usually range from red to yellow with a black saddle, or a black mantle with a white blaze, collar, chest, and more white markings on the feet and tip of the tail. The undercoat is light-coloured. There is supposed to be a flesh-coloured patch on the nose as this is one of the breed points.

CARE REQUIRED
The Deutsche Bracken does not require much grooming. Run a rubber brush over the coat occasionally to remove dead and loose hairs. Check the ear passages regularly to ensure they are clean and remember that this breed is supposed to have fairly long claws.

CHARACTER
This is a friendly, sociable, affectionate, sensitive, shy, yet curious dog which has great reserves of stamina, that is reasonably obedient although independent-minded, and is vigilant. They have a good scenting nose and make excellent hunting dogs.

TRAINING
Training this breed is not too difficult. They grasp quickly what is required of them but they must never be drilled since this ruins their friendly nature. With patience, love, and understanding, plus a consistent approach, the handler can achieve a lot.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
These are sociable dogs which will rarely cause any problems in the company of other dogs. They are also fine with children. One of these dogs will certainly warn you of any strangers visiting. Introduce them when young to cats and other household animals. They hold their ground with strangers.

EXERCISE
The breed is ideally suited for drag-hunting or as a harrier for hunting hares, rabbits, and foxes. Most of them like to swim. If you do not intend to hunt with them, make sure you find some other means of fulfilling their exercise needs. In common with other hounds, they are likely to forget everything in the interest of chasing an exciting scent, so do not let them run around off the lead.