Small Dutch Hound

Small Dutch Hound

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin

Translation

En français, cette race se dit

Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar

En español, esta raza se dice

In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd

This breed is also known as

Steenbrak

The Steenbrakje is an ancient breed descended from the large hounds used by the nobility for hunting during the Middle Ages. With the decline of aristocratic privileges and the rise of the middle class, smaller dogs began to be favored. Consequently, the Steenbrakje enjoyed a period of popularity as an urban companion and indoor dog. The term "Steenbrak" originated from an old mistranslation; it denotes a "quarter-hound" (or small hound), whereas a large hound was referred to as a "double hound".

The complete and definitive history of the breed has yet to be written. Fortunately, old paintings have provided enough information to establish breed standards. Although originally a hunting dog, the Steenbrakje is now bred solely for companionship. Even though they are not specifically bred for it, their hunting instincts remain intact; running free in the fields and tracking a rabbit is pure bliss for a Steenbrakje. These dogs possess a natural canine temperament: they are intelligent, resourceful, and undemanding. Provided they get enough exercise, they are suitable even for people living in small homes.

These Dutch hounds get along very well with other dogs and are trustworthy with children. Their height at the withers ranges from 30 to 42 cm. The Steenbrakje's coat consists of short, stiff hair, although the recessive long-hair trait sometimes appears—a rare phenomenon among hound breeds. The coat color ranges from light fox-red to a deep, intense red with white markings, and may or may not feature dark black, blue, or brown spots. In 1937, a few "Steenbrak"-type specimens exhibiting color dilution were rediscovered. Paired with very small, refined "Deutsche Edelbracken" (Noble German Hounds), they were intended to form the basis for the breed's revival, but the outbreak of war halted the project. Subsequently, interest in the breed grew. Breeding efforts incorporated any dog resembling a "Brak" (hound). Bloodlines from across the border were also introduced: the Finnentrop-Olpe "Brak" and the Sauerland "Dachsbracke".

The Dutch "Brakkenclub" was founded in 1954 with the primary goal of reconstructing the old Dutch "Steenbrak." In 1957, a breeding group consisting of four males and eight females was assembled from a highly heterogeneous population to recreate the old Dutch "Brakje." One breeder, Mrs. H. Martin of Harfsen, has continued to adhere to these guidelines to this day. Other breeders began selecting for the German Finnentrop-Olpe "Brak" type. A few years later, the club committee concluded that the Dutch "Steenbrak" did not exist as a distinct entity; consequently, the entire population was officially reclassified—on paper—as the German "Brak." The Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland) only reviews breed recognition requests when submitted by an association it officially recognizes.

Despite opposition, the population of "Brakjes" of the Dutch type is estimated at around 60 individuals. Breeding has focused specifically on the type depicted in old paintings, resulting in a high degree of uniformity. The differences from the true "Deutsche Edelbracke" are distinct enough for a layperson to tell the two breeds apart. When a breed is the subject of a request for recognition, it is not proof of its existence that is required, but the opinion of a club committee.