Hanoverian Scent Hound

Other names : Hanover Hound, Hanoverian Hound, Hannoverscher Schweisshund

The Chien rouge de Hanovre, or Hanover Red Dog, is a bloodhound that can be traced all the way back to medieval times. It has been used as a tracking hound for hundreds of years. The Hanover Red Dog remains a very rare breed. It’s still very much a working dog and is unaccustomed to the domestic life of the household dog. They prefer living in packs and should only be kept as pets by owners who live in or near the countryside.

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Life expectancy	The Hanoverian Scent Hound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years
Temperament	Playful Intelligent High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 19 and 21 in Male Between 20 and 22 in
Adult weight	Female Between 55 and 77 lb Male Between 66 and 88 lb
Coat colour	Red Sand
Type of coat	Short
Eye colour	Brown

Good to know

The Hanover Red Dog is a very rare breed. Potential owners will need to contact a specialist breeder. Hanover Red Dogs are usually imported into the UK. This can be very expensive.

He has an exceptionally high-prey drive, even for a scenthound, and can become single-minded once he catches a scent. He also needs to be exercised in the countryside, and will quickly get bored and frustrated if kept on the leash. Since he is still a real working dog, he may not be suited to domestic life.

More details about the Hanoverian Scent Hound

Hanoverian Scent Hound: Origins and history

Scenthounds can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages, but the modern breeds were developed in the 18th century. Unsurprisingly, the Hanover Red Dog was developed in the Hanover region of Germany. The Hanover red dog is primarily used to track big game, such as deer and elk. They were designed to thrive in mountainous regions and are not really suited to urban living.

Physical characteristics of the Hanoverian Scent Hound

The Hanover Red Dog is medium sized and well proportioned, with a lean and muscular torso, a wide, deep chest and slightly wrinkled forehead. His eyes are deep and lively, so as to give a severe expression. His medium-length ears are broad and attached high, smooth and not coiled, hanging by the head. His tail is long and slightly curved, held high, robust and tapered towards the tip.

FCI classification of the Hanoverian Scent Hound

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section 2 : Leash (scent) Hounds

Hanoverian Scent Hound: Characteristics

More or less affectionate

A friendly breed that is very affectionate towards his owners and other pack members. Much more reserved around strangers.

Very playful

He loves to play and spend time with his master, especially if the games involve interesting smells.

More or less calm

This dog has lots of enthusiasm for its work but is very chilled out about everything else.

High intelligence

Scent hounds are well known for their high level of intelligence. The Hanover Red Dog is a very quick learner that needs plenty of mental stimulation.

High prey drive

He’s a born hunter, with superb tracking instincts, and an excellent sense of smell and vision. He has a determined nature and will track his prey for hours.

Fearful of strangers

He tends to keep his distance from new people, and does not trust easily.

Moderately independent

He is fairly independent, and will quickly do his best if he is not well-supervised.

Hanoverian Scent Hound: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

He is a pack dog who needs constant company unless he has been positively habituated to periods of solitude from a young age.

Not very easy to train

This is not the easiest dog to educate due to his hunting and guarding instincts. He must be trained firmly and with kindness from puppyhood.

Moderately vocal

No issues with excessive barking.

Has a tendency to run away

Scent hounds do like to explore and will follow a scent if they catch one. Make sure the front and back gardens are fully secured.

Can be destructive

A bored working dog can do silly things, especially if he’s left alone for too long.

Moderately food motivated

He has a healthy appetite for a dog of his size, but not known for being a greedy breed. Treats are useful for training.

Very good watchdog

He is very attached to his master, and sometimes even possessive. He is a good and protective guardian.

Training a Hanoverian Scent Hound

This is not the easiest dog to educate due to his hunting and guarding instincts. He must be trained firmly and with kindness from puppyhood.

Hanoverian Scent Hound: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

These scent hounds were bred to live and explore the great outdoors. They need plenty of space to feel truly satisfied. Should never be kept in a flat.

Needs a lot of exercise

This is a tracking dog that needs around 90 mins of exercise every day to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Walks don’t have to be intense, but they should be interesting. These dogs love to explore the countryside.

Moderately easy to travel with

The Hanover Red Dog is fairly easy to transport, but can get bored or restless on long car journeys. Some public transport could also be tricky, and he is too big to fly on commercial airliners.

Breed compatibility Hanoverian Scent Hound

Moderately compatible with cats

Hunting dogs with a high prey drive don't mix well with cats. Keep them well apart unless they have grown up together.

Moderately compatible with other dogs

A pack dog that thrives off the company of other canines. A naturally social animal, who should get used to canine company early on.

Moderately compatible with children

The Hanover Red Dog is playful and can get along with children who know how to “talk dog” and respect his true nature.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

This is a calm and docile breed that gets on well with elderly people. Any elderly owners must be aware of his exercise needs.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

The Hanover Red Dog is nowhere near as domesticated as most other breeds. This means he can be a bit too difficult to handle for most first-time dog-owners.

Hanoverian Scent Hound: Purchase price

We do not have enough data to set an average price. However, looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £150 to £190 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.