Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Other name: Bavarian Mountain Hound

Photo: puppy of Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound breed

The Bavarian Mountain Hound was bred from the Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound. A working dog that requires lots of exercise, the Bavarian Mountain Dog needs easy access to large outdoor spaces and is far more suited to living in the countryside. Single-minded, courageous, and determined, this is not the dog for you first time owners. These guys require a skilled handler who knows how to deal with a unique working breed.

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Life expectancy	The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years
Temperament	Playful High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 17 and 19 in Male Between 19 and 20 in
Adult weight	Female Between 37 and 55 lb Male Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour	Black Brown Red Sand
Type of coat	Short
Eye colour	Brown
Purchase price	The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound costs between £600 and £800

Good to know

A very rare breed. Potential owners will need to contact a specialist breeder.

Still a real working dog. May not be suited to domestic life.

Needs to be exercised on rugged, rural terrain. Needs access to outdoor spaces for the rest of the day, but these need to be properly secured.

More details about the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: Origins and history

The Bavarian Mountain Hound was developed from the ancient scent hounds of the middle ages. The modern version of the Mountain Hound became especially popular in Germany during the early 20th century. Although they're capable of tracking pretty much anything, they're primarily used to trail big game wounded by hunters. These dogs can pick up on the slightest scent of blood and can track it for hours on end over huge distances. It's still very much a working dog, although it is gaining a well-deserved reputation as a domestic pet in its native Germany. Extremely rare throughout the rest of Europe.

FCI classification of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

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

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: Characteristics

More or less affectionate

A friendly breed that shows lots of affection towards members of its pack. Much more reserved around strangers.

Very playful

Generally calm and docile. Not especially playful. When they’re not working, these dogs prefer to take it easy.

More or less calm

This dog has lots of enthusiasm for its work but is very chilled and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Moderate intelligence

Scenthounds are very intelligent dogs. The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a quick learner. Capable of understanding a wide range of voice commands.

High prey drive

A natural hunter with an excellent sense of smell and vision. Superb tracking instincts.

Fearful of strangers

The Bavarian tends to turn quite shy and nervous around strangers.

Moderately independent

Independent-minded. Strong willed, potentially stubborn. Needs an assured and confident owner.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

A pack dog that needs constant company. They should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Not very easy to train

A quick learner, but very independent minded. Will only follow commands that challenge them in the right way. Inexperienced dog trainers are likely to struggle.

Moderately vocal

Doesn’t bark very often. A quiet and relaxed breed. Excessive barking may mean they’re bored or frustrated.

Has a tendency to run away

As long as they’re getting enough exercise, this dog should never run away. But scenthounds do like to explore. Make sure the front and back gardens are fully secured.

Can be destructive

Destructive behaviour is very unlikely. Such behaviours will be directly linked to mental health issues, such as separation anxiety or depression.

Moderately food motivated

Not known for being a greedy breed.

Very good watchdog

Superb sense of smell and sight. Alert. Very loyal, An excellent watchdog.

Training a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

A quick learner, but very independent minded. Will only follow commands that challenge them in the right way. Inexperienced dog trainers are likely to struggle.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is designed for the great outdoors. Should never be kept in a flat or small house.

Needs a lot of exercise

Needs around 2 hours of exercise every day. Needs the time and space to run free. Needs regular access to outdoor spaces throughout the day. A very active breed.

Moderately easy to travel with

Fairly easy to transport, but they can get bored or restless on long car journeys. Too big to fly on commercial airliners.

Breed compatibility Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Moderately compatible with cats

Hunting dogs with a high prey drive don't mix well with cats. Keep them well apart!

Compatible with other dogs

A pack dog that thrives off the company of other canines. Regular contact with other pooches is really important for the Bavarian Mountain Hound’s mental health.

Compatible with children

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a working animal, not a family pet.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

A calm and docile breed that gets on well with elderly people. Any elderly owners must be aware that this dog requires two hours of exercise every day.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

Definitely not the right choice for first time owners. This intelligent working dog has very specific needs that are way beyond the novice dog handler.