Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Other names: Bavarian Mountain Hound

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

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. 

Key facts about the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

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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 breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 2 : Leash (scent) Hounds

Physical characteristics of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

  • Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
    Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
  • Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
    Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
  • Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
    Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
  • Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
    Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

    Adult size

    Female : Between 17 and 19 in

    Male : Between 19 and 20 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 37 and 55 lb

    Male : Between 44 and 66 lb

    Coat colour

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    Medium sized. Well proportioned. Wide, deep chest. Long ears. Lean and muscular body. Pronounced muzzle. 

    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.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

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

    • 100%

      Playful

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

    • 66%

      Calm

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

    • 66%

      Intelligent

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

    • 100%

      Hunter

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

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

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

    • 66%

      Independent

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

      Behaviour of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

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

      • 33%

        Easy to train / obedience

        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. 

      • 66%

        Barking

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

      • 100%

        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.

      • 66%

        Destructive

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

      • 66%

        Greedy / Gluttony

        Not known for being a greedy breed. 

      • 100%

        Guard dog

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

      • 33%

        First dog

        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.  

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        Lifestyle

        • 33%

          Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound in a flat

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

        • 100%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          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.

        • 66%

          Travelling / easy to transport

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

          Compatibility

          • 66%

            Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and cats

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

          • 100%

            Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and 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.

          • 100%

            Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and children

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

          • 66%

            Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and the elderly

            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

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            Price

            The cost of buying a Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy will be between £600 to £800. Monthly costs will be between £150 to £190.

            Grooming

            Minimal grooming requirements. A weekly brush is all they really need.

            Shedding

            Low shedding

            Nutrition of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

            Two to three cups of high-quality dog food.

            Health of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

            Life expectancy

            A well-bred animal. Generally very healthy, with a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.

            Strong / robust

            A strong and hardy animal. Built to thrive on rugged mountain terrain. Tough and athletic dog.

            Withstand heat

            Withstands the heat very well. The short, tight coat helps keep them cool during summer months. 

            Withstand cold

            Deals with the cold fairly well but may need a coat if temperatures drop to freezing point. 

            Tendency to put on weight

            Modest appetite. No issues with weight gain or obesity. 

            Common illnesses

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