Bavarian Mountain Hound Dog Breed

Registration: KC, AKC, FCI
Country of Origin: Germany
Size: Medium
Coat: Short
Colours: Deer red, tan, or fawn
Temperament: Loyal, even-tempered, calm, affectionate, self-assured

History

Originally bred in Bavaria, Germany, the Bavarian Mountain Hound was created to track wounded prey in mountain regions. In the 19th century, new hunting methods using firearms developed. So, hunters needed a dog breed that could track and retrieve prey over long distances. It was Baron Karg-Bebenburg Reichenhall who decided to breed the Mountain Scent Hound with Hanoverian Hounds in the 1870s, to create the more streamlined Bavarian Mountain Dog. These dogs had high endurance and could work on more challenging, mountainous terrain.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds quickly became known for their devotion and loyalty to their human companions. They were also highly sought after by hunters because of their strength, stamina, agility, and ability to work on harsh terrains. In fact, their scent ability was so impressive that they could distinguish between the injured game they were hunting and other animals of the same species. The Club for Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds was founded in 1912 in Munich, Germany.

The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1996. However, they weren’t added to the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club until 20 years later. Today, the breed is still very rare in the UK and America, but they are beloved by families across many countries in Europe, including their native Germany.

Appearance

These athletic dogs are well-balanced but lightly built for a hound. Yet they are still very powerful. These are medium-sized hounds that are slightly longer in the body than they are tall. Their heads are quite broad with a well-defined stop. Their muzzles are broad but never pointed. Their noses can be dark red or black in colour with wide nostrils.

Their medium-sized eyes are round, and either dark brown or hazel in colour, with a very alert expression. They have heavy ears that are set moderately high on the head with rounded tips. They hang close and flat to the head. Their jaws are strong with a perfect scissor bite.

These dogs have strong necks with the skin being a little looser on the throat. Their muscular chests are well-boned and they have well-laid-back shoulders. Their front legs are straight and well-muscled. They have a strong and supple back with a nice topline that rises somewhat from the withers to the croup. Their oval-shaped ribcage is long and deep, reaching far back. Loins are nicely muscled, short, and broad with tucked-up bellies.

Their strong hindquarters are well-muscled and show a good amount of bone. They have back legs that are strong and well-muscled. Their oval-shaped feet have well-arched, tight toes and well-cushioned, pigmented pads. Their nails can be either black or brown in colour. These dogs have moderately long tails that are set high. They are carried level with the back or slightly lower.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound’s coat is thick, dense, and lies flat on the body. The hair is finer on the head and ears. The colours accepted for the Kennel Club registration are deer red, tan, or fawn. All these colours can have the addition of black or brindle hairs. The back and the tail are generally richer in colour, whereas the muzzle and leathers are darker in colour. A small, lighter patch on the chest is permissible under the breed standard.

Personality

Known to be placid and highly devoted to their human companions, Bavarian Mountain Hounds are highly prized, not only for their scenting abilities, but also their sweet and affectionate characters. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but they rarely show any aggression. Early socialisation is essential to raise a well-balanced, confident dog.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds have earned a reputation for being among the best-scenting dogs in the world. They have a tremendous amount of stamina and dedication to their fieldwork. These highly loyal dogs are an excellent choice as canine companions and family pets, given that their high exercise and mental stimulation needs are attended to regularly.

These dogs do not like being left alone for long periods. And because they form strong bonds with their families, they can suffer from separation anxiety. So, if you are out most of the time, the Bavarian Mountain Hound may not be the best choice for you.

Furthermore, these dogs need an owner that understands their needs and can be consistent and firm with training. Without proper training, the Bavarian Mountain Hound may show their dominant side and develop unwanted behaviours. Regular exercise, affection, and training are essential for this breed.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds have a very strong prey drive. Because of this, you have to keep an eye on them when out on walks, especially when there are other small animals in the area. A large, enclosed garden is a great way for them to let off steam without the worry of them dashing off once they get a whiff of an enticing scent. Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not suitable for apartment living.

These dogs are hard-working and intense. However, they can also be very playful and mischievous. These dogs have limitless energy and will remain devoted to you for life, as long as you ensure all their unique needs are met.

Trainability

Like most hound dogs, the Bavarian Mountain Hounds’ training and socialisation should start as early as possible. In addition, a lot of patience, understanding, and consistency are the keys to successfully training these active dogs. They can be stubborn at times, but positive reinforcement coupled with short, fun training sessions will work well for this breed. One of the most important aspects of training a Bavarian Mountain Hound is recall training because of their high predator drives. Avoid letting your dog off the lead in open spaces until they have been fully trained.

Introduce your Bavarian Mountain Hound to as many people, environments, situations, and other animals from a young age. This will help them to grow into gentle, confident, happy dogs. In addition, agility training is a great way to burn off some of their excess energy and their desire to be on the move.

These dogs are natural working dogs, so they respond well to clear commands. They are not suitable for first-time dog owners because they need someone that understands their unique needs. They were bred to be hunters and they remain so even today.

Coat & Care

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is relatively easy to groom. Due to their short, glossy coat, a weekly brush is all that’s needed to keep them clean, mat-free, and in good condition. Saying that, these dogs are not good for allergy sufferers because they are known to be moderate shedders.

You should also make sure their ears are kept clean and dry because moisture can encourage the buildup of yeast which can lead to ear infections. Wipe the outer ears weekly with a clean cloth and a vet approved ear cleaner.

Regular dental hygiene is best to prevent tooth and gum disease. But twice a week brushing is adequate enough to get rid of any bacteria and tartar buildup. Ask for a recommendation from your vet on which dental products work best to clean your dog’s teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth.

Trim their nails once a month (or as needed) to keep them neat and in good condition. Make sure you do this often to prevent very long nails because these can be very uncomfortable for your Bavarian Mountain Hound.

Furthermore, check their body as you groom your dog for any wounds, inflammations, rashes, and other indicators that they may have an infection or underlying illness. Their eyes should be clean and clear without any discharge.

Introduce grooming to your Bavarian Mountain Hound as early as possible so they won’t feel stressed out by the experience. Make it a part of their training and don’t forget to offer rewards for good behaviour.

Health

Bavarian Mountain Hounds can live for 14 or 15 years if they are given adequate care by someone who understands their needs. These dogs are still fairly rare in the UK so look for a licensed breeder to ensure they have been well socialised and weaned. A good breeder will also perform DNA tests on your pup to check for any underlying health issues.

These active dogs are known to be a healthy breed. However, Bavarian Mountain Hounds can develop some of these health conditions below:

Hip Dysplasia – An inherited health condition where the thighbone does not fit firmly into the dog’s hip joint. Some dog breeds display pain and limping on one or both back legs, while others do not show outward signs of discomfort.
Epilepsy – A neurological health condition that is frequently genetic. Epilepsy can lead to mild or severe seizures caused by abnormal activity in the brain. This condition can usually be managed with medication.
Otitis Externa – The most common disorder of the ear canal. This occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include a foul odour, redness of the skin, discharge, headshaking, and scaly skin.
Entropion – A condition where the eyelashes turn inward and rub against the eye. This can lead to eye irritation and may require surgery to correct.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – A family of eye diseases that causes the slow deterioration of the eye retina. Early symptoms include night blindness. As this condition progresses, their daytime vision will also be affected. Many dogs adapt well to partial or complete vision loss. Just make sure that their surroundings stay the same.
Elbow Dysplasia – A painful health condition where one or both elbows develop abnormally during growth.

Children & Other Pets

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are known to get along well with children of all ages. But they are probably best for older children who understand how to approach and interact with these agile dogs. With that said, this breed can be an excellent playmate and active canine companion not only for the children but for the rest of the family.

If you have other pets, like another dog or cat, the Bavarian Mountain Hound can get along with them if they are introduced gradually, calmly, and in a controlled environment. Early socialization will definitely help to make the process easier.

However, these dogs have a high predatory drive that's embedded in their genes. So, they should not be left around smaller animals.