Bavarian Mountain Scenthound

Breed Summary

The Bavarian Mountain Hound’s head is powerful and elongated. The skull is relatively broad and slightly domed. They have a pronounced stop and a slightly curved nose bridge. The muzzle should be broad with solid jaws, and its lips fully covering the mouth. Their nose is black or dark red with wide nostrils. Their ears are high set and medium. They are broader at the base and rounded at the tips, hanging heavily against the head. Their body is slightly longer than it is tall and slightly raised at the rump. The neck medium in length, strong, with a slight dewlap. They have a long, fairly straight croup and solid back. While its tail is set on high, medium, and hanging to the hock, carried level to the ground, or hanging down.

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Breed Popularity:

AKC Classification: Foundation Stock Service

UKC Classification: Scent hound

Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day

Height: Female: 16-18 inches; Male: 18-20 inches

Weight: Female: 37-66 lbs.; Male: 37-66 lbs

Physical traits: Powerful, Muscular, Compact

Coat: Length: Short

Characteristics: Thick, Shiny

Colors: Brindle, Tan, Black-tipped Fawn, Red, Biscuit

Overall Grooming Needs: Low

Personality traits/Temperament: Loyal, Versatile, Reserved with Strangers

Energy Level: Average

Tendency to Drool: Low

Tendency to Snore: High

Tendency to Bark: Low

Tendency to Dig: High

Social/Attention Needs: Moderate

Health

Bavarians are a very healthy breed. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions where baths with a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner is recommended. Flea control is also essential. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.

Nutrition

The Bavarian Mountain Scenthound should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Add a high quality multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

Training

Bavarians are social, intelligent dogs, and, much like other breeds, if not kept mentally stimulated they will become bored, unhappy, and destructive. Continued proper training, conditioning, and patience are required. During training, they do best with positive reinforcement, never punishment.

Exercise

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are not suited for city life. They are in regular need of space and exercise. They are also not dogs for the casual hunter. Most are owned and used by foresters and game wardens. If not placed in a working home, the Bavarian will need an abundant amount of physical and mental stimulation to satisfy his high hunting instinct. He is not a kennel dog but can be trained to sleep and eat there.

Fun Fact

The breed’s most notable trait is its outstanding “cold nose” tracking ability.

References

1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/

2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds

3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/

4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles

5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds