Bavarian Mountain Hound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

A cross between the Bavarian hound and the Hanover hound, the Bavarian Mountain Hound retains excellent tracking and trailing abilities of its ancestors. This scent hound is in use since middle ages for trailing and tracking wounded game in Germany. Its purpose of development was to obtain a leash dog with lighter weight for tracking and trailing in mountain regions. The dog has proved its worth and skills since and is now a classic companion for professional hunters and game keepers in Bavaria mountains.

This medium size dog is very balanced, fairly light, active and mobile that is slightly longer than taller and stands with its rear slightly higher than its shoulders.

The head of Bavarian Mountain Hound is broad with broad and slightly shorter muzzle with pendulous lips. The evenly spaced white teeth meet in a scissor bite. Nose is black and sometimes dark red with wide nostrils. Eyes are round with shades of brown and an expression of alertness. Ears are long, set high, broad on the base and rounded at the tips. Neck is strong and medium in length. The breed has long and strong legs. Tail is set high and is medium length. It is carried horizontally or slightly slanting downwards. The dense and harsh coat comes in different colours. The Bavarian Mountain Hound has height and weight between 18-21 inches and 40-55 pounds respectively.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is NOT recognized by AKC however FCI, KC and UKC recognize this dog.

Color

The Bavarian Mountain Hound comes in all shades of black-masked fawn or brindle such as biscuit, fawn, clear tan through deep red. A small white star on chest is acceptable.

Coat

The dog sports a short, thick, flat and shiny coat that is moderately harsh. The coat is finer on head and ears while harsher and longer on abdomen, legs and tail.

Personality

Calm, confident and poised, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is quiet and devoted to its owners. This dog is very agile, fast and spirited. Courageous and brave, the dog has excellent hunting skills. The Bavarian Mountain Hound is loyal and friendly to its master and family but reserved around strangers. When not hunting, the dog shows even temperament as house pet. It is very playful and lively with kids. Easy-going and friendly, the dog makes an excellent family pet for all the members. It has proved its worth as a great hunting companion specially on rugged terrains. The dog is single minded and persistent when on hunt. The Bavarian Mountain Hound is not suitable for city life due to its high exercise and space needs. It is best suitable for very active families in a rural or suburban environment.

Care

The dog needs regular brushing of the coat. Toenails and ears should also be checked regularly.

Training

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a highly intelligent breed and it learns fast. Consistent training will bring the best out of this dog.

Activity

The dog is constantly in need of exercise and space. It loves to be outdoors playing, running or involved in some activity. That's the reason this dog is best suited to a rural or suburban setting.