The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog is a purebred dog from Germany. It is a scent hound, and it has been used in it’s native area since the early 20th century to trail wounded game. It is also known as Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and Bayerischer Gebirgsschwei.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog is a cross between the Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound.
This breed of dog specialises in tracking injured big game following the traces of blood the prey loses after being shot. This hunting discipline comes from the Middle Ages.
The weapons used then for hunting were imprecise and the animals were frequently wounded and not killed. So the dogs were necessary to track them.
The Germans were really meticulous in order not to lose any prey and developed a technique for which they bred resistant dogs with a great sense of smell, a strong bone structure, dropping ears and a steady temperament.[1]
These dogs were of medium-size and reliable. The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog was developed in the 19th century by crossbreeding specimens of the Hannoversche Schweißhund breed and hunting dogs from the Alps.
And the result was a hunting dog ideal for the work in the mountains. In 1912, the “Klub für Bayrische Gebirgsschweißhunde”, (Club for Bavarian Mountain hound), was founded in Munich. Afterwards, this breed started gaining popularity in Austria and Hungary.
Bavarian Mountain Hound Dog Characteristics
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog is a very beautiful medium-sized breed of dog. The head of these animals is strong and elongated. The skull is relatively broad and slightly domed.
They have a pronounced stop and a slightly curved nosebridge. Their muzzle should be broad with solid jaws, and the lips fully covering the mouth.
Nose of the Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs is black or dark red with wide nostrils. The ears are high set and medium in length.
The dogs are broader at the base and rounded at the tips, hanging heavily against the head. Their body is slightly longer than they are tall and slightly raised at the rump.
Their neck is of medium length, strong, with a slight dewlap. The chest is well-developed, long, moderately wide and well let-down with a slight tuck-up.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog breed has a long, fairly straight croup and solid back. While it’s tail is set on high, medium in length and hanging to the hock, carried level to the ground or hanging down.
Coat of these dogs is short, thick and shiny, laying very flat against the body, and moderately harsh. It is harsher and longer on the abdomen, legs and tail, and finer on the head and ears. The coat can come in all shades of black-masked fawn or brindle.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium sized dog. Their average body height is between 19 and 20 inches at the withers for male and between 17 and 19 inches for the females. And average live body weight of the mature dogs is between 20 and 25 kg.
Temperament
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs are calm, poised, and very attached to their masters and family. When hunting, they are hard, single-minded, and persistent, courageous, spirited, fast, and agile, they are at ease on a rugged terrain, with a superb nose and powerful hunting instinct. However, they need a patient, experienced trainer.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Bavarian Mountain Hound dog is around or up to 10 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs are medium-sized dogs. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with average or high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs. This breed is not suited for city life. It is in regular needs of space and exercise and also requires regular brushing. They are not dogs for the casual hunter. Most of the dogs are owned and used by foresters and game wardens.
Health
The Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and entropion. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Bavarian Mountain Hound |
| Other Names | Also known as Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound and Bayerischer Gebirgsschwei |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | Between 19 and 20 inches at the withers for males, and between 17 and 19 inches for the females |
| Weight | Between 20 and 25 kg |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Deer red, tan or fawn |
| Lifespan | Around or up to 10 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Very intelligent creatures. I have one. Thanks.
Glad to hear that! Good luck!