Bavarian Mountain Hound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bavarian Mountain Hound?

The origins of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound can be traced back to Germany in the 19th century.

Hunters were using a breed called the German Bracken, and a breed called the Hanoverian Scent Hound, which both had very strong senses of smell but was a bit too big to track game in the Bavarian mountains.

In their search for hunting dogs that were more agile and better suited to the mountainous terrain breeders created the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. The breed then became very popular amongst hunters in Germany and beyond.

The breed was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1996 but it wasn't until 2016 that the American Kennel Club inducted the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound into their Foundation Stock Service.

Who are Bavarian Mountain Hound dogs best for?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are very active dogs who love going for long walks and hikes. This means they're best suited to owners who live a very active life and are happy to commit a good amount of time each day to exercise their dog.

They're very loyal and loving dogs who form deep bonds with their owners and families, and they need a lot of attention and affection from their humans. This makes them great family dogs as they love to be constantly surrounded by people they're familiar with.

So, if you're an active family with a lot of love to give this good be the perfect pooch for you!

How much grooming does a Bavarian Mountain Hound need?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. As their coat is short and dense it only needs to be brushed once a week. Their nails do grow quickly and they need to be trimmed fairly often otherwise they may split or break.

It's also recommended that you clean their ears regularly and check for ear infections, as the shape and size of their ears mean they have a high risk of infection.

Although their coat is short it does still shed but if you make sure to keep up with weekly brushing, then they shouldn't shed excessively.

Do Bavarian Mountain Hound bark much?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a very quiet breed and they tend to be reserved around strangers. They have a calm demeanour meaning they're not vocal and don't bark much.

If you notice that your Bavarian Mountain Hound is barking excessively it is most likely because they aren't being exercised enough and have a lot of pent-up energy. As long as they have consistent, daily activities and lots of mental stimulation barking shouldn't become an issue.

Do Bavarian Mountain Hound bite?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not known for biting. They're very sociable around their families and shy with strangers which means biting is rare.

Like most other dogs, a Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy will nip and play-bite but as long as they're trained and socialised early then this behaviour shouldn't continue into adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound temperament is very calm and affectionate, but they're also brimming with energy. They love playing games and running around the backyard, so they're not particularly well-suited to living in apartments.

As the breed was originally bred to be a hunting dog Bavarian Mountain Hounds still have a high prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. If you have other small pets at home they should always be separated from your Bavarian Mountain Hound.

This breed makes for an exceptionally sociable and devoted pet that adores its owner and will be gentle and protective of any children that live at home.

As they're very high-energy dogs they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so be prepared to spend a fair chunk of time each day taking part in activities with them. If you do, you'll have a fun, happy, new best friend that'll keep you fit and busy!

What is the weight & size of a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 20 to 25 kg, and their height is usually between 43 to 50 cm.

How much training does a Bavarian Mountain Hound need?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are intelligent dogs that respond to training well. They like to please their owners and are therefore pretty obedient and fast to learn.

Obedience training should be started as early as possible and this breed also enjoys taking part in various dog sports, which can also help with their training.

One of their most common dog breed traits is that they're very reserved when meeting strangers and other dogs. This means they need to be socialized when they're still very young so that they learn how to behave in these situations. Enrolling them in puppy classes is often a good way to do this.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a generally healthy dog but it is prone to certain health conditions that are common to its breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. The main health concerns for this breed are:

• Entropion - this is a condition where the dog's eyelids roll inwards causing the cornea to become irritated and painful. This can lead to corneal ulcers, perforations, and vision loss.

• Hip Dysplasia - this is where the dog's thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint and over time this can lead to limping, pain, and eventually arthritis.

• Elbow Dysplasia - this is when the puppy's elbow develops abnormally whilst they're growing. It can be painful and cause swelling, joint laxity, and arthritis.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - this is a degenerative disease that affects the photoreceptors in the dog's eye. These cells gradually deteriorate over a long period and it can ultimately lead to full or partial blindness.

What is the lifespan of a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

The average life expectancy for a Bavarian Mountain Hound is between 10 to 14 years. This is a fairly long lifespan for a medium-sized breed, and if they get plenty of exercise and the right care they can live even longer than this!

How much should you feed a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

Your Bavarian Mountain Dog should be fed with high-quality, dry food and you should aim to feed them twice a day. The amount of food they need will vary depending on their age, metabolism, size, and weight so it's best to consult a vet to work out the best diet plan for your specific dog.

This breed can be susceptible to obesity if their diet isn't properly managed and their activity levels aren't high enough, so you'll need to be careful not to overfeed them and to give them lots of walks.

What is the price of a Bavarian Mountain Hound in Australia?

The average price of a Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy is $800 - $1,000. If you find a puppy for sale that costs a lot less than this then it may mean they've been raised in a puppy mill that uses poor breeding practices and should always be avoided.

Buying puppies from disreputable breeders means that the dog will be more likely to suffer from serious health issues later in life.