Bavarian Mountain Hound

This muscular, medium-sized hound is slightly longer than he is tall and weighs 20-25kg when fully grown. Adult dogs stand at 47-52cm and females at 44-48cm. The short coat comes in brown, red with a black mask, and stag red with or without a black mask.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Large dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Not a guard dog
May require training to live with other pets
Great family dog

Personality

The Bavarian Mountain Hound breed is courageous, calm, loyal and devoted to his owner. He can be reserved with strangers, so early, thorough socialisation is especially important. Training is a must to ensure a good recall, along with giving him the chance to use his nose.

History and Origins

The Bavarian Mountain Hound dog breed is descended from medieval hunting scenthounds. Various breeds and types came from these original hounds, including the Hanoverian Scenthound. To produce a lighter dog, the Hanoverian Scenthound was crossed with red Mountain Scenthounds and, in the 1870s, the Bavarian Mountain Hound was formed. A bloodhound breed that could track the cold scent of wounded game in mountainous areas. A club for the breed was established in Munich in 1912.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. The Bavarian Mountain Hound is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

Exercise

Bred to hunt wounded game, sometimes over days, this dog has lots of stamina and will need at least two hours or more exercise a day. A working breed, the Bavarian Mountain Hound will enjoy tracking and other canine sports that will exercise his mind, body and nose! A reliable recall is essential, as he can become deaf to all entreaties to return if he starts to follow a scent.

Other Information

Health and common issues

As with many breeds, the Bavarian Mountain dog can suffer from hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.