Bavarian Mountain Dogs: Ideal Pet Choice For Active Families

The Bavarian Mountain Hound, also known as the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, is a breed of dog originating from Germany. Known for their strong hunting instincts and exceptional scenting abilities, these dogs are often used for hunting and tracking. With their calm and loyal nature, they can also make good family pets, but are they the right choice for you?

Are Bavarian Mountain Dogs Good with Children?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound, also known as the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, is a breed of dog originating from Germany. They are known for their strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their family, making them excellent companions for those with active lifestyles. While they are not commonly kept as pets, they can be good with children, provided they are supervised by adults and that the children know how to play gently with the dog.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are highly intelligent, tenacious, and affectionate, making them easily trainable. They require ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviour. They are also very vocal and will bark to alert their owners of any issues. Due to their strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets, but they can get along well with other dogs if properly introduced and socialised.

These dogs are reserved and cautious around strangers but are not overly shy or aggressive. They are also very attached to their family and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Therefore, they are best suited for large households or families where they can receive the attention and interaction they need.

Overall, the Bavarian Mountain Hound can be a good family dog, especially for those with older children, provided they receive proper training, ample exercise, and socialisation from an early age.

How Much Exercise Do They Need?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a highly energetic dog breed that requires a significant amount of daily exercise to maintain its physical and mental well-being. Here is an in-depth guide on how much exercise they need:

Daily Exercise Requirements

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are athletic dogs with high endurance levels, requiring a minimum of two hours of exercise each day as adults. This should include vigorous walks and opportunities to run off-leash in open spaces. They excel in activities such as hiking and are well-suited for dog sports such as tracking or man trailing. Due to their hunting instincts and scenting abilities, they thrive in environments where they can utilise their sense of smell and explore freely.

Living Environment

These hounds are not well-suited for apartment living or confined spaces. They need ample space to roam and are best suited for rural or countryside living with access to large gardens or yards. Their natural curiosity and high prey drive may lead them to escape, so a secure fence is essential.

Exercise as Mental Stimulation

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Exercise provides an outlet for their energy and curiosity. When under-exercised, they may become depressed, destructive, or display unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking or chewing.

Socialisation and Training

Socialisation and training are crucial for the overall development of Bavarian Mountain Hounds. Early and thorough socialisation helps them interact appropriately with people and other animals. Training should include teaching them to ignore livestock and follow specific scents. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent training routines.

Exercise Recommendations

To meet the exercise needs of Bavarian Mountain Hounds, it is recommended to provide a combination of activities:

• Vigorous walks: At least two hours of walking per day is essential for their physical and mental health.
• Off-leash exercise: They need ample opportunities to run freely in secure open spaces, such as large gardens or parks.
• Interactive play: Incorporate play sessions with their favourite toys to engage their minds and bodies.
• Hiking and dog sports: Activities such as hiking or participating in dog sports like tracking or agility training provide excellent physical and mental stimulation.
• Socialisation: Socialisation with other dogs and people helps to develop their social skills and prevent shyness or aggression.

What Are Their Grooming Needs?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound has a short, dense, and glossy coat that requires regular weekly brushing to keep it in good condition. Their nails also need to be trimmed regularly with a grinder or nail clipper as they grow quickly. In addition, it is important to check their ears and paws at this time.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not considered hypoallergenic and are known to shed an average amount, with most shedding occurring during their coat change twice a year. Regular baths and brushing can help to minimise shedding.

Oral hygiene is also important for this breed, and their teeth should be brushed daily.

Are They Easy to Train?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a highly intelligent breed, and this makes them somewhat easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and can quickly learn new and complex tasks. However, they can also be stubborn, and this may require an experienced trainer to keep them on track.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are bred to think and work independently to some degree, and they are known to be sensitive. They will not respond well to harsh handling, but with understanding, patience, and consistency, they can be trained effectively. Early socialisation and habituation are important, and they should be taught to ignore livestock and only follow the scents indicated by their owner.

Training is especially important for this breed as they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive habits. They are also known to be escape artists, so a strong recall is vital.

What Are Their Common Health Problems?

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is generally considered a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health issues due to genetic reasons. Here are some of their common health problems:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. Hip dysplasia can cause discomfort, pain, and reduced mobility in the dog, often resulting in arthritis in the affected joint.
• Elbow dysplasia: Another hereditary condition that affects the elbow joint. It can lead to lameness, joint pain, and degenerative joint disease.
• Eye disorders: Bavarian Mountain Hounds may suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a group of genetic eye disorders that cause the gradual deterioration of the retina. PRA can eventually lead to complete blindness. Entropion, an eyelid disorder, is another issue where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye and leading to irritation, pain, and potential corneal damage if left untreated.
• Epilepsy: This is a condition where abnormal brain function leads to seizures that can damage the brain.
• Chondrodystrophy (CDDY): A skeletal disorder characterised by shortened limbs and abnormal early degeneration of spinal discs.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A condition that predisposes the dog to disc herniation.
• Bloating and stomach problems: The Bavarian Mountain Hound is prone to these issues, and smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise the risk.

Frequently asked questions