The Bavarian Mountain Hound: A Noble German Scent Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a breed of dog from Germany, developed in the 19th century by crossbreeding the Hanover Hound with the Tyrolean Hound and other hunting dogs. It is a medium-sized, muscular, and athletic dog with a short, thick, and glossy coat. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and calm temperament. While they are devoted to their owners, they tend to be reserved or wary around strangers. They are not commonly kept as pets, but are often employed by hunters and gamekeepers for their excellent scenting abilities and persistence in tracking wounded game, especially in mountainous regions.

History and origin

The Bavarian Mountain Hound (German: Bayerischer Gebirgsschweißhund) is a breed of dog from Germany, where it was developed in the 19th century. The breed was created by crossbreeding the Hanover Hound (or Hanovarian Hound) with the Tyrolean Hound and other hunting dogs. The Hanover Hound itself was the result of crossing dogs known as "Bracken", or those skilled at following ground scents in hunting.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound was bred to be a lighter hunting dog that could be used in mountainous regions. The introduction of firearms in the mid-19th century meant that hunting dogs were needed more for retrieval, and the Bavarian Mountain Hound was well-suited to this task. The breed is ideal for tracking injured big game such as deer, following traces of blood left by prey after being shot. The dogs are known for their incredible stamina, having been bred to track through steep and heavily forested mountains for hours or even days. They are courageous, confident, and persistent, and will continue tracking even when their owner is out of sight or when encountering potentially dangerous wild animals.

In 1912, the "Klub für Bayrische Gebirgsschweißhunde" (Club for Bavarian Mountain Hound) was founded in Munich, after which the breed gained popularity in Austria and Hungary. The breed is recognised by the United Kennel Club as of January 1, 1996, and today it is still an excellent companion for hunters and gamekeepers.

Physical characteristics

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a body that is slightly longer than its height. The breed is known for its distinctive colouring, which ranges from deep to "deer red", or even a lighter tan, with a darker shade on the back and muzzle. The coat is short, thick, and glossy, lying very flat against the body. The coat is finer on the head and ears, and harsher and longer on the abdomen, legs, and tail. The Bavarian Mountain Hound's head is strong and elongated, with a relatively broad skull that is slightly domed. The muzzle is broad with solid jaws, and the lips fully cover the mouth. The nose is black or dark red with wide nostrils, and the eyes are brown and not too large or round. The ears are set high and are medium length, broader at the base, and rounded at the tips, hanging heavily against the head.

The neck of the Bavarian Mountain Hound is medium in length and strong, with a slight dewlap. The chest is well-developed, long, and moderately wide, with a slight tuck-up. The body is slightly raised at the rump, with a long, fairly straight croup and solid back. The tail is set high, medium in length, and hangs to the hock, carried level to the ground or hanging down.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is an agile breed, with a balanced, muscular build. The legs are lean, strong, and straight, with good bone structure and muscle. The feet are spoon-shaped, with tight, well-arched toes and cushioned pads. Overall, the Bavarian Mountain Hound has a dignified and noble appearance, befitting its status as a scent hound.

Temperament

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is calm, balanced, and self-assured dogs. They are devoted to their owners and can be reserved with strangers, but they are not overly shy or aggressive. They are loyal, loving, and smart, and make excellent companions.

The breed tends to be wary of strangers but gets along well with other dogs. Early socialisation and training can help them tolerate strangers and other animals. They are not often kept as pets; most are employed by hunters and trackers.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are intelligent, agile, and active. They require ample space to roam and explore, as well as plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need to be kept on a leash or in areas with high fencing as they tend to become escape artists when they need entertainment. They are also very vocal and will bark to alert their owners of visitors or anything unusual.

The breed is courageous, loyal, and determined. They are affectionate and loving towards their owners but can be sensitive and will not tolerate harsh handling. They are also known for their incredible stamina, having been bred to track the scent of wounded animals through steep and heavily forested mountains for hours, or even days.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not suited to city life and require a country or rural home with plenty of access to outdoor space. They are generally healthy but are prone to bloating and stomach problems, so their diet should consist of smaller, more frequent meals.

Care and exercise

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not low-maintenance pets and require a lot of care and exercise. They are a breed that has been designed for hunting and tracking, so they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and active, so they need daily exercise and stimulation to keep them entertained. Without this, they can become bored, which often leads to destructive habits.

These dogs are best suited to life in a rural setting, with access to a large, secure garden. They need ample space to roam and explore, and their incredible stamina means they can track through mountainous terrain for hours on end. They require at least two hours of vigorous walking per day and are well-suited to dog sports such as tracking or man trailing.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are known for their strong sense of smell, so they need to be kept entertained with sniffing jobs. They are also highly food-motivated, so treats can be used as a form of mental stimulation and as a reward during training. Early socialisation and training are important for this breed, and they respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.

In terms of grooming, Bavarian Mountain Hounds have short, dense coats that require weekly brushing. Their nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, and they also need regular dental care, including at-home brushing and professional cleanings. They are generally a healthy breed but can be prone to bloating and stomach problems, so smaller, more frequent meals are recommended. It is important to feed them high-quality, age-appropriate food and monitor their food intake to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

Health

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a breed of working dog native to Germany, developed as a scent hound for trailing game through mountainous terrain. These dogs are known for their endurance, agility, and strong sense of smell, making them excellent hunters and outdoor companions.

When it comes to their health, Bavarian Mountain Hounds are generally a robust and healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. However, as with any breed, there are some health considerations and potential issues to be aware of. Here are some key health aspects to consider for these dogs:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia:

This is a common concern for many large dog breeds, and the Bavarian Mountain Hound is no exception. Hip and elbow dysplasia can lead to joint pain, arthritis, and lameness. Responsible breeding practices that focus on selecting dogs with healthy hip and elbow joints are crucial to minimizing the risk of dysplasia in this breed. Early detection through x-rays and appropriate veterinary care can help manage the condition if it develops. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the risk and impact of dysplasia.

Bloat:

Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects deep-chested dog breeds, including the Bavarian Mountain Hound. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply to the heart and causing shock. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, restlessness, and retching without producing vomit. Feeding multiple small meals per day, preventing rapid eating, and avoiding exercise right after meals can help reduce the risk of bloat. Surgery is often required to correct the condition and save the dog's life.

Eye Issues:

Bavarian Mountain Hounds can be prone to certain eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness, while cataracts cause a clouding of the lens, impairing vision. Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect these issues early on. While cataracts can sometimes be surgically corrected, there is currently no cure for PRA, so responsible breeding practices are essential to reducing the incidence of this condition.

Ear Infections:

The long, pendulous ears of the Bavarian Mountain Hound can provide a warm, moist environment conducive to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and checking for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or a foul odor, are important. Ear infections can be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues, including hearing loss. Keeping the ears dry after swimming or bathing and ensuring proper airflow to the ear canal can help prevent infections.

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC):

This is a neuromuscular disorder that can affect the Bavarian Mountain Hound, causing muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and collapse after periods of intense exercise. The condition is not fatal, but affected dogs should be given ample time to rest and recover after exercise. EIC is an inherited disorder, so genetic testing of breeding dogs can help identify carriers and reduce the incidence of the condition in future generations.

In summary, while the Bavarian Mountain Hound is generally a healthy breed, potential owners should be aware of these health considerations and take appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of their dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups, responsible breeding practices, and a commitment to providing proper exercise, nutrition, and care are key to maintaining the health of these magnificent dogs.

Frequently asked questions