The Bavarian Mountain Hound hails from Bavaria, Germany. In the Middle Ages, tools and weapons weren’t powerful enough to hunt down animals. At such times, the scent hounds like the Bavarian would track and corner the game and the hunter would come and finish it. Let us study the characteristics, temperament, and fun facts about the Bavarian Mountain Hound.
Cool facts about the Bavarian Mountain Hound
- In Bavaria, Germany where the Bavarian Mountain Hound comes from, the breed is known as the Bayerische Gebirgsschweisshund.
- They were bred to be hunting dogs in the mountain regions of Bavaria.
- The breed specializes in tracking wounded deer, wild boars, and other large game.
- Bavarian Mountain Hound has the unique ability to track the game for many miles and even after several hours have passed. Their tracking ability is unmatched.
- There are several other German scent hounds apart from the Bavarian: The Dachshund, the Deutsche Bracke, the Westphalian Dachsbracke, and the Hanoverian Hound are some breeds that are popular even outside Germany.
Physical description
- The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium-sized dog. They have a broad and deep chest and a head that is broad and slightly domed.
- The average height for a male Bavarian Mountain Hound is about 19-20 inches and their weight is between 50 and 75 lbs. Female Bavarians are slightly smaller and lighter.
- Their short coat is harsh and comes in different colors like red, fawn, deep red, and brindle. The muzzle and ears are black.
- Since they were bred to work on mountain slopes, they are extremely agile and athletic.
- Physically, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is quite like the Hanoverian hound, which is a small German bloodhound that is a part of the Bavarian’s ancestry.
Is the Bavarian Mountain Hound a good pet for you?
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is mostly a hunting dog. They do make good family pets but owners need to ensure that they exercise their dog daily for at least one hour. This includes long walks or runs. Never let your Bavarian walk off-leash as these scenting hounds can quickly catch a scent and try to track it down. This may not be safe in an unfenced area. Responsible breeders of the Bavarian Mountain Hound often only give their pups to selected hunters for this very reason.
Where to find a Bavarian Mountain Hound
The American Bavarian Scent Hound Club website is a good place to start your search for a purebred Bavarian puppy. A good breeder will be concerned about placing their puppies in good homes free from neglect or abuse. So be prepared to answer several questions about your household. Also, reputed and ethical breeders would not sell their puppies to anyone before they are 8 weeks old. This is to ensure that the pups get their dam’s milk and also learn proper socialization. You can also find good breeders of the Bavarian with the help of local vets or dog trainers. Alternatively, visit a few dog-shows where you can ask about breeders of the Bavarian Mountain Hound. Bavarian mountain scent hound puppies can cost anywhere between $800 and $1000 depending on the breeder.
Temperament
This is an intelligent dog breed. They are known to be extremely loyal to their families. Bavarians are good with children but aloof with or wary of strangers. They are calm dogs so any shyness or aggressiveness could be due to the fact that the dog is a product of puppy mills. These dogs tend to be barkers and may or may not get along with other dogs. This can be overcome with early socialization. At home, your Bavarian will be a pleasant contemporary that is willing to please and who loves being with his owner. Nevertheless, it cannot be unleashed out-of-doors without training. They can be quickly under-worked and that causes boredom. The Bavarian is characterized by a tremendous will to work, reliability, and endurance. They make good guard dogs.
Training
6-8 weeks is a good time to start training your Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy since, at this age, they are like sponges and learn quickly. Being intelligent, training is fairly easy. But you still need to be patient and consistent with them and make sure never to shout or scold the young puppy. Start by teaching your puppy to go to the bathroom outside. You will need to take your pet out several times a day.
Teach him to eliminate in a fixed spot and when he does, praise and treat him. Continue to do this each time you take your pet outside. You can use the words ‘Go Potty’ and when he obeys, ‘good boy’ or anything else that sounds like praise. Crate training is also a good way to house train your Bavarian hound. Never leave your young pet unsupervised; if you have to, then it is best to leave him in a crate.
Exercise
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is not suited to a busy city living or small, cramped up apartments. He needs plenty of open places where he can run around and exercise daily. As stated before, these dogs need at least one hour of daily exercise in the form of running, walking, climbing, hiking, hunting, or playing fetch with the kids. A young dog has a lot of energy and if left unexpended, it could translate into unwanted behavior and boredom. His nose may lead him on a scent, so it is not recommended leaving him off-leash during his walks.
Grooming
These dogs have short dense coats which shed about once a year. They are hardy dogs made for rugged terrain. So they do not need too much grooming. Even then, it is a good idea to brush down his coat once or twice a week. This will stimulate his natural oils providing a natural gloss to the skin and fur. Bathe your pet if he gets very dirty after running in the rain and dirt. Make sure you trim your pet’s nails and inspect his ears from time to time. Also, brush your pet’s teeth two to three times a week to prevent bad breath and dental issues.
Health problems in the Bavarian Mountain Hound
Bavarians are a fairly healthy dog breed and not many hereditary diseases exist in them. Hip dysplasia is something you may want to watch out for. Also, ear infections are common so inspect your pet’s ears from time to time. The lifespan of the breed is about 10 years.
