Bavarian Mountain Hound

The history of the Bavarian Mountain Hound is inextricably linked to the evolution of hunting weapons and changes in hunting practices during the 19th century. With the advent of more accurate and long-range firearms, hunters increasingly faced the problem of wounded game – animals that, even if injured, could travel a significant distance before collapsing. Finding them required specialised dogs with an exceptional sense of smell, capable of following a cold blood trail.

Traditionally, scent hounds were used for these purposes, the most famous of which was the Hanoverian Scent Hound. These were reliable, but quite massive and heavy dogs, ideally suited for work in the lowlands. However, in the mountainous regions of Bavaria, their build became a hindrance. A lighter, more agile, and more compact dog was needed, one capable of working tirelessly in the challenging conditions of the mountains and forests.

The credit for creating the new breed belongs to Baron Karl-Bebenburg Reichenhall, a passionate hunter who, in the late 1870s, began a purposeful breeding programme. He decided to cross the proven working Hanoverian Scent Hounds with lighter, local mountain hound breeds, such as the Tyrolean Bracke and the Austrian Black and Tan Hound. The goal was to preserve the exceptional sense of smell and calm nature of the Hanoverian while giving the dog a lighter build, shorter legs, and the stamina needed for the mountains. You can find out more about similar breeds, such as the Alpine Dachsbracke and the Hanoverian Scent Hound, on our website.

The result exceeded expectations. The dogs produced were resilient, enthusiastic, with an excellent scenting ability and an incredible bond with their handler. They could pursue prey for hours, easily navigating steep slopes and dense thickets. In 1883, the “Club for Bavarian Mountain Hounds” was founded in Munich, which marked the official date of the breed’s recognition. Since then, the “Bavarians” have become indispensable assistants for gamekeepers and hunters in the mountainous regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. To learn more about different hound breeds, you might also be interested in the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium-sized dog, harmoniously built, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. He gives the impression of a fast, resilient, and self-assured animal. His body is slightly stretched, with a raised hindquarters, which is a characteristic feature of breeds that work in the mountains.

• Head: The skull is relatively broad, not heavy, with a clearly defined stop (the transition from the forehead to the muzzle). The muzzle is slightly shorter than the cranial part and not too pointed. The lips are tight-fitting and not droopy. The nose is large, black or dark brown, with wide nostrils, which indicates an excellent sense of smell.
• Eyes: Clear, expressive, and not too large. The colour ranges from dark brown to hazel. The gaze is intelligent and attentive.
• Ears: Heavy, hanging, set high. They reach the tip of the nose. They are wide at the base and rounded at the ends, hanging smoothly along the cheeks.
• Body: The neck is of medium length, strong, with a slight dewlap. The topline rises slightly from the withers to the rump. The back is strong and elastic. The chest is long, well-developed, and oval-shaped, providing enough room for the lungs and heart. The belly is moderately tucked up.
• Tail: Set high, of medium length. The dog carries it horizontally or slightly lowered.
• Limbs: The forelegs are straight, with strong bones and well-muscled. The hindlegs have well-defined hock joints, which provide a powerful push when moving uphill. The paws are oval, with tightly closed toes and strong pads.
• Coat and Colour: The coat is short, dense, and close-fitting to the body, feeling slightly harsh to the touch. The hair on the head and ears is thinner and softer. Acceptable colours vary from a rich deer-red to reddish-brown, sandy, or fawn. A brindle coat (dark stripes on a reddish background) is common. The back and ears are usually darker than the main colour. A small white patch on the chest (“star”) is allowed by the standard.

The character of the Bavarian Mountain Hound is a unique combination of hunting drive and deep loyalty. This is a one-person dog, with whom he forms an incredibly strong bond. The “Bavarian” wants to be constantly by his person’s side, literally following them everywhere. This trait makes him a wonderful companion for a hunter, but it can become a problem if the dog is left alone for long periods – he can suffer from separation anxiety.

During work, this dog transforms: he becomes focused, brave, and incredibly persistent. Neither difficult terrain nor bad weather will stop him. He is capable of following a trail for hours, demonstrating amazing endurance. At home, however, he is a calm, balanced, and gentle animal who loves to be the centre of his family’s attention.

Relationships with others:

1. With children: With proper socialisation, Bavarian Hounds get along well with children, especially if they grow up together. However, due to their sensitivity and hunting instincts, they are not the best choice for families with very young children. It is important to teach a child to respect the dog’s personal space.
2. With other dogs: They can get along with other dogs but do not always seek their company. Unlike pack hounds, such as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the “Bavarian” is more independent. Early socialisation is key to developing appropriate behaviour.
3. With other animals: Absolutely not suitable for keeping with cats, rodents, birds, and other small animals. His hunting instinct is too strong, and he will always see them as potential prey.
4. With strangers: He is wary and reserved with strangers, but not aggressive. He is not a classic guard dog, although he will certainly warn you of an intruder’s arrival with his bark.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is generally a healthy and resilient breed, which is due to its working purpose. However, like any other breed, it has a predisposition to certain genetic and acquired diseases. Responsible breeders test their breeding animals to minimise the risks for future generations.

The most common health problems include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is a common problem for many medium and large-sized dogs. Improper joint development can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis in adulthood. It is important to choose a puppy from parents who have certificates proving they are free of dysplasia. It is also important not to over-exert a puppy with physical activity during its active growth period.
• Eye Diseases: Conditions such as entropion (inward-turning eyelid) and ectropion (outward-turning eyelid), as well as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), are sometimes seen.
• Ear Infections (Otitis): Hanging ears create a warm and humid environment, ideal for the multiplication of bacteria and fungi. This is characteristic of many breeds, including the “Bavarian’s” relative, the Alpine Dachsbracke. Regular cleaning and inspection of the ears is an essential preventative procedure. Signs of a problem include redness, an unpleasant odour from the ear, or the dog frequently shaking its head.
• Demodicosis: A skin disease caused by the microscopic Demodex mite. In some dogs, the immune system is unable to control the population of these mites, which leads to hair loss and skin inflammation.
• Injuries: As an active hunting dog, the “Bavarian” is prone to work-related injuries: cuts, sprains, and bites from wild animals. It is important to always have a first-aid kit with you when you are out in nature.

Caring for the “Bavarian” is not complicated but requires regularity. The main focus should be on maintaining his physical fitness and health, rather than his appearance.

The most important part of their care is providing a proper level of physical activity. Short walks on a lead are not enough for this dog. He needs daily long (1.5-2 hours) walks, preferably in a forest or park where he can run off-leash (in a safe place) and use his nose. Regular tracking training or participation in hunting is the ideal option.

Training a Bavarian Mountain Hound is a task for an experienced owner. They are intelligent and clever, but at the same time, very stubborn and independent. These traits were necessary for a job where the dog had to make its own decisions while following a trail far from the hunter. Therefore, blind obedience should not be expected from them.

Key principles of successful training:

• Start early: Socialisation and the basics of obedience should begin from the first days a puppy arrives home. Introduce him to various people, sounds, places, and other dogs.
• Positive reinforcement: “Bavarians” are very sensitive to criticism and harshness. Harsh training methods will only cause the dog to withdraw and refuse to cooperate. A reward system works best: praise, treats, and play.
• Consistency and patience: Training sessions should be regular but not too long, so the dog does not lose interest. Be consistent in your demands and do not give up if something doesn’t work out the first time.
• Working with instincts: The best motivation for this dog is the work it was created for. Activities that develop its sense of smell, such as tracking (even for fun), will bring it much more satisfaction than the monotonous repetition of commands.

The diet of the Bavarian Hound must meet its high energy needs, especially if the dog is actively used for hunting. The diet of a working dog during the hunting season differs significantly from that of a companion dog at rest.

During an active period (hunting, intense training):

• Calorie intake: The calorie requirement increases by 30-40%.
• Proteins: The proportion of animal proteins (meat, offal) should be high, as they are the main building blocks for muscles.
• Fats: Animal fats are a concentrated source of energy. It is advisable to increase their amount in the diet during the cold season.

During a rest period:

• Calorie intake: Decreases to avoid weight gain.
• Carbohydrates: The proportion of carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables) increases, while fats decrease. Carbohydrates provide energy, but not as concentrated as fats.

You can use ready-made dry food of the premium or super-premium class for active medium-sized breeds, or a natural diet. With a natural diet, the basis of the ration should be lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken), offal, sea fish (boneless), as well as porridge (rice, buckwheat), vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgettes) and fermented milk products. It is important to maintain a balance and not overfeed the dog.

• “Schweisshund” in the breed’s name translates from German as “bloodhound” (Schweiß – blood of a wounded animal, Hund – dog), which directly indicates its specialisation.
• Bavarian Hounds work on a long lead (cord), the length of which can reach 10-12 meters. This allows the dog to follow the trail freely while the hunter can control it.
• These dogs have a so-called “cold nose”. This means they are capable of working on a trail that is many hours or even a whole day old.
• Despite their hunting purpose, “Bavarians” are sometimes used in search and rescue operations to find missing people thanks to their phenomenal sense of smell.
• The breed is still considered relatively rare. Most dogs belong to professional hunters and gamekeepers, and breeders are very careful in selecting future owners for their puppies, preferring those who will use the dog for its intended purpose.

Can a Bavarian Mountain Hound be kept in an apartment?
It is strongly not recommended. This dog needs space to move. The ideal place for him to live is a country house with a large, securely fenced area and close proximity to a forest or field for walks.

How much does a Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy cost?
The price for puppies from reputable breeders who test the parents for genetic diseases and care about working qualities can be quite high. This is a rare breed, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the pedigree and the reputation of the kennel.

Do they bark a lot?
“Bavarians” are not prone to barking unnecessarily. They give voice while working (hunting) or to warn of the approach of strangers, but at home, they are quite quiet.

Is this breed suitable for an active person who is not a hunter?
This is a difficult question. Theoretically, if you are willing to dedicate several hours a day to intense activities such as long hikes in the mountains, running, or seriously engaging in tracking sports disciplines, the dog can be happy. However, most breeders will prefer a hunter as an owner, as it is in this work that the dog can fully realise its potential.

How do they handle being alone?
Poorly. Due to their strong attachment to their owner, they find long periods of solitude difficult to bear. This breed is not suitable for people who spend most of the day away from home.