Bavarian Mountain Hound

In my own words

 

I’m cool and calm and I love my family to bits! I may look pretty determined when I’m out on the hunt but I’m a bit softie really. I love cuddles and being a part of family activities – especially if it involves lots of running and playing! I’ve got lots of energy you see, because I’m a hunting dog and I’m really good at it! I work with lots of game wardens and foresters, hunting for game but don’t let that put you off, I’m a family dog too!

But you will have to keep an eye on me because my sense of smell is so keen, I get pretty distracted... I just love to investigate different scents so keep an eye out or you might have to be hunting for me!

 

Information essential about the Bavarian Mountain Hound

 

Kennel Club Group:

Crossbreeds are not recognised by the KC

 

Size:

Medium: Weight 44 – 55 lb (20 – 25 kg)

Height: Male 18 – 20.5” (47 – 52 cm) Female 17 – 19” (44 – 48 cm)

 

Popularity:

 

Due to its hunting nature, this breed continues to be very popular amongst game wardens, trackers and licensed hunters across Europe but is not commonly seen as a show dog or household pet.

 

Breed History:

 

The Bavarian Mountain Dog is a tracking hound that specialising in tracking injured big game. The breed was originally developed in the late 19th century in the mountains of Bavaria, Germany. The breed was developed by selectively crossbreeding the Hanovarian  Hound with Red Mountain Hounds in order to create a tracking hound with a lighter, more agile frame to be able to navigate mountainous terrain with greater ease.

The "Klub für Bayrische Gebirgsschweißhunde", (Club for Bavarian Mountain hound) was founding in Munich in 1912 and afterwards the breed began to gain popularity in both Austria and Hungary.

 

Character:

 

This is a well balanced, calm breed. They are extremely loyal to their family and master but can be aloof with strangers. They are cool and self-assured but very docile, being neither timid nor aggressive. They make good family companions provided they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation but are generally quiet around the house. They can be very affectionate to their family and loyal but can be easily distracted by interesting scents. This breed likes to be part of the family and develops a deep bond with their family, liking to be included in all activities. This breed is well behaved with children providing he has been brought up with them but can be reserved with strangers. They are independent and free-spirited, requiring a firm but patient owner.

 

 

Temperament:

 

This breed is calm, well balanced, quiet and extremely loyal to their master and family. They are athletic and poised and when hunting, are very focused and determined. Bred for their hunting abilities, they are very agile and fast, able to easily navigate mountainous terrain and have a very strong hunting instinct but require an experienced and patient trainer.

 

Conformation:

 

This breed is athletic and well proportioned and muscular. The head is strong and elongated and the skull is broad and slightly domed with a pronounced stop. The muzzle should be broad with a black or dark red nose with wide nostrils. The ears are set high and hang heavily against the head with rounded tips. The body is rectangular and slightly raised at the rump. The neck is strong and medium in length and the topline is sloping slightly upwards from the withers to the hindquarters. The chest is well developed and moderately wide and the tail is high set and medium in length, carried level to the ground or hanging down.

The Bavarians coat is short, thick and shiny. The coat lies flat against the body and is fairly coarse. It is finer on the head and ears, growing longer on the legs, tail and body.

 

Colour:

 

The coat comes in all shades of black-masked fawn or brindle, solid deep red, deer red, reddish brown, tan and reddish grey.

 

 

Training:

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is intelligent and eager to learn and are very responsive to firm, patient and respectful trainers. Early socialisation and obedience training is recommended and training should be based on positive reinforcement and praise. They do not respond well to harsh or heavy handling. When sufficiently socialised and trained, this breed is well behaved and docile but they can be independent and strong will so require a firm but patient hand.

Care:

 

This breed is not well suited to city life and needs regular exercise and plenty of space. The coat requires regular grooming but they are not heavy shedders.

 

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is up to 14 years, which is normal for a dog of this size. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. This breed suffers from relatively few health issues but should be hip tested as Hip Displasia can be present in this breed. It should also be noted that this breed can very rarely suffer from Entropian.

 

Exercise:

This breed requires a considerable amount of exercise but due to its hunting instincts, it is not recommended to allow this breed to roam off the lead due to their tendency to follow trails. They do best in the country where they can get plenty of exercise and require a large and securely fenced back yard. This breed needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep it fit and healthy due to their working nature.

 

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