The unstoppable Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound temperament makes this tracking hound a perfect companion for a serious hunter.
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has an unbelievably powerful nose.
In fact, this breed has the unusual ability to differentiate between individual animals of the same species. These dogs can actually follow the scent of a particular, wounded animal, and ignore others of the same species. This trait is called “cold nose tracking.”
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound originated in Germany where it is called the Bayerischer Gebirgsschweisshund.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are a rare breed, and most of these dogs are owned by professional hunters, foresters, and wildlife wardens.
The vast majority of these dogs are still used as true working dogs. If you plan to have one as a pet, you will need to make serious accommodations to make sure your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound stays happy and healthy.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Traits and Behaviors
If you are thinking about acquiring one of these dogs, make sure you learn everything you can about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound behaviors so you will know what to expect.
Below you will find some of the most common traits of the breed.
Remember that all dogs are individuals, so not all Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds will display the same characteristics. However, here are some common characteristics that you will find in this breed.
Not Suited for the City
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds need open space to run.
These dogs are not well equipped for city life.
A home in the country is a much better environment for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds require a lot of physical exercises every day. They enjoy spending time outdoors exploring and following their noses.
If you live in the city and you have your heart set on owning a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, you will need to have a plan for getting it the daily exercise it needs.
For starters, you will need to take your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound on daily walks and jogs. You can also bring him to a dog park for playtime with other dogs if he gets along well with other canines.
If you work long hours, you may need to hire a dog walker or drop your dog off at a doggie daycare during the workday.
If you leave your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound alone all day in a house or apartment, you are going to come home to a bored and destructive pet.
Bored Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds will display unwanted behaviors such as chewing, digging, howling, and climbing fences to escape the yard.
Make sure you have the time and energy for this athletic dog before you bring one home. Most average dog owners are not equipped to handle this kind of energy level.
Needs Company
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are very social and devoted animals.
They love to be with their people at all times.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds make excellent companions for people who can take their dogs to work with them.
They do not make good pets for people who are looking for a yard dog.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds need to feel like they are part of the family. They do not do well when they are isolated in the backyard.
In fact, they have been known to dig holes and climb fences to escape the boredom and loneliness of the backyard.
This breed is prone to developing separation anxiety, so be sure to work with a professional trainer if you think your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is suffering from separation anxiety.
Loyal to Family
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are revered for being devoted to their masters.
They are extremely loyal and trustworthy dogs with their families.
They are attentive, obedient and eager to please.
If you are looking for a canine shadow, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound will be your constant companion.
They can be silly and clownish when playing with their families.
Reserved with Strangers
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is often aloof with strangers.
Although they should never be skittish or aggressive, many Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are standoffish with new people.
It takes time for these dogs to form a connection and warm up to new individuals.
When guests come over, make sure your visitors respect your dog’s space and let him come to them when he feels comfortable.
Never force your dog to interact with someone. Allow your dog to take his time making new friends.
You can help your dog have a positive experience with new people by signing him up for a puppy socialization class when he is young.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound History
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds originated in Germany. They descended from the original German hunting dog called the German Bracken.
German Bracken evolved over time into numerous different German hunting breeds, including the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.
The club for Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds was established in 1912 in Munich, Germany.
Although Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are still extremely rare, additional clubs have formed in other countries, and awareness of this breed is slowly growing.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Size and Appearance
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are medium-sized hounds. They are light on their feet, muscular and mobile. They have droopy ears and extremely keen noses.
The average Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound weight is between 37 and 66 lbs. Males are substantially larger than females.
The average Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound height is between 17 and 20.5 inches.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound colors are deep red, deer red, tan, brindle, or fawn. A small light-colored patch on the chest called a “Bracken Star,” is acceptable.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Training
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are intelligent and eager to learn. They tend to be highly food motivated which is helpful for training.
If possible, enroll your dog in an obedience class with a professional trainer. Training classes are a fun way to bond with your dog.
Make sure you find a class that is taught by a positive reinforcement dog trainer.
Avoid forceful methods or harsh forms of training with this breed.
Once you and your dog have learned the basics, you can get involved with more advanced training such as agility, nosework, hunting, tracking or search and rescue.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Grooming
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has a short, dense coat.
The coat is easy to groom at home with occasional brushing and bathing. Professional grooming is not necessary for this breed.
Shedding is minimal and easy to manage. However, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are not considered to be hypoallergenic.
Owners should inspect and clean their dogs’ ears on a regular basis. Hounds are prone to developing infections in their long, floppy ears.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds also need regular nail trims and teeth cleaning.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Exercise
Sufficient exercise is the key to success with your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.
Not only does it keep your dog physically healthy, but it also helps him learn and stay mentally focused when he is receiving adequate daily exercise.
Remember the old adage that a tired dog is a good dog! This saying holds true with the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.
Staying Healthy: Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Health Issues
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are generally healthy dogs. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health concerns. Make sure to discuss these possible health issues with your veterinarian so you can be on the watch for early warning signs:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Disease
- Cancer
- Heart Abnormalities
- Ear Infections
As with all breeds, your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound should visit a veterinarian at least once per year for a general checkup and annual vaccinations.
Also make sure that your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound receives monthly flea, tick and heartworm prevention for his whole life.
Spaying and neutering your pet at the appropriate age is highly recommended. Discuss the benefits of spaying and neutering with your veterinarian.
With a good diet and excellent health care, the average Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.
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Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Rescue and Adoption
If you are ready to add a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound to your household, you have numerous options for finding your perfect pet.
One option is to locate a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound for adoption.
Dogs enter rescue and adoption programs for many different reasons.
Sometimes owners are not ready for the time and energy commitment of a dog. Or maybe they go through financial or personal crises and are have no choice but to give up their pets. At
Regardless of the reason, these animals are in need of new, loving, stable homes.
You can search for an adoptable Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound by using Google or Facebook.
You can also contact breeders and breed clubs for information about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds needing adoption.
Happily, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are rare in American animal shelters, but you can still visit your local shelter or humane society and talk with the staff. They may allow you to put your name on a waiting list for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound or a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound mix. They might also be willing to call you about similar breeds or mixes that become available for adoption.
Adoption websites such as Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com are also good resources for finding a new pet.
Finding a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
Another option for some people is to buy a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound puppy from a breeder.
Pick Reputable/Ethical Breeders
If you decide to work with a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound breeder, just be sure to do your research to make sure that the breeder is in the business for ethical reasons and is not simply trying to make money.
Never purchase Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound puppies (or any type of puppies) from an internet website or from a pet store. The puppies from these sources most likely come from unethical breeding operations called puppy mills.
Instead, contact the American Kennel Club or the national breed club for a list of high-quality Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound breeders.
Conduct a Home Visit
Once you have narrowed down the list, set up an appointment to meet the breeders in person. Ask to visit their home and view the breeding dogs. It is important to see for yourself that the dogs on the property are healthy and in good condition.
Good breeders will welcome your visit. They will want an opportunity to meet you and ask you questions as well. Responsible breeders want to make sure that every single one of their pups goes to an excellent, lifelong home.
Your breeder will probably ask you to sign a contract promising to return the puppy to their care if things do not work out for any reason.
If a breeder does not want you to visit the premises, keep looking for other options.
Good breeders will not over breed their dogs, so Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Since they are so rare, they can also be expensive.
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound price varies depending on the breeder and the bloodline; but be prepared to spend over $1000.
If you choose to adopt from a rescue group, the price will be substantially lower. Plus, rescue dogs usually come spayed, neutered, vaccinated and vetted.
Conclusion: Why the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound?
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound temperament makes this breed ideally suited to be working dog or a companion for a full-time hunter.
If you plan to keep one as a pet, you need to make sure you have an environment and lifestyle that will match the needs of this extremely driven tracking hound.
A life in an apartment or a crate will not work for the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.
However, if you have an active lifestyle and you are looking for an athletic hound to be your constant companion, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound might be the dog for you.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.