Bavarian Mountain Hound

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are descendants of Bracken, the original hunting dogs of Germany. Called Gebirgsschweisshund in German, they were the result of mixing a Hanoverian Scenthound with a Red Mountain Scenthound.

The breed is excellent at finding the injured game that has been shot down. They use their scent to track down the prey. Bavarian Mountain Hounds still make excellent hunting partners; they are very fast, persistent, and courageous. Bavarian Mountain Hounds are also gaining more popularity in Germany, the United States, and Great Britain.

Whether you adopt a Bavarian Mountain Hound from a rescue organization or purchase one from a breeder, it can make an excellent family pet. The breed is very loyal and affectionate.

Origin

In the 18th century, German breeders created the Hanoverian Scenthound from hunting breeds most skilled at following scents of prey on the ground, including the “Bracken,” having the finest nose and a strong will to follow the trail of hunted game. These dogs were perfect for hunting in lower elevations. When hunters began using guns in the mid-19th century, a dog was needed that could retrieve downed game rather than seek it out. In the 1870s, Baron Karg-Bebenburg of Reichenhall crossed a Hanoverian Scenthound with a red Mountain Scenthound to produce the Bavarian Mountain Hound.

Owning a Bavarian Mountain Hound: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

This breed is a medium-sized dog. Males and females are both between 17 and 20.5 inches tall and weigh between 37 and 66 pounds. 12-week-old puppies weigh between 2.5 and 5 pounds. By six months, puppies should weigh between 15 and 50 pounds.

Common Health Issues

These dogs may suffer from different genetic disorders that are passed down from their parents. For this reason, it is important to do your research to choose a reputable and respected breeder who will be honest.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are two conditions that these dogs may develop. These disorders occur when a dog’s joints don’t develop correctly, and the bones end up rubbing against one another. This can make it very painful for them to walk and may sometimes require surgery.

Another possible condition that they may suffer from is progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. This eye disease is marked by the gradual degeneration of the retina of the eye, which eventually results in a loss of vision. At this time, there is no cure for this disorder.

Some of these dogs also suffer from epilepsy. This seizure disorder is controllable with medicine, but dogs will need to remain on the medication for the rest of their lives.

Temperament and Behavior

As pets, these dogs are very loyal and bonded with their family. They have calm personalities and are very intelligent dogs. They can make good family pets and generally get along well with children. They are not very outgoing with strangers and are more reserved until they feel comfortable with a person.

As a hunting dog, the breed exhibits very courageous traits. They can also show very persistent behaviors when hunting.

How to Take Care of a Bavarian Mountain Hound

As these dogs are different from other dog breeds, they will require a unique care plan. Think about temperament, health concerns, exercise requirements, dietary needs, and other factors when you prepare to care for a hound.

The Best Dog Food

When choosing food for your dog, look for food from a reputable manufacturer that is formulated for high-energy, medium-sized breeds. The exact amount of food your dog will need can vary based on the food you select, their activity level, age, weight, health concerns, and other factors. Check with their veterinarian to make sure you’re feeding them the proper amount each day. A Bavarian Mountain Dog’s food should be portioned out into two meals each day. Do not leave their food sitting out all day, as it can lead to weight gain.

Puppies will need to eat more frequently throughout the day. Divide the total amount of food the puppy should get into three or four meals until they are about six months old. At this time, they should be fine with eating just two meals. Choose a high-quality puppy formula for your dog, and check with their veterinarian if you are unsure about which food is best for your dog.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs are heavy shedders, but they are pretty easy to groom. Their dense coat should be brushed at least a few times each week to remove loose hairs or dirt.

Their nails also grow very quickly and will need to be clipped regularly to prevent them from getting too long. You should also brush your dog’s teeth a few times each week and check their ears to keep them clear of wax and debris.

Training

These dogs are highly intelligent and social. For training to work, you will want to start as early as possible and use positive reinforcement. Training methods that focus on punishing the dog for bad behaviors will not work well with them. This breed can also become bored easily if they don’t get enough mental stimulation, which can lead to destructive behaviors. To prevent this, you’ll want to keep your dog active and make sure they get enough attention.

Exercise

These dogs require regular exercise. They do best living with hunters who go out more than just casually. If you won’t be taking your Bavarian Mountain Dog Hunting on a regular basis, look for ways to make sure his high needs for both mental and physical stimulation are met. Make sure your home has a large yard with a high fence where your dog can run around.

Puppies

Puppies will need special care. Before you bring home a new puppy, make sure your home is ready and puppy-proof by removing anything that could cause harm to a dog and anything you wouldn’t want a puppy to destroy.

You should also set up an appointment with a veterinarian and purchase all the food, treats, and supplies your new puppy will need before bringing it home. That way, when you are ready to adopt or purchase the dog, everything will be set up and ready to go home.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds and Children

These dogs generally do very well with children. They get along well with them and can be very loyal to their family members. This breed also loves getting lots of attention and will appreciate extra attention from children.

Dogs similar to the Bavarian Mountain Hound

Bloodhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, and Beagles are three breeds that are similar to these dogs.

• Bloodhound: Bloodhounds and Bavarian Mountain Hounds are both scenthounds that use their scent to find prey. Both breeds can be very affectionate and social with trusted members of their families. Bloodhounds, however, are larger than Bavarian Mountain Hounds. Male Bloodhounds have an average weight of 100 pounds compared to the 49.5 average weight of a Bavarian Mountain Hound.
• Bluetick Coonhound: Bluetick Coonhounds and Bavarian Mountain Hounds are both friendly with children and many other dogs. Bluetick Coonhounds are more vocal than Bavarian Mountain Hounds and are much more likely to bark.
• Beagle: Beagles are another scent hound, like the Bavarian Mountain Hound. Neither dog is recommended for apartment living as they are both active breeds who need space to run around. Beagles are smaller in size than Bavarian Mountain Hounds. Males have an average weight of 23.5 pounds, which is over 25 pounds lighter than the 49.5-pound average weight of a Bavarian Mountain Hound.