Bavarian Mountain Hound

Canis lupus

Last updated: January 28, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Aleksandr Abrosimov/Shutterstock.com

Bavarian Mountain Dogs were only accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1996.


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Bavarian Mountain Hound Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Bavarian Mountain Hound Conservation Status

Bavarian Mountain Hound Locations

Bavarian Mountain Hound Locations

Bavarian Mountain Hound Facts

Fun Fact
Bavarian Mountain Dogs were only accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1996.
Temperament
Courageous, intelligent and poised
Training
Should be trained from an early age as it is a long and slow process
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
8
Common Name
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Slogan
Calm, quiet and poised!
Group
Hound

Bavarian Mountain Hound Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Tan
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 to15 years
Weight
66 lbs

Bavarian Mountain Hound as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$800
Dog group
Sporting
Male weight
37-66 lbs
Female weight
37-66 lbs

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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 was excellent at finding the injured game that had been shot down. They used 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.

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

Evolution

In the 18th century, German breeders created the Hanovarian 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 who could retrieve downed game rather than seek it out. In the 1870s, Baron Karg-Bebenburg, Reichenhall, crossed a Hanoverian Scenthound with a red Mountain Scenthound to produce the Bavarian Mountain Hound.

Bavarian mountain hounds have an impressive lineage among hunting dogs.



©Ralf Lotys / Creative Commons

Owning a Bavarian Mountain Hound: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros!Cons!
Good with children: These dogs do very well with children; they are playful and affectionate.Heavy Shedders: Bavarian Mountain Hounds shed a lot and will need daily brushing to remove loose hairs and keep their coats looking good.
Excellent hunting companion: Bavarian Mountain Hounds can make an excellent hunting partner. They use their scent to track down prey that has been shot down.Separation Anxiety: This breed gets very connected to the members of their family. They can develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
Less expensive to purchase: Bavarian Mountain Hounds are less expensive to purchase than many other breeds.High activity needs: These dogs are a very active breed and need a lot of exercise.

Hound Size and Weight

This breed is medium-sized dogs. 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.

Height (Male)17 inches to 20.5 inches
Height (Female)17 inches to 20.5 inches
Weight (Male)37 pounds to 66 pounds
Weight (Female)37 pounds to 66 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.

To recap, some of the potential health concerns that these dogs may face include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Epilepsy

Temperament and Behavior

As a pet, these dogs are very loyal and bonded with their family. They have calm personalities and are very intelligent dogs. They can make a 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.

Bavarian Mountain Hound standing in grass

Bavarian mountain hounds should be trained at an early age using positive reinforcement.

©Yuppidu/Shutterstock.com

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 for Bavarian Mountain Hounds

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 possibly 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.

A-Z Animals thinks the best dog food for Bavarian Mountain Hounds is Wellness CORE Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, High Protein Dog Food.

High-energy dogs like these need high protein. So this protein-rich formula with chicken, turkey, and salmon is perfect. The real poultry ingredients are natural sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to guard the joints. Plus, there’s taurine for the vision and eyes.

Check Chewy or Amazon for these products.

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.

Bavarian mountain hounds need plenty of exercise.

©Ralf Lotys / Creative Commons

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 him 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 Hound puppy sitting in the field

©Couperfield/Shutterstock.com

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 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 scenthound, 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.

Below, we’ve shared some of the most popular names for these dogs. Read through the list to see if any of the names feel like a good fit for your new pup.

  • Jack
  • Bailey
  • Harley
  • Henry
  • Oliver
  • Ginger
  • Bella
  • Zoey
  • Molly
  • Shelby

View all 285 animals that start with B

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About the Author

After a career of working to provide opportunities for local communities to experience and create art, I am enjoying having time to write about two of my favorite things - nature and animals. Half of my life is spent outdoors, usually with my husband and sweet little fourteen year old dog. We love to take walks by the lake and take photos of the animals we meet including: otters, ospreys, Canadian geese, ducks and nesting bald eagles. I also enjoy reading, discovering books to add to my library, collecting and playing vinyl, and listening to my son's music.

Bavarian Mountain Hound FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Bavarian Mountain Hounds herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the order Carnivora.

What genus do Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds belong to the genus Canis.

What type of covering do Bavarian Mountain Hounds have?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are covered in hair.

How many babies do Bavarian Mountain Hounds have?

The average number of babies a Bavarian Mountain Hound has is 8.

What is an interesting fact about Bavarian Mountain Hounds?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are calm, quiet, and poised!

What is the scientific name for the Bavarian Mountain Hound?

The scientific name for the Bavarian Mountain Hound is Canis lupus.

How much does a Bavarian Mountain Hound cost to own?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are less expensive than most other breeds, but they may be harder to find. The price to purchase a Bavarian Mountain Hound from a breeder is around $800. You may also be able to find Bavarian Mountain Hounds from a rescue or shelter. The price to purchase this breed from a rescue organization will be a few hundred dollars to cover application fees and vaccinations.

Purchasing a Bavarian Mountain Hound puppy is only one of the costs associated with ownership. You’ll also need to budget money to cover the cost of food, supplies, veterinary care, and other expenses for your dog. These will likely be the most expensive for your first year of ownership, and you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,500. In the following years that you own the dog, your expenses should be a bit lower, but you will still want to budget between $500 and $1,000 to cover everything.

Is a Bavarian Mountain Hound good with kids?

Yes, Bavarian Mountain Hounds are good with kids. They are very loyal and love getting attention from children and playing with them.

How long does a Bavarian Mountain Hound live?

The average lifespan of a Bavarian Mountain Hound is between 12 and 15 years.

Do Bavarian Mountain Hounds make good pets?

Yes, Bavarian Mountain Hounds can make a good pet. They are loyal, playful, and love getting attention from their family members. They also make great hunting companions and can use their scent to locate prey that their owners have shot.

Do Bavarian Mountain Hounds shed?

Yes, Bavarian Mountain Hounds shed a good amount throughout the year. Their coat will need to be brushed every day.

How big do Bavarian Mountain Hounds get?

Bavarian Mountain Hounds grow to be between 37 and 66 pounds. They can be between 17 and 20.5 inches tall.

Are Bavarian Mountain Hounds aggressive?

No, Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not aggressive. They are reserved and wary around strangers but are not aggressive.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bavarian-mountain-scent-hound/
  2. Dogtime, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bavarian-mountain-scent-hound#/slide/1
  3. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavarian_Mountain_Hound
  4. Dogzone, Available here: https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/bavarian-mountain-dog/

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