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Breed Characteristics
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Bavarian Mountain Hound
| Other Names | Bavarian Mountain Scenthound, Bayerischer Gebirgsschweißhund |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight | 55 lbs to 77lbs (25 - 35 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Male: 19–20 in. (47–52 cm) Females: 17–19 in (44–48 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is short, thick and shiny, lying very flat against the body, and moderately harsh. It is finer on the head and ears, harsher and longer on the abdomen, legs, and tail. |
| Colour | Its coat can come in all shades of deer red, tan or fawn, black-masked fawn or brindle. |
| Litter Size | 3-7 Puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 Years |
| Origin & History | The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a relatively recently created breed which has only been in existence since the 1870’s. However, the breed can trace its ancestry for many centuries. The earliest written records of the inhabitants of modern Bavaria mentioned that they kept hunting dogs. The Celts are known to have kept several different types of hunting dog, as are the Germans. Until very recently, such hunting dogs were exclusively owned by the nobility, to whom hunting was very important. In most places, it was actually illegal for someone not of noble blood to possess hunting dogs or to use them to hunt. Even in those places where criminal penalties were reduced, the nobility were usually the only citizens able to afford to keep large hunting dogs. Because they were so important to them, many nobles kept their own lines of hunting dog. Eventually, dozens of unique localized varieties developed across Western Europe, including in Germany. Among those regions which developed their own unique types were Hannover and Bavaria. By the 1870’s, the German nobility had already lost a substantial amount of their traditional wealth and power. However, a substantial number still maintained sizable packs. Much like modern breeders, these 19th Century hunters continuously strove to improve the quality of their dogs. One such breeder was the Baron Karl-Bebenburg, Reichenhall, a member of the Bavarian Nobility. The Baron was an avid hunter of deer and other large game. Even an experienced hunter like the Baron is not able to kill every target on the first shot. Occasionally an animal will be able to flee despite severe injuries. In order to finish the hunt, such injured animals must be tracked down. One of the preferred methods of doing so is the use of specialized scent tracking dogs; such dogs are often referred to as blood tracking dogs. Unlike most hunting hounds which are unleashed to pursue their prey freely, blood tracking dogs are usually kept on a leash so that they can be followed closely on foot by the hunters. The Baron wanted to possess some blood tracking dogs for use on his Bavarian estate. At first, the Baron Karl-Bebenburg, Reichenhall acquired a few Hanoverian Hounds to use as blood trackers. The Hanoverian Hound, named after its native region of Hanover, was one of the best known and popular scenthounds in Germany since the late 1700’s. Although this breed is an extremely successful and talented hunter in many environments across Germany, it was less suited to work in the mountainous regions found in much of Bavaria. The Hanoverian Hound is a relatively large and heavy breed which made it more difficult and slower for these dogs to travel in the mountains. The Baron decided to cross his Hanoverian Hounds with several breeds native to Bavaria and neighboring regions. There is apparently some confusion and dispute as to which other breeds were used in these crosses. Some claim that the Red Mountain Hound was used. Others claim that it was actually the Tiroler Bracke. Several other breeds are less commonly suggested such as the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, other Bracke breeds, and random bred scent hounds. It is also quite possible, and probably likely, that the Baron actually used several different breeds in the development of his lines. Regardless of what exact breeds were used, the resulting Bavarian Mountain Hound came to closely resemble the Hanoverian Hound, but was smaller and lighter than that breed as well as being more adapted for use mountainous terrain. The newly created Bavarian Mountain Hound quickly stabilized in terms of appearance, temperament, and other qualities. The breed was talented enough as a hunter and so well-adapted to its preferred environment that it gained a sizable number of followers. In 1912, the Klub Bayerischer Gebirgsschweisshund (KBGS) was formed to protect and promote the breeding of pure blooded Bavarian Mountain Hounds. The KBGS has continued to be the primary breed club since that time. Unlike many other European scenthounds, the Bavarian Mountain Hound was able to survive both World Wars. This dog is also unique in that it has continued to be kept primarily as a working hunting dog while many similar breeds have been turned into companion animals. Throughout the 20th Century, the Bavarian Mountain Hound has maintained its reputation as an excellent blood tracking dog. Until very recently, however, the breed has remained virtually unknown outside of its homeland. Over the last several decades, a few breed members have found their way to other countries. One of the nations where the Bavarian Mountain Hound has found the greatest success is in the United States. There are currently a small number of breeders in the United States that are working to increase the North American population safely and responsibly. However, due to breeding rules established by the KBGS, most of these dogs were not registered. In 1996, the United Kennel Club (UKC) granted full recognition to the Bavarian Mountain Hound as a member of the Scenthound Group. In the fall of 2008, the KBGS-GNA was formed to represent the breed in North America. Dogs registered with the KBGS-GNA will be fully registered with the KBGS. The most recent estimate places the breed’s total American population at around 250 animals, although it is still growing slowly. As is the case in Germany, the vast majority of Bavarian Mountain hounds in the United States are either active or retired hunting dogs, and it appears likely that this situation will continue for the foreseeable future. |
| Personality | Bavarian Mountain Hounds are calm, quiet, poised, and very attached to their masters and family. When hunting, they are hard, single-minded, and persistent, courageous, spirited, fast, and agile, they are at ease on a rugged terrain, with a superb nose and powerful hunting instinct. However, they need a patient, experienced trainer. |
Care Requirements
| Health | It does not appear that any comprehensive health studies have been conducted on the Bavarian Mountain Hound which makes it impossible to make any definitive statements about the breed’s health. However, most fanciers seem to believe that the Bavarian Mountain Hound is in good to average health. There is substantial concern among breeders of this dog by recent test results from Slovakia. These results indicate that more than 25% of Bavarian Mountain Hounds in the country are affected by hip dysplasia. Partially because of this, many breeders are now conducted hip and skeletal test on all breed members that are intended to be used for breeding. Because skeletal and visual problems have been known to occur in this breed, it is highly advisable for owners to have their pets tested by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). The OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests to identify potential health defects before they show up. This is especially valuable in the detection of conditions that do not show up until the dog has reached an advanced age, making it especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog to have them tested to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to its offspring. |
| Grooming | The Bavarian Mountain Hound has very low grooming requirements. This breed should never require professional grooming, only an occasional brushing. Owners of these dogs do have to regularly and thoroughly clean their Bavarian Mountain Hound’s ears. Otherwise, their drooping ears will trap dirt, water, food, and other particles which can lead to irritations and infections. There do not seem to be any reports on the shedding of the Bavarian Mountain Hound. It is probably safe to assume that the Bavarian Mountain Hound does shed, and possibly quite heavily. |
| Exercise | This is a very athletic breed that is capable of many hours of vigorous physical activity. The Bavarian Mountain Hound will not be satisfied unless it receives a substantial amount of vigorous daily exercise, at least an hour a day. Breed members who are not provided sufficient activity will almost certainly develop behavioral issues such as destructiveness, over excitability, hyperactivity, and excessive barking. The Bavarian Mountain Hound makes an excellent jogging partner, but truly craves an opportunity to run freely in a safely enclosed area. This breed is so driven to work that it is happiest when provided a regular opportunity to hunt or engage in other tasks that exercise the mind as well as the body. All that being said, breed members that have been sufficiently exercised tend to be very calm and relaxed indoors. |
| Other Considerations | The Bavarian Mountain is not suited for city life. It is in regular need of space and exercise and also requires regular brushing. They are not dogs for the casual hunter. Most are owned and used by foresters and game wardens. |
