Let's talk Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
With their soulful eyes, adorable floppy ears and devoted temperament, it’s no surprise that the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal – even if they are still a relatively rare breed. Originally from Germany, where they were originally bred for retrieving prey for hunters, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds still retain something of those instincts today. However, they’ll be just as content chasing after a ball – and, of course, bringing it back again to their favourite human. Over and over and over again!Official name: Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Other names: Bavarian Mountain Hound, Bavarian Mountain Scenthound, Bavarian Mountain Dog
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | Medium to high | Kid-friendly?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
47 cm - 1 m 52 cm
Height
20 kg - 30 kg
Weight
Female
45 cm - 48 cm
Height
17 kg - 25 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal
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Get to know the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
All you need to know about the breed
Aside from their gorgeous good looks, which we’ll definitely get to, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is super-smart and has an exceptional temperament. Calm, well-balanced and docile, they take most things in their stride and develop a deep bond with their owners.
In fact, this is an important thing to bear in mind when considering a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound as a pet. They can get so attached to their owners that separation anxiety can become an issue. This is definitely a breed that is best suited to those at home during the day.
This also means that you can enjoy a long daily walk or a run together too – because the other thing to consider with Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds is that they do require a fair amount of exercise. So, ideally, they are better suited to life in the countryside than the city – and to an owner who thrives on the great outdoors (couch potatoes need not apply…).
Originally bred in Germany, descended from primitive hunting dogs, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a cross between the Hanoverian Scent Hound and the Mountain Scent Hound. Combining the best characteristics of both, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has a muscular, athletic frame, a keen tracking ability and an acute sense of smell. Very intelligent, they also respond well to training.
Notable for their gleaming russet coat, which can range from deep red to a lighter colour, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are well-proportioned and have lovely facial features, too. So, all in all, they are the ideal dog for the right person – and all the more special because they can be so hard to find too.
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2 facts about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
1. Right on the nose
The clue is in the name with the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. They have such an acute sense of smell that they can distinguish not only between different species but even between individual animals. Out in the field, this is known as “cold nose tracking” – and they’ve got it down to a fine art.
2. For your eyes only
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can often tend to be quite aloof around strangers – not aggressive in any way, but just not particularly interested in them. In short, they’ll only really have eyes for you. That said, with early socialisation, they can learn to co-exist well with others; it’s just that you’ll always be their number one.
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History of the breed
A relatively recent addition to the list of domestic pets, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds were originally bred to be hunting animals in their native Germany. Exceptionally good trackers, they would spend their days retrieving hunters’ prey.
Descended from the German Bracken, the original sporting dogs, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound first came into being in the late 1800’s. A cross between the Hanoverian Scent Hound and a red Mountain Scent Hound, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound combined traits from both, resulting in a light, agile body, a good temperament and a highly refined sense of smell. In 1912, the first club was established, in Munich.
Today, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal, not only in their native Germany, but also in Great Britain and the US too. However, they were only recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as recently as 2016.
While they still remain a relatively rare breed for now, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can sometimes end up in the rescue system due to being quite high-maintenance in terms of exercise. It can therefore be worth considering adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
Calm, well-balanced and docile, they take most things in their stride and develop a deep bond with their owners
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Keep an eye out for joints
Like other types of hounds, Bavarian Mountains dogs can be prone to some inherited conditions. Among the most common of these are musculo-skeletal issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. As always, choosing a reputable breeder can help to reduce the risks. So, take the time to seek out a responsible one, who will be screening their Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds accordingly, and chat with your vet if you have any concerns.
To know, they require a certain level of commitment
While Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are usually healthy, happy and well-adjusted animals, this is also dependent on two factors. The first of these is plenty of exercise outdoors – ideally out in the countryside – and the second is plenty of time with you. As long as the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has both of these things, they make a highly rewarding companion animal. They are also good with children, once trained, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy family life.
This also means that you can enjoy a long daily walk or a run together too
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Caring for your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
While they can be quite high-maintenance in some ways, when it comes to grooming your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, their short, flat coats are super-easy to care for. A quick weekly brush should do it, along with regular checks of their ears, nails clipping as required and daily teeth-brushing. In terms of exercise, though, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds do need quite a lot of physical activity to keep them happy and stimulated – ideally between one and three hours a day – supported by quality playtime with you. As highly intelligent animals – and eager to please their preferred human – Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are usually a joy to train and tend to do well in puppy classes. They will also benefit from the mental stimulation that comes with ongoing training.
All about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
Assuming they have come from a reputable breeder, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is typically a healthy breed of dog with a good lifespan. As such, they have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Although they are most commonly used by foresters, game wardens and sometimes rescue crews, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds make excellent family pets. Just be sure they are trained well if you have children (as with any breed) and get plenty of exercise and attention. With all this, you should have a loyal friend by your side for years.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/