Bavarian Mountain Hound Dog Breed

Bavarian Mountain Hound
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  • Other names:
  • Bavarian Mountain Scenthound
  • Bayerischer Gebrigsschweisshund
  • Bavarian Mountain Bloodhound
Overview

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium-sized scenthound that has been long-cherished by hunters and gamekeepers in the Bavarian Mountain region. The breed is ideal for either hunters or very physically active individuals and families. With early socialization, they can make good companions for homes with kids and other dogs. Training should be pretty easy, along with grooming, however, exercise needs are rather extensive. BMHs often live 12-15 years with very few health concerns.

Bavarian Mountain Hound Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Purebred12-15 yrs.17-20½ in.40-55 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a Scenthound recognized by various Kennel Clubs including the UKC and Irish Kennel Club. Descended from the original "bracken" hunting dogs of this area, they have long been utilized to trail game in the Bavarian Mountain region. These medium-sized, long-lived dogs are not a commitment to be taken lightly due to their high exercise needs. Their ideal homes would be with a hunter or very physically active individual/family that had a large yard (at minimum) and plenty of time to exercise them. Here's a few quick facts for the breed:

  • Pros
  • Natural scenthound and working dog
  • Makes an excellent, docile hunting companion
  • Can live indoors or out
  • Good with kids
  • Gets along with other dogs
  • Exercise companion
  • Easily trained
  • Little grooming required
  • Cons
  • High daily exercise needs, owner must be active
  • Will need immediate socialization with non-canine pets
  • May develop anxiety if left alone frequently
  • Destructive behaviors likely if under-exercised
  • Not for small apartments and better for rural areas

Bavarian Mountain Hound Breed Description

This is a medium sized breed that measures 17-20.5 inches at the shoulders (depending upon sex) with a weight in proportion so as to give them an, overall, light and active look. The short, harsh coat can be various shades of tan or red (or brindle) with the muzzle and ears usually darker. Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not very common, therefore information may be hard to come by. Here are a few things to consider before deciding a BMH is right for you:

  • Intelligence- This breed is quite trainable, even for a first time owner. They are naturally calm and obedient, however, this intelligence can turn into nuisance behaviors if not mentally stimulated enough. These working dogs enjoy conditioning and training for hunting activities.
  • Kids, Strangers, Pets- BMHs, if well socialized, can do great as a family companion and in a household with other dogs. They may need extra socialization for other pets, like cats. These docile dogs are not usually aggressive but may remain reserved around strangers.
  • Exercise- This is a must! If you don't have time to spend 1-2 hours exercising them outdoors (everyday), don't get one. Ideally, they are working dogs that should live as companions to hunters and their families. A large yard is still recommended, even for the active owner. An under-exercised Bavarian Mountain Hound may develop destructive behaviors.

Bavarian Mountain Hound Temperament

The Bavarian Mountain Hound's temperament is that of a natural hunting companion. They are very loyal, obedient, confident and brave. This is not a breed to be left bored and lonely all day, everyday and may develop destructive behaviors if not exercised enough (both mentally and physically). With early training and socialization these can be good additions to a family and get along well with other dogs; due to their hunting instincts it may take extra effort to socialize them with other non-canine pets. Although BMHs may remain reserved around strangers, they are not aggressive dogs.

Bavarian Mountain Hound Photos

Below are images and pictures of the Bavarian Mountain Hound dog breed.

Bavarian Mountain Hound
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Bavarian Mountain Hound Puppy
Bavarian Mountain Hound

Bavarian Mountain Hound Health

This robust breed will be around to hunt with you for 12-15 years! They have very few health issues and the two of most concern are hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Choosing a responsible breeder that offers health guarantees and proof of genetic testing is the best way to prevent taking home a puppy with these issues.

  • Epilepsy
  • Hip Dysplasia

Bavarian Mountain Hound Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Bavarian Mountain Hound as a dog breed:

  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • United Kennel Club
  • Irish Kennel Club