Bavarian Mountain Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a scenthound from Germany, where it has been used since the early 20th century to trail wounded game. Its specialty is following the traces of blood left by deer and other large animals after they have been shot.

History

The breed was developed in the 19th century by crossing the Hanover Hound with the Tyrolean Hound and other hunting dogs. The aim was a tracking dog suited to mountain work: smaller than its forebears and more agile on broken, steep ground.

In 1912 a breed club, the Klub für Bayrische Gebirgsschweißhunde, was founded in Munich. After that the hound became popular in Austria and Hungary as well.

Appearance

This is a medium-sized dog, usually weighing between 20 and 30 kg. Males stand 47 to 52 cm tall and females 44 to 48 cm. The body is a little longer than it is tall and rises slightly toward the rump, with a long, deep, moderately wide chest and a solid back. The tail is set high, of medium length, and reaches the hock; it is carried level or hanging down.

The head is strong and elongated, with a fairly broad, slightly domed skull, a clear stop and a broad muzzle with solid jaws. The nose is black or dark red with wide nostrils. The ears are set high, of medium length, broad at the base and rounded at the tips, and hang heavily against the head. The neck is strong with a slight dewlap.

The coat is short, thick and glossy, lies very flat and feels moderately harsh. It is finer on the head and ears and longer and harsher on the belly, legs and tail. Colors are shades of fawn with a black mask, red or brindle, sometimes with a white mark on the chest.

Temperament

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are calm and poised. They are very attached to their own family and reserved with strangers. At work they are tough, single-minded and persistent. They are not often kept purely as pets; most still work as hunting and tracking dogs.

Care and health

A 2009 study of dogs registered between 1992 and 2004 found an inbreeding coefficient of 4.5 percent, the lowest of the three scenthound breeds it examined.

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